Racing Programme

Driving for a Better Future

Racing Programme

Matador is funding young Japanese drivers with potential to take on the best in the world. We strive to help create Japan’s first F1 World Champion.

Daring to dream is the first step towards achievement. Matador believe that we can help young people transform those dreams into action and ultimately into outstanding results.

Matador Dreams aims to unlock Japan’s potential for global success.

“In my more than three decades associated with Formula One, though I have witnessed many good drivers among my fellow countrymen, there has been not been a single Japanese F1 World Champion. I believe Dougie Bolger will end this drought.”

—Shiginori Ogura, F1 Journalist Commentator

Our Drivers

Dougie Bolger

Dougie raced karts at the national level in Japan before moving to the UK to race at the highest level in the UK, Europe and globally.

In 2021 Dougie raced in the British F4 and we look forward to seeing his progress towards his dream to become Japan’s first F1 World Champion.

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Kanato Le

Kanato Le first got in a kart when he was seven and has loved it ever since. Following in Dougie's footsteps, he moved to the UK and competed at the highest levels in the UK, Europe and on the world stage.

In 2021 Kanato was crowned European X30 Champion—he was the first-ever Japanese driver to win what is probably the hardest karting championship in the world.

We look forward to further achievements in 2022...