Information contained in this news release is current as of the date of the press announcement, but may be subject to change without prior notice.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tokyo, January 14, 2022 --- Hitachi Astemo, Ltd. (President & CEO: Brice Koch; henceforth, Hitachi Astemo) announced it will continue sponsoring REAL RACING, a competitor in the 4-wheel GT500 class of SUPER GT, and SI Racing, a competitor in the 2-wheel MFJ All Japan Road Race Championship series, for the 2022 season.
Astemo REAL RACING, which competes in the GT500 class of the SUPER GT, will be led by the new combination of Koudai Tsukakoshi, a 14-year veteran in the series, and Nobuharu Matsushita, who is in his second year of the SUPER GT after having achieved much success in Japan and overseas.
Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing is aiming for consecutive victories in the MFJ All Japan Road Race Championship series with Kazuma Watanabe, who won the series championship last year and will continue competing in the ST1000 class riding with the number 1, and Kosuke Sakumoto, who finished 2nd in the last series and will move up to the JSB1000 class. In addition, Muklada Sarapuech, who competed in Japanese domestic races in 2016, will compete in the ST600 class for the first time.
In addition, to support development of young Asian riders, Hitachi Astemo will be participating in FIM Asia Road Racing Championship’s ASB1000 class with Passawit Thitivararak. Kosuke Sakumoto will also participate in the ASB1000 class on a spot competition basis.
With the new structure, we aim to win the series championships in all the classes in which we are competing.
－ Automotive
SUPER GT GT500 Class
| Team name | Astemo REAL RACING |
|---|---|
| Director | Katsutomo Kaneishi |
| Drivers | Koudai Tsukakoshi, Nobuharu Matsushita |
| Entry vehicle name | Astemo NSX-GT (No.17) (Make: Honda) |
－ Motorcycle
MFJ All Japan Road Race Championship series JSB1000 Class
| Team Name | Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing |
|---|---|
| Director | Shinichi Ito |
| Rider | Kosuke Sakumoto |
| Entry vehicle name | Honda CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE (No.TBD) (Make: Honda) |
MFJ All Japan Road Race Championship series ST1000 Class
| Team name | Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing |
|---|---|
| Director | Shinichi Ito |
| Rider | Kazuma Watanabe |
| Entry vehicle name | Honda CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE (No.1) (Make: Honda) |
MFJ All Japan Road Race Championship series ST600 Class
| Team name | Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing |
|---|---|
| Director | Shinichi Ito |
| Rider | Muklada Sarapuech |
| Entry vehicle name | Honda CBR600RR (No.TBD) (Make: Honda) |
FIM Asia Road Racing Championship ASB1000 Class
| Team name | Astemo SI Racing with Thai Honda |
|---|---|
| Director | Shinichi Ito |
| Rider | Passawit Thitivararak, Kosuke Sakumoto |
| Entry vehicle name | Honda CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE (No.TBD) (No.TBD) (Make: Honda) |
－ Automotive
SUPER GT GT500 class
Katsutomo Kaneishi, Director
We are happy to be able to compete together with Hitachi Astemo again this season. Last season, we were disappointed to come so close without winning the title. This season, we will redeem last season’s outcome by growing into a stronger team to win the championship as well as the series title, so that we can finish the season with a smile on our faces—along with all the people who support Astemo REAL RACING. We greatly appreciate the continued support this season.
Koudai Tsukakoshi, Driver
I am very happy to be able to participate in SUPER GT again in 2022 with Astemo REAL RACING. While it will be a new season with a new partner in Nobuharu Matsushita, and a new environment, Astemo RED will shine even brighter with greater speed and strength. Working with my new partner and the entire team, we aim to win the series title.
Nobuharu Matsushita, Driver
My name is Nobuharu Matsushita, and I will be racing in SUPER GT with Astemo REAL RACING for the 2022 season. Together with Koudai Tsukakoshi and the entire team, I will do everything I can to help the team win, with speed and strength. I will do my best and I appreciate your support.
－ Motorcycle
Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing
Shinichi Ito, Director
We are very honored to be able to compete with Hitachi Astemo again this season. Last season, we won the All Japan Road Race Championship in the ST1000 class. This season, we have welcomed two new young Asian riders, and will be competing in three classes in the All-Japan Road Race Championship, as well as in the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship with the ASB1000 class. We aim to become champions in all classes by utilizing the technological capabilities of Hitachi Astemo, the world's leading manufacturer of motorcycle powertrain, suspension, and brake systems. We look forward to your continued support this season.
Kosuke Sakumoto, Rider (JSB1000 class)
I am very happy to be able to compete in the JSB1000 class for the first time this season with Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing. This will be a new challenge for me, but I will work hard with the team to become the series champion, so your support is greatly appreciated.
Kazuma Watanabe, Rider (ST1000 class)
I would like to thank the team and sponsors for allowing me to ride for Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing again this season. Last season, I was able to win the All-Japan Road Race Championship, and feel that I have grown as a person. This season, I will do my best to win the championship for a second year in a row riding with the number 1, which reflects how the championship was won by the whole team. And I would appreciate your support.
Muklada Sarapuech, Rider (ST600 class)
My name is Muklada Sarapuech and I will be racing in the ST600 class with Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing this season. I am very happy to be able to take part in this high-level environment and gain new experiences. I will try my best to get points in every race and be on the podium, so your support would be greatly appreciated.
Passawit Thitivararak, Rider (ASB1000 class)
My name is Passawit Thitivararak and I will be racing in the ARRC ASB1000 class with Astemo SI Racing with Thai Honda this season. This will be my first time in the ASB1000 class and I will try my best to get accustomed to the machine and get on the podium.
Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Hitachi Astemo is a joint venture between Hitachi, Ltd. and Honda Motor Co. Hitachi Astemo is a technology company that develops, manufactures, sells, and services automotive and transportation components as well as industrial machinery and systems. For more information, visit the company's website at http://www.hitachiastemo.com/
