THE TEAM STANDARD | ENEOS Super Taikyu 2026 ST-TCR Class Team Announcement

HITONOWA THE TEAM STANDARD announces its programme for the 2026 ENEOS Super Taikyu Series Empowered by BRIDGESTONE ST-TCR class, with Car #100. The car will be the Honda Civic-TCR FL5. The team fields four drivers — Yosuke Yamaki, Shinji Nakano, Rintaro Sato and Koji Yamanishi — with final preparations under way ahead of next weekend's opening round at Suzuka.

@theteamstandard

Drivers

Yosuke Yamaki

山木陽介

Competing in Japan's premier one-make series, the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli Japan. In the 2025 season he claimed the 488 Challenge Evo class title, with a pole-to-win victory among his wins. Returning to Super Taikyu ST-TCR for a second consecutive season, he aims to expand his endurance racing footprint further.

instagram.com/yosuke_yamaki

Shinji Nakano

中野信治

Made his Formula 1 debut with Prost Grand Prix in 1997 as the fifth Japanese full-time F1 driver. He went on to race in CART, the Indianapolis 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Today he serves as Executive Director of HRS Suzuka, nurturing the next generation, and is a regular F1 commentator on Fuji TV FOD.

instagram.com/shinjinakano

Rintaro Sato

佐藤凛太郎

Whose father, Takuma Sato, is a two-time Indianapolis 500 winner and former F1 driver. Made his FIA F4 Japanese Championship debut in 2024. The same year, he topped the Honda Racing School Suzuka scholarship class. In 2025 he took his maiden win in the French F4 Championship and a podium at the FIA F4 World Cup in Macau.

instagram.com/rintarosato1223

Koji Yamanishi

山西康司

Graduated as the inaugural top scholar of the Suzuka Circuit Racing School (now HRS Formula) before making his Formula Nippon debut in 1997 as the youngest driver in series history. As a Honda works driver he raced in the SUPER GT GT500 class and competed multiple times in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Has previously served as team principal of BMW & MINI Racing, and continues to race in the ST-TCR class.

instagram.com/koji.yamanishi

Ambassadors / HITONOWA Prima Queen

Risa

Studied ballet in Germany before joining a Japanese ballet company. Now teaches at a Tokyo studio and choreographs for idol groups. A licensed A-class driver in Japan, she raced in the N-ONE OWNER'S CUP 2025.

@pink_dress2

Maki

Signed with gram model management. Works across advertising, magazines and catalogues while pursuing a parallel career as a consultant.

@maki__stagram

Concept

THE TEAM STANDARD is a racing team born in 2026. With deep respect for the culture and spirit built into motorsport by those who came before us, we set ourselves the mission of opening a new horizon — beyond competition — into development and community.

Alongside our Super Taikyu programme, we work across karting, training methodology, education and other fields — connecting the potential of motorsport with a broader audience.

We do not chase others. We set the standard.

"Standard" — a basis, a model, a level to reach. Our pursuit of pace and victory is unchanged. Above that, in thought, in action, and in humanity, we choose to hold a standard we set for ourselves.

To grow alongside everyone we work with, and to honestly demonstrate the potential of motorsport — on and off the circuit. That is what THE TEAM STANDARD is here to become.

Team Principal

Dai Takagi

MBA graduate of Aoyama Business School (Graduate School of International Management, Aoyama Gakuin University). Founded INTERCAST in 2000. Career includes F1-related web and marketing work for government agencies, and roles as a track engineer and strategist across SUPER GT 300/500 and Super Taikyu. Long involved in education, delivering lectures at government bodies and graduate schools. Concurrent roles include CEO of INTERCAST eRacing, Executive Director of The American State Offices Association, advisor to a helmet manufacturer, and auditor of a healthcare-related general incorporated association.

instagram.com/graphica_tky