Positioning “the realisation of carbon neutrality in motorsports” as a key objective, HRC is advancing a programme focused on the development of race engines based on production vehicles, as well as race base cars and performance parts for customer motorsports.

In the ST-Q class, where manufacturers enter development vehicles, HRC continues to campaign the CIVIC TYPE R HRC Concept (Car No.271), a race car based on the CIVIC TCR and further refined by HRC. For the 2026 season, development will be accelerated through on-track competition.

This season, HRC will conduct track-based development of HRC Performance Parts, including aerodynamic components jointly developed with Honda Access. Knowledge gained from racing will be fed back into performance parts for production vehicles under the HRC brand.

In addition, the car will run on E20 low-carbon gasoline supplied by ENEOS, containing 20% plant-derived bioethanol. Through operation in the demanding environment of endurance racing, HRC will continue its evaluation of sustainable fuels.

Furthermore, engine oil and transmission oil using bio-derived base oils developed by ENEOS will be adopted, supporting CO₂ reduction not only through fuel but also through lubricants.

For 2026, Team HRC is scheduled to compete in three rounds: Suzuka (Round 2), Autopolis (Round 5), and Fuji Speedway (Final Round).

The driver line-up consists of Hiroki Otsu and Shion Tsujimoto, who continue from last season, joined by Kotaro Shimbara, a graduate of Honda Racing School Suzuka (HRS). By integrating feedback from drivers with diverse experience, HRC aims to further develop race cars and performance parts adaptable to a wide range of customers.