Astemo announces Japan motorsports sponsorships for the 2026 season

Tokyo, January 16, 2026 – Astemo, Ltd. (hereafter “Astemo”) announced it will continue to sponsor Astemo REAL RACING in the SUPER GT GT500 class and Astemo Pro Honda SI Racing in the MFJ^*1 All Japan Road Race Championship Series for the 2026 season. It has also announced the team structures for the new season, accompanied by comments from team members.

• *1

  MFJ:Motorcycle Federation of Japan

SUPER GT GT500 Class: Astemo REAL RACING
Upon celebrating its 20th anniversary in the 2026 season, Astemo REAL RACING will aim for race wins and the series title with a new driver pairing consisting of veteran driver Koudai Tsukakoshi and rookie Hayato Nomura, who will make his GT500 debut. The team will compete in the new Astemo HRC PRELUDE-GT.

MFJ All Japan Road Race Championship Series: Astemo Pro Honda SI Racing
In the JSB^*2 1000 class, the top category of motorcycle racing in Japan, Kohta Nozane will continue as the team’s rider, aiming for the top of the podium. In the highly competitive ST1000 class, Taiga Hada and Kohta Arakawa will represent the team, while Kenshin Nakatani and Kanta Hamada will compete in the ST600 class. The entire team will work together to achieve top finishes.

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  JSB:Japan Super Bike

Through its sponsorship of Astemo REAL RACING and Astemo Pro Honda SI Racing, Astemo will continue to share joy and excitement with motorsports fans in Japan and around the world, while contributing to the growth and development of motorsports.

Team comments

• Astemo REAL RACING Director, Katsutomo Kaneishi

  We’re delighted and determined to compete as Astemo REAL RACING with Astemo’s continued support as our main sponsor for the 2026 season. This season, we will compete with a new driver pairing: the experienced Koudai Tsukakoshi and the fresh talent Yuto Nomura. The change to the Honda HRC PRELUDE-GT marks the start of a new chapter. We are committed to fighting with all our strength to deliver victories and claim the championship title, living up to everyone’s expectations. We look forward to achieving an incredible season together and ask for your continued support for Astemo REAL RACING.

• Astemo REAL RACING Driver, Koudai Tsukakoshi

  I’m thrilled to race with this team again in 2026. This year brings big changes with our machine switching to the Honda HRC PRELUDE-GT, and it will be the final year of the long-standing multi-make tire competition—a major turning point for the GT Championship. I’m excited to partner with Nomura, who is on the rise, and tackle new challenges. Together with the team, I will keep pushing aggressively to achieve our long-awaited championship. Thank you for your support this season.

• Astemo REAL RACING Driver, Yuto Nomura

  I’m Hayato Nomura, joining Astemo REAL RACING for the 2026 season. It’s an honor to join this prestigious team and compete in Japan’s top racing class. I’m excited to race for Astemo REAL RACING, supported by Astemo’s passionate fan base. My goal is the series championship, and I will fight hard in every race without missing any opportunities. As a rookie, I want to deliver thrilling performances for everyone watching. Thank you for your support throughout the year.

• Astemo Pro Honda SI Racing Director, Shinichi Ito

  For the 2026 season, Astemo Pro Honda SI Racing is fully committed to building a winning structure. In the JSB1000 class, we aim for the championship with Kohta Nozane. In the ST1000 class, we target the top with Hada defending his title and Arakawa making a breakthrough. Together with our main sponsor Astemo, we will refine our technology, challenge our limits as a united team, and deliver the best possible results to meet your expectations. We appreciate your ongoing passionate support this season.

• Astemo Pro Honda SI Racing Rider, Kohta Nozane

  I’m grateful to continue competing in the JSB1000 class this year, and I sincerely thank Director Ito, the team, and all our sponsors for their support. In 2025, despite machine updates and multiple podium finishes, we fell short of our goal of winning, with retirements due to crashes affecting our ranking. Learning from those experiences, I will grow further this season alongside continued machine improvements, aiming for victories and my second JSB1000 championship. Thank you for your continued support.

• Astemo REAL RACING
  CIVIC TYPE R-GT(No.17)
  ※Race Vehicle for 2025 Season

• Astemo Pro Honda SI Racing
  Honda CBR1000RR-R
  ※Race Vehicle for 2025 Season