GT World Challenge Asia 2026 Calendar Confirmed – Calendar Adds Second Chinese Event
News & Announcements August 21
The GT World Challenge Asia 2026 schedule has been officially confirmed, with six rounds and a total of 12 one-hour races set across some of Asia’s most iconic circuits. Powered by AWS and organized by SRO Motorsports Group, the provisional 2026 calendar highlights both consistency and expansion, with the return of Shanghai International Circuit and the inclusion of the Beijing Street Circuit, making it the first season since 2018 to feature two races in China.
Key Highlights of the 2026 GT World Challenge Asia Schedule
- Six circuits, 12 races: Each round will feature 2 × 1-hour sprint races.
- Two events in China: Shanghai returns after a one-year break, while Beijing hosts the finale.
- Strategic Japanese rounds: Fuji and Okayama remain central to the calendar, with Okayama tied to the SRO GT PowerTour and Japan Cup.
- Sepang and Mandalika open the season: Traditional Southeast Asian venues kick off the championship.
- Chang excluded: Thailand’s Chang International Circuit will not feature in 2026 but could return in 2027.
Round-by-Round Breakdown
-
Round 1: Sepang International Circuit (Malaysia) – April 4–5
The season begins in Malaysia with the familiar high-speed challenges of Sepang. -
Round 2: Mandalika International Circuit (Indonesia) – May 2–3
A returning venue in Indonesia, adding a tropical twist to the schedule. -
Round 3: Shanghai International Circuit (China) – June 5–6
Back on the calendar after a one-year absence. Due to China’s nationwide College Entrance Exam, the races cannot run on Sunday, June 7, and the revised timetable will be confirmed later. -
Round 4: Fuji International Speedway (Japan) – July 11–12
Japan’s legendary mountain circuit stays in its traditional July slot. -
Round 5: Okayama International Circuit (Japan) – August 29–30
Hosts the second SRO GT PowerTour event, also featuring the Japan Cup, positioned strategically before the Suzuka 1000km IGTC round. -
Round 6: Beijing Street Circuit (China) – October 17–18
The season finale takes place on the streets of Beijing, confirming China as a key pillar of the 2026 schedule.
Official Statement
Benjamin Franassovici, SRO Motorsports Group Asia Director, commented:
“Most of our 2026 calendar was publicly revealed several weeks ago but it’s good to have all of the details now confirmed so that teams can firm up their plans. Staging a second event in China is, naturally, something that our many Chinese teams and drivers have been calling for, so it makes a lot of sense to add Shanghai – somewhere all of our customers enjoy – alongside Beijing, which will debut later this year. That unfortunately means we cannot visit Chang, which has always been very welcoming and accommodating. I hope the championship can return there one day.”
Full 2026 GT World Challenge Asia Calendar
| Round | Date | Circuit | Country | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R1 | April 4–5 | Sepang International Circuit | Malaysia | 2 × 1-hour races |
| R2 | May 2–3 | Mandalika International Circuit | Indonesia | 2 × 1-hour races |
| R3 | June 5–6 | Shanghai International Circuit | China | 2 × 1-hour races |
| R4 | July 11–12 | Fuji International Speedway | Japan | 2 × 1-hour races |
| R5 | Aug 29–30 | Okayama International Circuit | Japan | 2 × 1-hour races |
| R6 | Oct 17–18 | Beijing Street Circuit | China | 2 × 1-hour races |
- GT World Challenge Asia 2026 schedule
- Provisional GT World Challenge Asia calendar
- GT World Challenge Asia races in China
- Shanghai International Circuit GT Asia 2026
- Beijing Street Circuit GT World Challenge Asia finale
- Fuji and Okayama GT World Challenge Japan Cup
The GT World Challenge Asia 2026 provisional calendar strikes a balance between tradition and expansion. With six rounds, 12 races, and the exciting inclusion of two Chinese circuits, fans can expect one of the most competitive and strategically significant seasons in recent memory.
