Pull out those "most ambitious crossover" memes, because we've got a brand new contender. It's no secret that Umamusume: Pretty Derby has taken over the gaming world by storm since its initial release back in 2021, but its momentum has showed no signs of slowing down.
Cy Games has announced that the game has become a founding partner of the 2027 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix, marking the first time in its 63-year history that the Japanese Grand Prix has a founding partner.
Pictured: The bridge at Suzuka Circuit, which is immediately followed by the 130R.
The next Japanese Grand Prix will be held on April 9 to April 11 2027, taking place at Suzuka Circuit, which has been hosting the event since 2009. Starting November 20, the 130R will be renamed "Umamusume 130R", and will contain promotional material. This is expected to last for about a year, although no exact end date was given.
Quote From Cy Games Video game publisher and developer Cygames, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as "Cygames;" HQ: Shibuya, Tokyo; President: Koichi Watanabe) announces that Umamusume: Pretty Derby (hereinafter referred to as "Umamusume"), a game developed and operated by the company, has become a founding partner of the 2027 FIA Formula 1 Lenovo Japanese Grand Prix (hereinafter referred to as the "2027 F1 Japanese Grand Prix"). This is the first time the F1 Japanese Grand Prix has had a founding partner.
Cygames has also acquired the naming rights to Suzuka Circuit's 130R corner. Beginning November 20, 2026 for approximately one year, the corner's name will be changed to the "Umamusume 130R."
About 2027 F1 Japanese Grand Prix Founding Partners
The 2027 F1 Japanese Grand Prix will be held at Suzuka Circuit from April 9–11, 2027 as the 4th round of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship, which is the pinnacle of motorsports racing worldwide. The F1 Japanese Grand Prix is a massive international event that draws countless spectators every year.
As the highest tier supporters, founding partners work together with the F1 Japanese Grand Prix to bring additional value to the event while helping to shape the direction of its growth. Through marketing, promotional activities, and the creation of new experiences for fans, founding partners will continue contributing to the long term growth of the event.
Becoming a Founding Partner
In Umamusume, players assume the role of a trainer and work in tandem with their Umamusume trainee to achieve victory in races. Each racer pursues her goals relentlessly, supported by her trainer, family, and friends.
Cygames believes that this pursuit reflects the spirit of F1, where drivers and their teams work together to reach the top. The desire to support these similar themes of competition and camaraderie has led Umamusume to become a founding partner.
During the 2027 F1 Japanese Grand Prix, Umamusume will open a special booth at the GP Square Fanzone at Suzuka Circuit, in addition to other initiatives. More details will be shared at a later date via the official Umamusume website and social media.
Suzuka Circuit's 130R corner will become the "Umamusume 130R"
Located past the west straight of the Suzuka Circuit, the 130R is a high-speed corner that is well-known internationally. Following an acquisition of the corner's naming rights, its name will be changed to the "Umamusume 130R" for approximately one year beginning November 20, 2026.
In addition, promotional material will be displayed at the Umamusume 130R starting with the 25th JAF Suzuka Grand Prix (rounds 11 and 12 of the 2026 Japanese Super Formula Championship), to be held from November 21 to November 22.
*Promotional material will also be displayed at the Nov. 20 unofficial session.
*No promotions will be displayed at the 130R during the 2027 F1 Japanese Grand Prix.
2027 F1 Japanese Grand Prix Details
Event Period: April 9-11, 2027
Venue: Suzuka Circuit (Suzuka, Mie Prefecture)Tickets will go on sale on November 15, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. (JST) via the official MobilityStation online store. See the official F1 Japanese Grand Prix website for details.
Official Website:
https://www.suzukacircuit.jp/eng/f1/*Dates and content listed are subject to change without notice.
What do you think about Umamusume becoming a founding partner of the Grand Prix? Let us know in the comments below.
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