Hanaori Miyuki Shines in a Race of Attrition at Yeongnam, Zeke Wimberley Continues Winning Form at Montreal

14 August - The 2024-25 Formula Hololive International season kicked off with high-octane action across two circuits, with Split A battling it out at the Yeongnam SP, while the Split B drivers took on the iconic Montreal SP. Both races delivered drama, with crashes, retirements, and unexpected podiums, a possible omen for the season ahead.

At Yeongnam in Split A, Hanaori Miyuki finally broke her bridesmaid run from the previous season by claiming her first-ever Formula Hololive victory. The Kobo Kanaeru-backed driver exhibited skill and patience, overtaking Evelyn Kuromi on Lap 32 of 36 to seize the lead and the win, all while masterfully managing her tires.

Gawr Gura representative Evelyn Kuromi, who led the race after a dramatic crash by Dan Evans on Lap 25, had to settle for second place. Evans, who had dominated two-thirds of the race, saw his hopes dashed when a mistake sent him crashing out, leaving fans and commentators lamenting what could have been.

The Yeongnam SP race was marred by a series of retirements and crashes, with only 6 out of 14 cars finishing. Otomo Ludwig Boschwald and Kronie Juani Castanto both spun out due to severe rear tire wear, while Baelz's Liam Kai and Calli's Jake Martinez stalled their cars after going off track at Turn 3. Despite the chaos, Kaminari Riba secured third place for HoloJustice member Raora Panthera, followed by Kagawa in fourth for Nerissa Ravencroft. Ethan Berthelsen and Takeda Adachi, starting from the back row, impressively finished fifth and sixth, respectively.

In Split B, Zeke Wimberley, representing Ceres Fauna, continued his winning ways with a commanding performance at Montreal SP. Starting from pole, Wimberley led from start to finish, securing his fifth Formula Hololive win and fourth in the international circuit, further cementing his status as a dominant force.

The race also marked a milestone for Javier Lusby, driving for Vestia Zeta, who achieved his best-ever finish in Formula Hololive International by securing second place. Mohd Shazren Redza, driving for Koseki Bijou, rounded out the podium with a strong third-place finish, kicking off his season with a significant achievement.

Elsewhere, the Fuwamoco duo of Shaneil Marcman and Nichi Michan finished in ninth and twelfth, respectively, while HoloJustice drivers Tyler Williams and Alticer Antanarau placed sixth and eleventh. Yuri-Rafael de Oliviera, driving for Pavolia Reine, suffered a tough race after being spun out at Turn 9 on the opening lap, leaving him out of contention.

With both Split A and Split B concluded, Hanaori Miyuki and Zeke Wimberley share the top spot in the championship standings with 200 points each. Evelyn Kuromi and Javier Lusby are close behind in second with 175 points, while Kaminari Riba and Shazren Redza hold third with 150 points.

The next race will take place at Lime Rock Park for the Breaking Dimensions Grand Prix, coinciding with Hololive English's highly anticipated second concert, "Breaking Dimensions," at Kings' Theater in New York on August 24-25. More details on the race format and schedule will be announced soon.