Formula Class | Honda Racing School Suzuka

Honda Racing School Suzuka (HRS) Formula Class Name Change and Introduction of a New Curriculum (October 1, 2026)

Application Form for the 2027 Honda Racing Driver Academy Orientation Session
Apply here for the Formula Class orientation session
Application period: October 2–25, 2026
Applicants wishing to enroll in the Formula Class must attend an orientation session.

Honda Racing Driver Academy Admission Guide (PDF: 1.7 MB)

Acquire world-class driving skills and knowledge, and set your sights on the world stage

To become a world-class driver by improving racing skills efficiently through a small elite team and short-term intensive training

Formula Class Advancing Flow

Enrollment Examination STEP 1 & 2: 2 days of STEP 1 and 3 days of STEP 2

Selection meeting for Formula Class admission

Formula Class 12 days

The curriculum which uses machines specially designed for HRS-Formula class, using the Suzuka Circuit racing course exclusively.

Scholarship

Join Honda's drivers’ development program, the “Honda Formula Dream Project (HFDP)”, and participate in various races.
Only those who have excellent results in the scholarship selection process (there may be no eligible applicants)

Race-Ready Development Program September–December

Open only to those selected from the Formula class. Activities include one-off entries in French F4 races and participation in tests in Japan and overseas.

* As a rule, the Formula class cannot be taken again.

Annual Schedule

Dec	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul		Aug		Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Jan		Feb	Mar	Apr
Admission selection			Students selected		Formula Class Five sessions of 2–3 days each 12 days total			Scholarship Awarded		Race-Readiness Training Program ・One-off entry in French F4 ・Participation in tests in Japan and overseas, and more					Race Preparation ※For overseas races, obtaining a visa, etc.		Preseason Testing
STEP1	STEP2		Students selected					Scholarship Awarded									Preseason Testing

Apr	Students selected
Dec	Admission selection
Jan	STEP1 STEP2
Feb
Mar	Students selected
May	Formula Class Five sessions of 2–3 days each 12 days total
Jun
Jul
Aug	Scholarship Awarded
Aug
Sep	Race-Readiness Training Program ・One-off entry in French F4 ・Participation in tests in Japan and overseas, and more
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan	Race Preparation ※For overseas races, obtaining a visa, etc.
Jan
Feb	Preseason Testing
Mar
Apr	Opening
Apr

Enrollment Selection

Skills and aptitude will be assessed in two stages: Step 1 and Step 2.

STEP1

Driving skills are assessed over two days using Formula Enjoy cars, are entry-level formula machines.

STEP2

Driving aptitude and other aspects are assessed in the three-day program using Formula cars specifically designed by HRS. 　

Students who meet the criteria of the selection
will be qualified to take the Formula Class.

Eligibility

Age: 19 years of age or younger
Height: Approximately 160–180 cm
License: Applicants must meet either 1 or 2 below

1. Holders of a Limited Domestic A License, or 15-year-olds who have achieved the required results and can obtain a Limited Domestic A License by the end of 2027
2. Holders of a license equivalent to a Limited Domestic A License issued overseas
3. Holders of a regular driver's license (excluding AT limited)

Formula Class

The Suzuka Circuit racing course will be used exclusively to ensure ample driving time. We will teach practical skills that can be used on world stage.

Acquiring basic knowledge

Learn the rules and etiquette that are the foundation of being a racing driver.

Driving with top drivers

Rent out the racing course exclusively and ensure plenty of driving time. Students can drive alongside the instructors, are Honda Racing's top drivers.

Data Analysis System

Participants learn how to read data loggers, see the difference between them and the instructors, and apply this knowledge to their own driving.

Physical Training

Under the guidance of experts, the program focuses on strengthening the physical condition essential for a racing driver.

Race-Readiness Training Program

An intensive, specialized program for scholarship recipients

HRC tailors each training program to the recipient’s challenges and goals, aiming to help them succeed early in the following racing season

Opportunities for small-group elite training

Support after Graduation

Scholarship winners will join Honda's drivers development program, the “Honda Formula Dream Project (HFDP)”.
They will gain eligibility to participate in various races as Honda development drivers.

Introduction of Instructors

Formula Class Principal

Takuma Sato

Graduated from SRS-Formula (now HRS Suzuka Formula Class) in 1997.
Participated in Formula 1® from 2002 to 2008. Highest position 3rd place
Participated in the IndyCar Series® from 2010. Total of 6 wins (including 2 wins at the Indy 500)

: Koji Sato; Koji Sato

: Hiroki Kato; Hiroki Kato

: Tomoki Nojiri; Tomoki Nojiri

: Ren Sato; Ren Sato

Other instructors are here

Overview

Enrollment Selection　STEP 1

Purpose of Establishment	Enrollment Selection　STEP 1
Days	Each session: 2 days of practical training
Capacity	10 people each
Eligible Participants	Applicants Passed Document Screening
Age	19 years of age or younger
Course	Suzuka Circuit South Course
Admission Fee	220,000 yen (tax included)
Formula Enjoy (FE1)

Enrollment Selection　STEP 2

Purpose of Establishment	Enrollment Selection　STEP 1
Days	3 days each (1 day for seat fitting / 2 days for practical training)
Capacity	10 people each
Eligible Participants	Selection Meeting STEP1 Passers
Age	19 years of age or younger
Course	Suzuka Circuit South Course
Admission Fee	330,000 yen (tax included)
Formula Class School Vehicle

Formula Class

Purpose of Establishment	Training program focused on improving skills
Days	12 days total (across 5 sessions)
Capacity	8 people
Eligible Participants	Selection Meeting STEP2 Passers
Age	19 years of age or younger
Course	SUZUKA CIRCUIT RACING COURSE
Admission Fee	5,800,000 yen (tax included)
Vehicle used: HRS-F24 (HRS Suzuka Training Formula Car) School-exclusive car aimed at high educational effectiveness. Developed with a focus on performance and driving skill evaluation for further improvement and advancement. Equipped with the latest safety equipment that meets FIA standards.

Class Scenery

* The content is as of the 2026 fiscal year.

Honda Racing School Suzuka

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