Feature

Racing Driver Development School Revamped with New Curriculum as the “Honda Racing Driver Academy”

Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) will rename the Formula class of the Honda Racing School Suzuka (HRS) as the Honda Racing Driver Academy from the 2027 academic year, introducing a new curriculum as part of the programme’s relaunch.

Under the previous HRS Formula class structure, the Advanced Course was held from spring through summer, with selected participants then invited to a scholarship selection programme in the autumn, where scholarship recipients were chosen.

Under the new HRC Driver Academy structure, the curriculum will be completed by the summer while maintaining the same overall amount of track time as before, with scholarship drivers selected at that stage. The newly introduced “Race-Ready Program” will then be provided for the selected scholarship drivers.

The Race-Ready Program is designed to help drivers make an impact from the early stages of competition in the following season. HRC will personalise each driver’s training programme according to their individual challenges and objectives, with the aim of developing racing drivers who are ready to perform effectively in real competition.

In recent years, there has also been an increase in applications from overseas. Completing the main curriculum by the summer will mitigate the need for extended stays in Japan and make the programme even more accessible. In addition, the introduction of the Race-Ready Program will provide a development environment tailored to each individual driver, regardless of whether they are based in Japan or overseas, further supporting the development of racing drivers capable of competing successfully on the global stage.

Applications for admission for the 2027 academic year will open at 10:00 a.m. JST on 2 October 2026.

Koji Watanabe, President of Honda Racing Corporation

“HRS, formerly known as the Suzuka Circuit Racing School (SRS), has produced many racing drivers who have gone on to compete successfully in a wide range of categories in Japan and overseas during the more than 30 years since it was established, contributing to the development of motorsport in Japan. We take great pride in this history and track record.

“Developing people in motorsport is an extremely important mission for HRC, and one to which we will continue to devote even greater effort. We believe the new curriculum being introduced will further broaden the potential of each participant and create opportunities for them to take on new challenges.

“We hope that the Honda Racing Driver Academy will become an attractive development environment for talented young drivers not only in Japan but from around the world, and we look forward to meeting many promising drivers.”

Takuma Sato, Principal, Honda Racing Driver Academy

“One of the development principles we value is not judging a driver solely on a single performance in an audition. By working closely with each driver over a certain period of time and observing how they develop, we can identify potential that cannot be measured simply by their ability at a particular moment.

“The new curriculum retains that philosophy while providing a more efficient and practical approach to developing each driver’s individual abilities.

“In the world of racing, ultimately, achieving results is extremely important. Through the new programme, our aim is to develop drivers who can demonstrate their abilities and perform successfully from an earlier stage after they begin competing.

“I am looking forward to meeting drivers who are ready to take on the challenge of this new environment and further expand their own potential.”

2027 Honda Racing Driver Academy Application Form

https://link.honda.racing/2R8L

Enquiries regarding admission:

Honda Racing Driver Academy Office

Tel: 059-378-1617

https://www.suzukacircuit.jp/hrs-suzuka/

Media enquiries:

Public Relations Planning and Promotion Group

Corporate Planning Block, Planning and Administration Division

Honda Racing Corporation

Kanae Fukushima