INT Epilogue GP Cut Short Amid Controversy, Hiyuta Asano Dominates Zako Cup, Kaminari Riba Shines in Tsuyo Cup

Suzuka - October 3 - The Epilogue GP at Suzuka for Formula Hololive saw mixed bags as the International (INT) Edition race was abruptly called off after just 20 laps due to multiple incidents of aggressive driver misconduct. This controversial decision left the championship standings unchanged, and no points were awarded, leaving fans and teams disappointed, however the FHolo Japan Zako and Tsuyo Cups provided thrilling action across the iconic Suzuka Circuit. With just two races remaining in the FHolo JP season, the weekend’s results played a pivotal role in shaping the title races.

In the Zako Cup, Hiyuta Asano was the star of the show, clinching back-to-back wins and extending his lead in the championship standings even after Minato Aqua's graduation. Ichijou RIrika's Shawn Goh had secured pole position, but Asano's incredible racecraft saw him take control, earning a commanding victory. His teammate Jeff Rohan for the Tokoyami Kenzoku followed closely behind, making it a StartEnd 1-2 finish — a proud moment for fans of the unofficial Hololive trio who competed in Vtuber Most Cooperatitive Tournament #4 or Vsaikyo 4. Rounding out the podium was Haachama's Airi Nakamura, who secured a strong 3rd place.

The race wasn't without drama, as Hakui Koyori's Takahashi Pin and Juufuutei Raden's Shaneil Marcman collided on Lap 12 at the treacherous 130R corner. Pin attempted an outside pass but turned in too early, causing contact that sent him crashing into the wall, ending his race. Race stewards reviewed the incident but issued no penalties, as Pin had already retired from the race.

There were more incidents to follow, including Maatsurisu Johan Sinful's dramatic flip after clipping the pit entry kerbs on Lap 18. Though he managed to rejoin, he finished a distant 17th. Koronesuki Sean Poly initially finished 9th but was penalized for spinning Masa Raido for Todoroki Hajime, who was running 4th at the time, on Lap 32. Poly's 15-second penalty dropped him to 11th, while Raido finished 15th.

In the Tsuyo Cup race which was delayed to Monday, 30 September, SSRB member Kaminari Riba converted his pole position into a well-earned victory in the Tsuyo Cup, cementing his status as a top contender for the title. However, it was Daniel Barguer's 2nd place finish that captured much of the attention. Barguer, representing Hoshimachi Suisei, achieved his best result since the 2023 Tokachi SP and delivered the Hoshiyomi's closest brush with victory since the 2023 Our Bright Parade GP. Nousagi Danilo Goyena completed the podium in 3rd place.

The race began with a dramatic incident as Elfriend Seo Byeong-Eun suffered a steering failure at the start, crashing into the pit wall immediately after the lights went out. More trouble followed on Lap 7, as Tyler Williams was spun out by Hoshizono Ryo while overtaking at Degner. The Hei-min's DNF left him in 19th, while the Nakirigumi member finished in 17th. On Lap 34, Lorenzo Ricci was involved in a separate collision with Rustim Kurashio, causing Kurashio to spin out and DNF. Ryo received a 30-second penalty for causing the incident with Williams but managed to finish the race in 17th.

With just two races left in both the Zako and Tsuyo Cups, the pressure is mounting on all title contenders. Hiyuta Asano and Kaminari Riba are well-positioned to claim their respective championships, but with racing as unpredictable as it has been, nothing is guaranteed. Fans will be eagerly watching to see if the dominant leaders can maintain their form or if challengers like Shawn Goh and Jeff Rohan in the Zako Cup, and Daniel Barguer in the Tsuyo Cup can mount a dramatic late-season charge.

With both the Zako and Tsuyo Cups delivering action-packed races, the championship battle is heating up. As the season heads into its final stretch, all eyes are on the remaining races to see who will come out on top.