SRO Motorsports Group has announced its largest-ever calendar for the Asian region in 2024, with seven events in three countries – fourteen races in total.
A provisional calendar was first revealed on 1 July during the SRO’s annual press conference preceding the 24 Hours of Spa with six GT World Challenge Asia rounds, but today’s press release from the SRO confirms dates for all but one of the previously announced rounds – plus the addition of a new, standalone event exclusively for the Fanatec Japan Cup.
Shanghai International Circuit will host the final round of the 2024 GT World Challenge Asia, with a date to be confirmed later. The 1 July press conference had Shanghai’s return pencilled in for October. At any rate, this finale will be part of the return of international motorsport to Shanghai in 2024, four years removed from the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Returning to China was our number one priority and next year represents the first realistic opportunity to do that since 2019,” said Benjamin Franassovici, Championship General Manager for GT World Challenge Asia.
“A significant number of Chinese teams and drivers have been able to race with us again this year, which is reflected in the addition of our Fanatec China Cup classification. The final step is to have an event in the country, and there is no better place for that than Shanghai, which was a series mainstay in 2017-19.”
The 2024 GT World Challenge Asia season begins at Sepang Circuit in Malaysia on 20-21 April, followed by the second meeting at Chang International Circuit in Thailand on 11-12 May.
Sportsland Sugo will also host SRO GT racing in 2024 after a year’s absence – but not as a GT World Challenge Asia round. Instead, it will be the first standalone event for the Japan Cup since its inception in 2022, and the first Japan Cup event of the 2024 season, on 8-9 June.
The addition of Sugo will allow the burgeoning national domestic category – which has helped GT World Challenge Asia get back on its feet and then some after two seasons lost due to the pandemic – to remain at four weekends, whilst easing logistical burdens for the majority of full-season entrants travelling from Southeast Asia to Japan.
“Japan also remains a very important outpost for SRO and the time is now right to stage our first-ever standalone event there,” added Franassovici. “Seven full-season rounds aren’t viable but the separate weekend at Sugo makes a lot of sense. New teams and drivers can sample SRO’s environment without the added pressure of Fanatec GT Asia, there will be fewer cars, the same level of TV production and an even greater emphasis on Japanese-led communication and coordination.”
The three previously-confirmed Japan Cup rounds to follow are at Fuji Speedway on 22-23 June, Suzuka Circuit on 13-14 July, and Okayama International Circuit on 24-25 August for the Japan Cup finale.
“We are also still evaluating how Fanatec Japan Cup fits within Fanatec GT Asia next year. The two could, for instance, be separated but still share the same weekends at Suzuka, Fuji and Okayama. It really depends on the feedback we receive from teams over the coming weeks. Their input will help shape the championship going forwards,” Franassovici remarked.
PROVISIONAL 2024 CALENDAR
- 20-21 April: Sepang Circuit – GT World Challenge Asia
- 11-12 May: Chang International Circuit – GT World Challenge Asia
- 8-9 June: Sportsland Sugo – SRO Japan Cup
- 22-23 June: Fuji Speedway – GTWC Asia & Japan Cup
- 13-14 July: Suzuka Circuit – GTWC Asia & Japan Cup
- 24-25 August: Okayama International Circuit – GTWC Asia & Japan Cup
- TBD: Shanghai International Circuit – GT World Challenge Asia
All events comprised of 2x 60-minute races.
Images © SRO Motorsports Group
