Umamusume: Pretty Derby Becomes the First Founding Partner of the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix
The Suzuka Circuit’s ‘130R’ Corner Becomes the ‘Umamusume 130R,’ Following a Naming Rights Acquisition
TOKYO — Nov. 12, 2026 — Video game publisher and developer Cygames, Inc. (HQ: Shibuya, Tokyo; President: Koichi Watanabe, hereinafter referred to as “Cygames”) has announced that Umamusume: Pretty Derby (hereinafter referred to as “Umamusume”), a game developed and operated by the company, has become the first founding partner of the 2027 FIA Formula 1 Lenovo Japanese Grand Prix (hereinafter referred to as the “F1 Japanese Grand Prix”). The company has also acquired the naming rights to Suzuka Circuit’s 130R corner, changing its name to the “Umamusume 130R.”
Umamusume becomes a founding partner of the F1 Japanese Grand Prix
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. A massive international event, it draws more than 300,000 spectators every year.
As the highest-tier supporters of the F1 Japanese Grand Prix, founding partners 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, Umamusume will continue contributing to the long-term growth of the Japanese Grand Prix.
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. 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 of the 2027 F1 Japanese Grand Prix. As a founding partner, Umamusume will open a special booth at the GP Square Fanzone at Suzuka Circuit, in addition to setting up a variety of displays. More details will be shared at a later date.
Tickets for the 2027 F1 Japanese Grand Prix will go on sale starting Nov. 15, 2026, at 11 a.m. (JST) / Nov. 14 at 6 p.m. (PST) via the official MobilityStation online store. See the official F1 Japanese Grand Prix website for ticket details.
Following a naming rights acquisition, Suzuka Circuit’s 130R corner will become “Umamusume 130R”
Located past the west straight of the Suzuka Circuit, the 130R is a high-speed corner that is well-known internationally. Umamusume has acquired the corner’s naming rights, and its name will be changed to the “Umamusume 130R” for approximately one year beginning Nov. 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 Nov. 21 to Nov. 22.
*Promotional material will also be displayed at the Nov. 20 unofficial session.
*No promotions will be displayed at the 130R during the F1 Japanese Grand Prix.
*Dates and content listed are subject to change without notice.
*Images and event details are still under development and may be different from the actual material shown during the event.
*Some expressions and wording used in this press release may differ from those used in game.
What is Umamusume: Pretty Derby?
Umamusume: Pretty Derby is a sports life simulation game where players take on the role of a rookie trainer at Tracen Academy, an educational institution for Umamusume. Working together with their Umamusume trainee through daily training and communication, players aim to win races and make both their dreams come true. In addition to its engaging gameplay, Umamusume also features rich, dramatic storytelling. Another highlight is the game’s immersive presentation—players are drawn in by spectacular races as well as winning concerts, where the Umamusume perform a wide variety of songs in a live concert setting. The game also won the award for Best Mobile Game at The Game Awards 2025.
For more information about Umamusume: Pretty Derby, please visit the official website, X, Facebook, YouTube and Discord.
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About Cygames
Tokyo-based Cygames, Inc. is renowned for the development and management of numerous mobile and console game titles, including Umamusume: Pretty Derby and Granblue Fantasy: Relink: Endless Ragnarok, as well as its various ventures into the animation and comics industries. The company’s vision of being the best in entertainment is reflected in its constant efforts to bring original and exciting experiences to all who enjoy its content.