Ratel Targeting 25-Car Grid for Suzuka 1000km Revival

Photo: SRO

Stephane Ratel has revealed the reasons behind next year’s Intercontinental GT Challenge round at Suzuka being 1000kms in length compared to the series’ previous ten-hour format, suggesting that the event will rely heavily on local entries with less endurance racing experience.

Announced last week during SRO Motorsports Group’s annual press conference at Spa-Francorchamps, Suzuka will return to the globe-trotting GT3 series’ calendar for the first time since 2019 and under the full control of Ratel’s organization.

The proposed multi-year deal, pending a final contract with circuit owner Mobilityland, is currently penciled in for September 2025.

“I’ve been saying it all the time, it was our objective to go back to Suzuka,” Ratel told reporters at Spa. “I’m very pleased it’s under the banner of the Suzuka 1000km.

“Right or wrong, I consider Suzuka with Spa one of the very, very most beautiful circuits in the world.”

While the two previous editions of the Suzuka 10 Hours, which was jointly organized by SRO and GTA, attracted 35 and 36 entries, respectively, Ratel is taking a more cautious approach given GT300-spec cars will not likely be part of the show.

It means the majority of the grid would have to come from existing GT3 teams competing in Fanatec GT World Challenge Asia powered by AWS and/or the Japanese-based Super Taikyu series, along with full-season IGTC entrants.

He outlined the goal of attracting around 25 entries for the first event next year.

“Our chance to go back to there, we’re realistic,” Ratel said. “And if you see the number of European cars that goes to Bathurst or Indianapolis is limited.

“We can hope 10-12 cars, if another manufacturer joins the series. So we need a lot of local competitors.

“Don’t forget, Benjamin [Franassovici]’s success in Asia is unbelievable. I was in Fuji last weekend and there were 41 GT3 cars… But of all these teams, few are used to long distance.

“We have to convert a number of these teams and push hard and that would be Benjamin’s job to join this endurance race.

“If you go from not being an endurance team to a ten-hour [race], it’s pushing it.

“I think a 1000km is more reasonable. We want to keep the feel of the ten hours, with the finish going down slightly into the evening, but I’m very, very pleased.”

Ratel said they have an exact date in mind for September, which will be announced once the contract is completed.

“We said to-be-confirmed because we have to finish the conversation with Mobilityland, the owner of the Suzuka Circuit,” he said. “But we’re very optimistic that it will be confirmed shortly.

“We have a date in mind but that will be the opportunity of further release to give the date and to say it’s 100 percent confirmed.”

Vosse: Suzuka Return “The Right Move” for IGTC

WRT team principal Vincent Vosse and Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing boss Stefan Wendl have both voiced their approval of the addition of a fifth IGTC round in the return of Suzuka to the calendar.

“Suzuka has always been a great race,” Vosse told Sportscar365. “I would be very happy to go back there if we find a way to go back there.

“First of all, it’s a great event and I think that’s what was missing in the IGTC for a few years now. It’s the right move.

“Last time we went there, we won the race. It’s a little bit different of a race now but I’m excited.”

Wendl added: “I think I can also speak for our teams, that we are very excited to have Suzuka back on the IGTC calendar.

“Now we will have a deeper look into the overall calendar situation. There’s struggles into Le Mans, Nürburgring and Spa and everything week-by-week and potentially Suzuka and Indianapolis in a two-week frame.

“This will bring again logistical challenges to us but we are willing to discuss with our teams potential options and I’m optimistic we’ll have a competitive grid there.”

Davey Euwema contributed to this report

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John