Team lineup for AXCR 2026.
Team Director
Hiroshi Masuoka
FROM : Japan
Hiroshi Masuoka took an active role in various rally activities for MITSUBISHI MOTORS starting in 1982 and joined RALLIART INC. in 1990. As a member of the MITSUBISHI MOTORS works team "Team MITSUBISHI RALLIART", he competed in off-road events for many years. In 2002 and 2003, he became the first Japanese driver to win the Dakar Rally for 2 consecutive years.
Rally General Manager
Chayut Yangpichit
FROM : Thailand
Rally General Manager of Team MITSUBISHI RALLIART since 2022, leading the team to overall victories in 2022 and 2025.
Chief Director
Kopong Amatayakul
FROM : Thailand
Technical Director of Team MITSUBUSHI RALLIART Development.
Driver
Chayapon Yotha
FROM : Thailand
BORN : 1987.8.16
Actively participating in numerous rallies and races in Thailand. Two-time AXCR overall winner (2022, 2025). Known for precise, careful driving style and ability to maintain high speed without damaging the vehicle.
Co-driver
Peerapong Sombutwong
FROM : Thailand
BORN : 1970.10.28
Co-driver to Chayapon Yotha in AXCR since 2022.
Decades of experience since 1991, with multiple rally wins.
Winner of the Thailand International Rally (King’s Cup) and Thailand Rally Championship in 2004.
Six consecutive AXCR titles (2014-2019).
Driver
Katsuhiko Taguchi
FROM : Japan
BORN : 1972.2.7
Internationally active rally driver with two FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship titles. Finished 5th overall, ranking as the highest-placed Japanese driver duo in AXCR 2025.
Co-driver
Takahiro Yasui
FROM : Japan
BORN : 1980.10.4
Began rallying in 2004. Finished 2nd overall in Japan in 2009 with five wins.
APRC Junior Cup champion (2011, 2012) and APRC overall champion in 2018.
One of Japan’s leading co-drivers with driver-level car setup expertise.
Co-driver to Katsuhiko Taguchi in AXCR since 2023, 5th overall last year.
Driver
Kazuto Koide
FROM : Japan
BORN : 1979.6.19
MITSUBISHI MOTORS test driver who has been responsible for testing many new models, including the PAJERO and LANCER EVOLUTION. Currently serves as a driving instructor for test drivers and as a demonstration driver at events in Japan and around the world.
Co-driver
Eiji Chiba
FROM : Japan
BORN : 1973.8.31
Started career as a test driver in the United States in 1995. Transitioned to off-road racing in 1996, competing in Japan. After working with tire and automobile manufacturers, resumed racing in 2005.
Active in domestic and international off-road and EV racing as a driver and mechanic crew.
Participated in AXCR in 2017 as co-driver to Kenjiro Shinozuka, and since 2024 as co-driver to Kazuto Koide.
Technical Support
Noriyoshi Aiba
FROM : Japan
Body, Chassis Development
Technical Support
Yasuhiko Noguchi
FROM : Japan
Development Coordinator
Technical Support
Masataka Tsuiki
FROM : Japan
Engine Development
Technical Support
Takashi Yoshihara
FROM : Japan
Electrical & Electronic Systems Development
Technical Support
Akinori Yasui
FROM : Japan
Vehicle strength & reliability