Changes to the 2022 GT World Challenge Asia calendar were confirmed today, including the addition of new rounds at Japanese circuits Sportsland Sugo and Okayama International Circuit, and the new Mandalika International Street Circuit in Indonesia.
The first three rounds of the calendar remain intact as they were originally announced in October. The 2022 season is scheduled to begin on the weekend of 20-22 May at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, followed by the second and third rounds at Suzuka Circuit on 15-17 July, and Fuji Speedway on 22-24 July – the first two rounds of the newly incorporated Japan Cup that will feature as part of GTWC Asia’s planned return after two years on the sidelines.
Sportsland Sugo will host its first GTWC Asia round on 19-21 August, replacing the previously announced August race at Chang International Circuit in Thailand. The Japan Cup concludes on 23-25 September at Okayama, which replaces a planned second visit to Sepang in September.
The 2022 season concludes at the recently-constructed, 4.3 kilometre Mandalika Circuit on 21-23 October, which replaces a calendar slot originally slotted for a round in China. The 4.3 km circuit held its first major event, welcoming the FIM Superbike World Championship in November. The MotoGP World Championship is scheduled to make their first visit to the venue in March.
“It’s been two years since SRO Motorsports Group last staged a race or championship in Asia so it’s important to return with fresh ideas and an exciting calendar,” said Benjamin Franassovici, championship co-director. “I think the Japan Cup, new classes and three circuits making their championship debuts achieves just that.”
“On the one hand Japan’s domestic GT environment is overwhelmingly geared towards endurance racing. On the other, Fanatec GT World Challenge Asia Powered by AWS’s Japanese rounds, which feature two 60-minute races, have traditionally attracted healthy numbers of local entries. Our subsequent research and consultation with potential teams suggests there is indeed an appetite for just such a sprint championship. We see Japan Cup offering teams an opportunity to expand their operations, just as GT3 and GT4 has done in Europe. And because we are keen to work within the existing market, it also feels right to accept GT2 and GTC entries.
“I think the likes of Sugo and Okayama also add a degree of excitement, prestige and mystery to the calendar in their own right, regardless of the Japan Cup element we’re introducing. Mandalika, meanwhile, is an incredible new venue that deserves its place on any Asian championship’s schedule.”
All six rounds will comprise of two 60 minute sprint races, open to GT3, GT4, GT2, and GTC category sports cars.
2022 GT World Challenge Asia schedule (updated 21 December 2022)
- 20-22 May – Sepang International Circuit
- 15-17 July – Suzuka Circuit
- 22-24 July – Fuji Speedway
- 19-21 August – Sportsland Sugo
- 23-25 September – Okayama International Circuit
- 21-23 October – Mandalika International Circuit
