Rio Shimono
Formula racing // Japan
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Rio Shimono is a Japanese racing driver born on May 25, 2000. She began in the Super FJ Series, later winning the Bronze class in the 2020 Japanese TCR championship and securing second place in the main Saturday series championship with a race win at Suzuka. She also participated in the F4 Japan championship and aims to compete in the World Touring Car Championship.
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FULL BIO: Rio Shimono
Rio Shimono is a trailblazing Japanese racing driver who made history as the first female driver to win the Bronze class in the Japanese TCR championship, showcasing exceptional talent across multiple racing disciplines from touring cars to single-seaters.
EARLY YEARS
Born on May 25, 2000, Rio began her racing journey in Japan’s Super FJ Series, where she quickly demonstrated natural racing talent. While specific details about her family background remain private, her dedication to motorsport was evident from an early age as she pursued a path in competitive racing.
EARLY SUCCESS
Shimono’s racing career took off in 2019 when she secured two impressive wins during her debut season in the Super FJ Series at the Okuyama circuit. Her breakthrough came in 2020 with Drago Corse in the Japanese TCR championship, where despite delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic, she claimed the Bronze class championship outright and finished second in the Saturday series with a memorable race win at the iconic Suzuka circuit.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
- 2019: Scored two wins in the Super FJ Series in Japan during her first season as a racing driver[1].
- 2020: Won the Bronze class outright in the Japanese TCR championship, finished second in the main Saturday series championship with a race win at Suzuka[1][4].
- 2021: Finished third in the Kyojo Cup, an all-female one-make sportscar championship in Japan[1].
- 2022: Transitioned to F4 Japan championship with Zap Speed team, showing steady improvement throughout the season[1][4].
- 2023: Finished 19th in the F4 Japanese Championship with a season-best seventh place at the opening race[4].
- 2024: Scored her first points of the season in Japanese F4 at Mobility Resort Motegi with a ninth place finish[2][4].
REPUTATION
Rio has established herself as a groundbreaking force in Japanese motorsport, particularly after her historic Bronze class victory in the 2020 TCR Japan Saturday Series. Her flawless lights-to-flag win at Suzuka that season not only marked her personal achievement but also represented Honda’s first win of the season, elevating her status in the racing community. Her consistent improvement across multiple racing categories demonstrates remarkable adaptability and determination that has earned respect throughout the paddock.
FUTURE GOALS/PLANS
For 2025, Shimono is set to compete with ITOCHU ENEX TEAM IMPUL with Dr.DRY in the Kyojo Cup, which forms part of Toyota Gazoo Racing’s initiative to promote diversity and support female drivers. Her long-term ambition remains reaching the World Touring Car Championship, with her current partnerships positioning her well for continued growth in international motorsport[5].
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