Autopolis Showdown to Decide World Tsuyo Cup Field For JP Entries

Oita, 16 May – The 2026 Formula Hololive Japan Qualifiers arrive at their decisive stage this weekend with the Autopolis GP, the third and final round of the qualifiers phase for the Japan field, set to determine the final lineup for JP entries for this year’s World Tsuyo Cup. With only the top 10 drivers in each split guaranteed progression, the pressure heading into Autopolis could not be higher.

Split A enters the finale led by Hoshimachi Suisei representative Daniel Barguer in the No. 41. Barguer carries a commanding 375-point tally after victories at the Ridin On Dreams GP and Yeongnam, making him the benchmark entering the final round. However, the fight behind him remains wide open, particularly with only 190 points separating second place from 11th.

Roboco representative Callum Gibbens in the No. 64 sits second overall on 280 points, while Inugami Korone representative Ozne Wizard in the No. 56 car remains mathematically within striking distance despite a difficult Yeongnam outing. Chaka Labradores, representing Natsuiro Matsuri in the No. 7 machine, has also emerged as a late championship threat after taking 2nd at Yeongnam.

Further down the order, the battle around the cutoff positions is expected to be among the fiercest of the season. Lorenzo Ricci in the Houshou Marine No. 6 entry currently occupies the final Tsuyo position with 122 points, but Joshu Asahi in Hakui Koyori's car #54 and the highest DEV_IS class car of Rindo Chihaya's Ri Liu (car #78) remain close enough to overturn the standings at Autopolis.

The DEV-class contingent in Split A also remains a major storyline. Ri Liu, representing Rindo Chihaya, sits just outside the top 10, while Allie Jay in the Kikirara Vivi entry and Shawn Goh for Ichijou Ririka will both require standout performances to force their way into Tsuyo contention.

Split B sees an equally intense battle developing, led by Oozora Subaru representative Aqua Azurii in the No. 48 Dallara. Azurii matched Barguer’s 375-point total through dominant performances at Fuji and Yeongnam, with the advantage locked in with several challengers being quite a gap behind her.

Ho Phu-My, driving for Tokino Sora in the No. 36 car, sits second overall ahead of Nakiri Ayame representative Hoshizono Ryo. Jake Goodwin, representing Ookami Mio, remains another contender after consistently strong points finishes across the opening two rounds.

The DEV drivers have also become central figures in Split B’s championship picture. Seo Byeong-Eun in the Koganei Niko machine and Rudy for Mizumiya Su both enter Autopolis inside the provisional Tsuyo positions, while Saerin in the Otonose Kanade entry remains outside the top 10 despite showing race-winning pace earlier in the season.

Attention will also fall on the crucial battle for the final transfer spots. Rustim Kurashio, representing La+ Darknesss, currently holds the final Tsuyo place in Split B with 108 points, but Jace Kinsai in the Takane Lui car sits only 18 points behind. Joey, driving for Juufuutei Raden, also remains mathematically alive heading into the weekend.

With the Autopolis GP serving as the last opportunity to secure a place among Formula Hololive’s elite field, the finale is expected to deliver one of the most intense qualifying weekends of the season. This weekend, no matter what happens, will be the decider for which drivers advance into the World Tsuyo Cup or are relegated to the Zako Cup for the remainder of the 2026 campaign.