PMAP Takes Over Running of Carrera Cup Japan for 2026

Porsche Carrera Cup Japan will be operated by Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific from next year onwards as part of a strategic agreement signed with Porsche Japan K.K.

The revamped one-make series will look to emulate the success of Porsche Carrera Cup Asia, which is also managed by PMAP, as it enters its 26th season under the stewardship of Hideto Yasuoka, who takes over as series manager.

Yasuoka is a former Porsche Japan junior who won the 2011 Carrera Cup Japan title with a clean sweep of 11 victories from as many races, before going on to race in SUPER GT and more recently in GT World Challenge Asia powered by AWS.

The 42-year-old will enjoy support from Alexandre Imperatori, who performs a similar role for Carrera Cup Asia.

“I’m delighted to take on the role as Porsche Carrera Cup Japan series manager, as I believe a strong Carrera Cup championship is essential for the future of Japanese motorsport and especially to help young talents stepping up to the global racing scene,” said Yasuoka.

“The Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (992) is such a fun car to drive and it helps drivers to learn and further develop their skills. I have fond memories of my time in the 997,which I competed in when I took part in Porsche Carrera Cup Japan previously.

“I would like to thank Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific and Porsche Japan for putting their trust in me, and I believe I’m the right person for the role. It’s a huge challenge for me in an unfamiliar environment, but I will do everything I canto exceed all expectations, since I want to return the excellent backing I received when I was a Porsche Japan Junior.

“I hope to receive support from all the Japanese racing community sharing a similar vision.”

The provisional 2026 Carrera Cup Japan calendar was also revealed as part of the announcement, with 11 races set to take place across six rounds at four circuits: Suzuka Circuit, Fuji Speedway, Okayama International Circuit and Sportsland Sugo.

Suzuka will host the opening race in late March, in support of the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix, before the season wraps up at Fuji in late September with a pair of races on the undercard of the FIA World Endurance Championship’s 6 Hours of Fuji.

SUPER GT racer Iori Kimura won a closely-fought 2025 title with three wins, beating out competition from youngsters Reimei Ito, Kazuhisa Urabe and Taichi Watarai.

Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific managing director Alexandre Gibot commented: “It’s a great new development and an honor for Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific to be collaborating with Porsche Japan K.K. to operate Porsche Carrera Cup Japan.

“We take the responsibility of leading the championship from next year seriously, and will be drawing on the experience we have internally operating multiple one-make Series in the region including Porsche Carrera Cup Asia.

“We’re confident and optimistic about this partnership and would like to thank Porsche Motorsport and Porsche Japan for their trust.

“The 2026 calendar features iconic tracks and gives the competitors the chance to race at some incredible events across Japan, such as on the support bills of the Japanese Grand Prix, 6 Hours of Fuji, Super Formula and Suzuka 1000km.

“We’re looking forward to introducing Hideto Yasuoka, the new Porsche Carrera Cup Japan series manager, to customers and dealers along with presenting some exciting new developments for the series.

“These include getting ready for a successful next season, as well as preparing for the introduction of the new Porsche 911 Cup for the 2027 campaign.”

2026 Porsche Carrera Cup Japan Calendar:

March 3-4 — Official Test days, Suzuka
March 27-29 — Round 1, Suzuka (Japanese F1 Grand Prix)
May 16-17 — Rounds 2-3, Okayama
July 18-19 — Rounds 4-5, Fuji (Super Formula)
Aug. 8-9 — Rounds 6-7, Sugo (Super Formula)
Sept. 11-13 — Rounds 8-9, Suzuka (IGTC Suzuka 1000km)
Sept. 25-26 — Rounds 10-11, Fuji (WEC 6 Hours of Fuji)