During the 26-episode first season, Mako is introduced
halfway through episode 15.
However, Sayuki is not technically introduced
until episode 17. (Unless you count her voice being
heard in episode 16.)
Episodes 15-20 is the entire storyline between Mako
and Iketani, and the race between Sil-Eighty vs. Hachi-Roku.
It is in fact the longest race of the first season.
Mako & Sayuki make a brief appearance in episode
25, and in episode 26, Sayuki shows off her analytical
skill once again. :)
The manga is however different, in which you first see
Mako & Sayuki during the race between Keisuke Takahashi's
FD RX-7 and the Hachi-Roku.
The Mako and Iketani storyline takes up the entire 4th
volume of the manga, and the race and conclusion takes
up the entire 5th volume.
Due to the popularity of Mako & Sayuki, avex trax
released in January 2001 an Original Animated DVD special,
Initial D Extra Stage. It is two 25-minute episodes,
starring our favorite drift queens! Click
to see cover (of my HK probably pirated copy) of the
DVD.
The first episode is "Impact Blue no Kanata ni"
which takes place after episode 2 of the Second Stage,
as a "What If?" scenario. What if the All-Mitsubishi
Lancer Evolution Team Emperor went to Usui...
The second episode is "Sentimental White,"
in which Mako & Sayuki take some time off during
the winter to hit the slopes, and a little touch of
romance between Mako and a guy that drives a PINK
Toyota MR-2.
Did you know.... that Sayuki and Shouji Shingo of the
Night Kids went to middle school together? :) (As
so it is said in the Extra Stage...)