Sim racer Sota Muto wins 2025 series championship [Ferrari Challenge] [Video]

Ferrari Challenge Japan

Results of wet line research using a simulator

A total of 25 cars were entered in Round 5, including 23 296 Challenge cars and two 488 Challenge Evo cars. As with Race 1, Race 2 will be split into two groups for qualifying and the final, with one mixed race for three classes (P/PA/S) – Trofeo Pirelli, Trofeo Pirelli Am and Coppa Shell – and the other mixed race for two classes (SA/488) – Coppa Shell Am and 488CH Evo.

With occasional heavy rain and temperatures as low as 25°C, which is extremely low for this time of year, the P/PA/S class race for Race 2 began, with the chequered flag due to rainfall after 30 minutes plus one lap. The race started after a four-lap safety car run due to rain. Sota Muto, who is second in the Trofeo Pirelli points standings despite only joining the race from Round 2, made an outstanding start from pole position. As a simulator-trained driver, he showed the results of his prior study of the wet line on the simulator, and went on to set the fastest lap to take a complete victory. He held off Nobuhiro Imada, a skilled racer who qualified second and was on the front row, to claim the series championship.

In the Trofeo Pirelli Am, Yamatatsu started from pole position in the class. He maintained a steady pace from there to take an impressive pole-to-win victory, marking his first victory. Trofeo Pirelli Am points leader Motohiko Isozaki started from third place and drove strongly in the heavy rain to finish in fourth place, winning a close race and taking the class championship.

Motohiko Isozaki wins class championship

Masaru Yoneda, who was second in the points standings, took the class pole position for Coppa Shell. He never relinquished the lead from the start of the race, achieving a pole-to-win and giving him a chance to overtake the series standings. However, Phil Kim, who was at the top of the points standings, fought his way back from fourth in qualifying to second place, and by adding points for his fastest lap, he was able to hold on to his series championship title.

The rain was heavy in the SA/488 class race, and Alex Fox, who was leading the points standings in the Coppa Shell Am, showed overwhelming speed in the difficult rainy conditions to take pole position. However, in the final, Takeshi Shogaki, who had qualified in 4th place, came back on the final lap just after the safety car run ended to take a dramatic first win. Alex Fox went on to win the series championship.

In the 488CH Evo, Yosuke Yamaki, who had already secured the series championship in Race 1, took pole position. In the final, Michito Hirota, who had won Race 1, successfully overtook him on the third lap, achieving his second consecutive win in Round 5.

The 2025 season of the Ferrari Challenge Japan has concluded with the decision of the champions in each class. Finali Mondiali, which marks the end of the year for the Ferrari Challenge, which is held around the world, will be held this year at the Mugello Circuit in Italy from October 21st to 26th. The schedule for the 2026 season has already been announced, and next season is expected to be even more exciting with even more entries than this year.

PHOTO／Ferrari Japan

2026 season calendar

Pre-season test: March 6th, Suzuka Circuit

Round 1: March 27th-29th, Suzuka Circuit (held in conjunction with the F1 Japanese Grand Prix)

Round 2: April 24th-26th, Okayama International Circuit

Round 3: May 22nd-24th, Mobility Resort Motegi

Round 4: June 26th-28th, Fuji Speedway

Round 5: July 24th-26th, Suzuka Circuit