Motegi Finale: Formula Hololive Japan Gears Up for a Thrilling Title Showdown

Motegi, Tochigi, 29 November - As the 2024 Formula Hololive Japan season heads into its climactic Finale GP at Twin Ring Motegi, the stakes couldn’t be higher. While the top drivers in the Tsuyo and Zako Cups battle for glory, fans will also witness the final chapter in Minato Aqua’s ARO journey, as the beloved Virtual YouTuber bows out of competition, three months following her graduation proper from Hololive. The Tsuyo Cup remains wide open, with seven drivers mathematically in contention. Championship leader Michael Turner (Shirogane Noel, 444 points) has been a model of consistency throughout the season, but his rivals are determined to make the most of Motegi’s technical layout to upset his title bid. Danilo Goyena (Usada Pekora, 421 points) sits just 23 points behind Turner, leveraging aggressive racecraft and a relentless approach. Meanwhile, Kaminari Riba (Shishiro Botan, 412 points) remains a wildcard, capable of delivering spectacular results or finding himself caught in costly incidents. The battle extends beyond the top three, with Misaki Sakura (Himemori Luna, 359 points), Lorenzo Ricci (Houshou Marine, 369 points), Jake Goodwin (Ookami Mio, 307 points), and Daniel Barguer (Hoshimachi Suisei, 283 points) all within reach of the title if the leaders falter.

During interviews for the Tsuyo Cup, Riba, whose two wins this season keep him firmly in the title mix, expressed cautious optimism:

"Bwoah... I'm just gonna drive how I know best. If luck will be on my side, there's a shot at winning for the Panther, for our flag, and our uneasy truce [with my 'sister' (Raora Panthera)]." Debutant Misaki Sakura (Himemori Luna), who replaced Mohd Shazren Redza and Farah Bashirah mid-season, finds herself in a remarkable position despite her inexperience:

"Winning the title in the very first shot is not currently what I aim for. Still, to me, 100 points within the lead is quite the surprising sight, especially since I had no experience with the NSX GT3 at all prior to joining the series. I still have a good chance next series, so we'll see to it that I may have the big crown by the time it comes. For now, the midfield is for me to best." For Jake Goodwin (Ookami Mio), the path to the title requires a flawless performance and missteps by rivals. When asked about his slim odds, Goodwin replied simply:

"Just gonna do my best." The fight in the middle of the standings will be just as fierce, with drivers like Ri Liu (Sakamata Chloe, 223 points) and Seo Byeong-Eun (Shiranui Flare, 216 points) will look to close out their seasons strongly, potentially climbing into the top 10. In the Zako Cup, mid-table drivers such as Shawn Goh (Ichijou Ririka, 216 points) and Jake Martinez (Hiodoshi Ao, 218 points) will hope to capitalize on Motegi's unique layout to score crucial points. In the Zako Cup, Hiyuta Asano (Minato Aqua, 632 points) has a commanding lead in the cup, continuing Aqua’s strong legacy after stepping into her car since the Tsukuba SP to replace Alif Hartoyo. Asano’s composure and skill have made him the driver to beat as Aqua’s swansong Zako season reaches its finale. Sean Poly (Inugami Korone, 487 points) remains in contention, 145 points back. Asano, an Aquacrew member, has carried Aqua’s banner with pride, winning at Autopolis and Suzuka earlier this season. Now, with Aqua’s retirement looming, Asano reflects on what a championship would mean:

"While it’s saddening that Aqua is gone, I still would like to see her name on the top for the last time. I wish for it, and I’ll root for it."

Asano, the leader, enters with the advantage but faces slight pressure as Poly"s campaign gains momentum. A seventh-place finish for Asano will secure the championship, but anything less opens the door for Poly to steal the crown. This weekend also marks a bittersweet moment for Minato Aqua’s AquaCrew, as her ARO journey officially concludes, with the Finale GP @ Motegi being officially Minato Aqua's last race in the ARO, and Asano's last race for her. Asano has carried Aqua’s car to new heights this season, honoring her legacy with stellar performances. Aqua’s departure will undoubtedly leave a void, but fans can take solace in her team’s competitive presence throughout the years.

Joey (Juufuutei Raden, 430 points) and Mohamed Shaqif Redza (Momosuzu Nene, 229 points) are poised to battle for the runner-up spot, even if they are out of the title race, they remain a contender for a strong finish to the season. Meanwhile, mid-table drivers such as Alex Grant (Yukihana Lamy, 290 points) and Callum Gibbens (Roboco, 280 points) will be eager to capitalize on any openings to improve their standings. Twin Ring Motegi, with its intricate layout of 14 corners and a combination of technical and high-speed sections, provides the perfect backdrop for the season finale. A track that rewards precision and consistency, Motegi often throws surprises, particularly in cold winter weather with potential for tire behavior shakeups. Strategy will also play a pivotal role, with drivers needing to balance tire degradation on Motegi’s abrasive surface and nail their pit stops to secure victory.

Will Turner cap his dominant season with a championship victory? Can Goyena or Riba pull off an upset? Will Sakura or Ricci surge to take the title? And how will Aqua’s final race play out under Asano’s steady hands? Motegi promises answers to these questions and more, delivering the thrilling finale that fans of Formula Hololive Japan have been waiting for. Stay tuned for a weekend of unforgettable action.