Three Driver Changes Ahead of Hololive GT3 Sepang Weekend

Sepang, 1 August 2024 – As the Hololive GT3 Japan Series heads to the Sepang International Circuit for the second round of the 2024 Tsuyo/Zako season, significant driver changes have been announced, shaking up the grid for both the Tsuyo and Zako Series. These moves come as teams aim to optimize their line-ups for the intense competition ahead, either through replacing outgoing drivers or filling in full-time entrants.

Dawn Elys, who had represented Otonose Kanade, made her debut at the 2024 Tsukuba 400, finishing 12th, in what would be her only race for Kanade. Given that she mainly represents Kureiji Ollie in the Formula Hololive International scene, the team has opted for a new full-time driver, leading to her departure. Hanni Pham from Vietnam takes over for Otonose Kanade, bringing fresh energy and a competitive edge to the team, owing to his past simracing experience and his interest in Korean entertainment and music. The quick simracer will look to bring a shakeup to the #59 Kanade team whose represented talent was raised in Korea, something of an extra motivation to Pham.

Richie Rodd, a veteran driver for Shirakami Fubuki, also exits after 29 starts. With four podiums, notable second-place finishes at the 2023 Buriram 400 and 2023 Okayama 400 and the 2023 Postseason Championship, Rodd has been a consistent performer. However, no official reason was provided for his departure, leaving fans and analysts speculating about the change. In his place, British-Japanese driver Tamoyuki Aoki joins the #22 Shirakami Fubuki team, replacing Richie Rodd. Her arrival is eagerly anticipated by fans who hope to see the team bounce back after a disappointing 5 races so far this season with no finishes inside the top 20 in Qualifiers. While expectations for her are minimal at the moment, she would at least gain valuable experience for next season's campaign.

Fabio Mendes, representing Hakui Koyori, also steps down. Mendes, who has been a part of the series since the 2023 Sepang 500 Split A race, achieved his best result with a ninth-place finish at that same race. His departure was attributed to a complete loss of interest, marking the end of his journey in the series. Takahashi Pin steps in to fill the shoes of Fabio Mendes in the Koyori #54 Honda. The Philippine driver brings a wealth of experience from other racing disciplines and is expected to inject new vigor into the team. Pin's debut is highly anticipated as he aims to make a mark in his first outing at the Sepang Circuit.

The driver changes add a new layer of intrigue to the upcoming Sepang 400 weekend. The Sepang International Circuit, known for its challenging layout and unpredictable weather, will provide a stern test for the new and returning drivers alike. Teams and drivers will have to adapt quickly to the changes, with both the Tsuyo and Zako Series races offering crucial points early in the season.

Fans can expect an exciting weekend of racing, with new rivalries and storylines emerging as the season progresses. The Sepang 400 promises to be a pivotal moment in the 2024 Hololive GT3 calendar, with fresh faces on the grid and established drivers looking to solidify their positions.