[Part 2] INSIDE DRIVER Vol. 1: Ren Sato - A closer look at his off-day training. The real face he shows between a packed race schedule.

#16 This is the second part of our exclusive report on Ren Sato, driver for ARTA MUGEN HRC PRELUDE-GT. The second part begins now!
We will delve into his multifaceted life, covering his training methods, daily routine, and passion for racing, presented in two parts: first and second.
In conjunction with the article's release, we have prepared a campaign where you can win a signed instant photo, so please read until the end.

■Training Starts

The trainer who accompanied Ren Sato on this day was, surprisingly, a friend from his high school days. Because they share such a close relationship, both personally and professionally, the trainer was able to devise a customized menu specifically for Ren Sato.

――With such a busy schedule, how do you manage to train?
Sato: Actual racing is the best training. I strengthen the parts of my body necessary for a driver, but I avoid excessive muscle training to prevent gaining too much weight. First, I start with thorough stretching.

Trainer: Today, we'll focus on core and neck training. Since it's before a race, I'm adjusting it so as not to overstress him. We'll strengthen the core with exercises like abdominal crunches with a ball between the knees and hip lifts, and also focus on the muscles around the shoulder blades, back, and arms.
Breathing is also crucial: exhale and constrict the ribs, then inhale through the nose—this is when air is stored in the abdomen, and abdominal pressure is high. These subtle movements are quite strenuous, but they improve body stability and help prevent lower back pain.

Sato: Neck training might be unique to drivers. During a race, up to 4G of force is applied to the neck, so there's no option but to strengthen the unbraced neck.

――4G is an unimaginable load! I was surprised by the surprisingly rudimentary training methods!
Sato: I train using basic methods like keeping my head in one position or having my trainer pull a towel while I resist the force. Overtraining is dangerous, but not training at all can lead to severe injuries, so it's essential for a driver.

Ren Sato training his neck by pulling a towel

Sato: Besides muscle training, I've recently signed a contract with a professor from Keio University to analyze and train my brain.

――So you're incorporating brain training! That sounds quite surprising, but what's the objective?
Sato: The goal is to increase the amount of information my brain can process and maximize my performance. Specifically, I train for split-second decisions during races, reaction to signals, and spatial awareness.
This is a cutting-edge initiative in the athletic world, and I believe I'm the first to do it. Traditional strength training alone isn't enough; core strength, flexibility, and brain processing power are crucial. I think drivers who frequently have contact incidents aren't seeing their surroundings and their brains aren't processing information fast enough. The effects are definitely showing.

■Ren Sato: A Friend's Perspective

――From your perspective as a high school friend and trainer, what kind of student was Ren Sato?
Trainer: He was quite laid-back among close friends, and we often played soccer together. Even now, we regularly go on trips and eat ramen.

――Even in this short time, it's clear how close you two are! From a friend's perspective, did you sense Ren Sato's talent for racing?
Trainer: When it comes to racing, I feel he's a "natural genius." Of course, he puts in his own effort, but his consistent achievements likely owe a lot to his talent.
He was often busy and couldn't come to school, like when he went to France after high school graduation, but we've maintained our friendship all this time. I'm grateful to be called upon like this, and I always want to support Ren.

Perhaps this wonderful friendship is supporting Ren Sato today. We caught a glimpse of Ren Sato looking relaxed, a contrast to his racing persona.

■Approach to Racing

Ren Sato, who won the FIA-F4 Championship and is now active in Japan's premier category, will be competing in the SUPER GT GT500 class with ARTA's car number 16 from 2025, continuing his challenge. We asked him what he values most while striving for results in the world of racing, and about "growth" and "challenge."

――What do you value most to keep growing in the world of racing?
Sato: I believe the most important thing is "never being satisfied with the status quo." Even if I get pole position in qualifying or win a race, it's rare for everything to go perfectly. There have been cases where I won with the help of weather or environmental factors, and even in victory, there are always personal challenges remaining. I think not becoming complacent after a win and diligently facing my challenges leads to future growth. There's a sense of accomplishment when I achieve a perfect lap, but when I review the data and times after a race, I always find things like "I could have cut a bit more in this corner" or "I was lacking here compared to my teammate," so I consciously keep looking for areas of improvement.

――How do you mentally reset when you don't get the desired results?
Sato: Basically, I'm not the type to dwell on things. What has happened cannot be changed, so I accept that "I did all I could," reflect on what needs reflection, and immediately switch my thinking to "how can I improve next time?" Of course, there are moments right after a session where I get emotional. But within 30 minutes, it's already in the past. I try to only think about what I need to do for the next session or the next race.

――With such a packed schedule throughout the year, how do you refresh yourself?
Sato: Currently, with so many races throughout the year, I only get to go home about two days a month, mainly just to change my luggage and do laundry. In my daily life, I watch movies or YouTube, and sometimes I go on trips. I consciously make time to completely disconnect from racing to refresh myself, so I can always approach the next challenge with a clear mind.

――Please tell us your future goals.
Sato: I want to challenge various racing categories, both domestically and internationally, such as WEC and races in the US. I want to broaden my horizons as a driver by driving different cars. As I mentioned earlier, there are almost no "perfect races," and every race presents new challenges and discoveries. I will not be satisfied with the status quo and will continue to overcome challenges and achieve results.

Ren Sato possesses both the calmness of a 25-year-old young man his age and the sharp competitive spirit of a racing driver who shaves off milliseconds. This young talent, who constantly evolves without being satisfied with the status quo, continues to eagerly strive for even greater heights, both domestically and internationally.

■Cheki Present Campaign

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