Okayama Secures Spot in 2026 GTWC Asia Schedule

The GT World Challenge Asia 2026 calendar is now complete, with the Okayama International Circuit officially confirmed as the penultimate stop on the series. The announcement, made by SRO Motorsports, finalizes the schedule that includes six rounds across Asia and reinforces Japan’s importance in the championship.

The finalized GT World Challenge Asia Schedule not only secures Okayama’s role but also

highlights a balanced mix of returning venues and strategic additions. Races at Fuji Speedway and Okayama will keep near-identical slots to the current season, while the finale heads to the streets of Beijing, marking one of two Chinese stops alongside a returning Shanghai.

For Japanese fans, the update also included the reveal of the Japan Cup 2026 calendar, which begins at Sugo in May and closes at Suzuka in September. Both Fuji and Okayama will again serve as shared events with the larger GTWC Asia series, ensuring strong grids and crossover excitement.

With the calendar now set, teams and drivers can prepare for a competitive season that blends continuity with new challenges across Asia.

The confirmation of Okayama International Circuit strengthens Japan’s presence on the GTWC Asia 2026 calendar, joining Fuji Speedway as the country’s two key rounds. Okayama will take place on August 29-30, only two weeks before the Suzuka 1000km Intercontinental GT Challenge, making it an important stop logistically and competitively. Fuji retains its mid-

summer slot on July 11-12, offering consistency for teams and fans who have come to expect the circuit’s traditional placement on the calendar.

Beyond Japan, the GT World Challenge Asia Schedule balances continuity with important

changes. The season begins in Sepang in April and makes a May stop at Mandalika, before

returning to China for a key moment: the comeback of Shanghai. Absent for one year, Shanghai replaces Buriram in Thailand and is positioned in June. This adjustment answers calls from Chinese teams and drivers who had pushed for more domestic representation within the series.

The season finale will unfold on the streets of Beijing on October 17-18, giving the series a high-profile conclusion in China’s capital. This event, paired with Shanghai’s return, ensures that the 2026 campaign features two major Chinese races, reflecting the country’s growing importance in Asian motorsport. According to SRO Motorsports Asia general manager Benjamin Franassovici, the expansion into China responds directly to demand from teams and drivers who see value in racing at home venues.

Alongside the main championship, the Japan Cup 2026 schedule was also confirmed. The four-round series begins at Sugo on May 16-17, marking an earlier start compared to recent years. Fuji and Okayama follow as part of the shared GTWC Asia weekends, providing strong combined grids. The finale, set for Suzuka on September 12-13, will once again take place in support of the prestigious Suzuka 1000km. Together, the two calendars showcase SRO’s strategy of strengthening Japanese participation while maintaining the international scope of GT World Challenge Asia.

The finalized GTWC Asia 2026 calendar underlines the series’ commitment to stability while

introducing meaningful adjustments. With Okayama International Circuit confirmed as the

penultimate round, Japan continues to play a central role in the championship alongside Fuji

and the Japan Cup 2026. The return of Shanghai and the new Beijing finale demonstrate SRO’s intent to strengthen its Chinese presence, giving teams and fans a broader mix of circuits across the region.

For competitors, the schedule provides clarity and consistency, allowing strategic planning

ahead of a demanding season. For fans, it offers a blend of familiar venues and exciting new

milestones. With six rounds across Asia and strong integration with the Japan Cup, the GT World Challenge Asia 2026 promises to deliver competitive racing and wider engagement across its key markets.