Shanghai Returns in Seven-Round 2024 Schedule

Shanghai International Circuit will return to the Fanatec GT World Challenge Asia powered by AWS schedule as part of an expanded seven-round calendar for 2024.

The Chinese circuit is due to host the SRO Motorsports Group-run series for the first time since 2019, holding the season finale slot on a currently unconfirmed date.

Sugo has replaced Motegi on the calendar for an event that will feature the Japan Cup class only.

The season is set to start at Sepang on April 20-21, followed by a visit to Buriram three weeks later, enabling teams to drive their equipment between Malaysia and Thailand.

The Japan Cup will kick off at Sugo on June 8-9, marking the first standalone round for a category that was introduced in 2022 to revive the GTWC Asia grid after two canceled seasons during the coronavirus pandemic.

Stops at Fuji Speedway in late June, Suzuka in mid-July and Okayama in late August complete the Japanese leg of the schedule, before the season rounds off at Shanghai.

“Returning to China was our number one priority and next year represents the first realistic opportunity to do that since 2019,” said GTWC Asia general manager Benjamin Franassovici.

“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.”

Franassovici added that seven full-season GTWC Asia events “weren’t viable” due to logistical reasons and led to the creation of the standalone Japan Cup round at Sugo.

The Japan Cup has been a key part of GTWC Asia’s return to health and has attracted more than 15 entries this season.

“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,” said Franassovici.

“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.”

A provisional GTWC Asia showing Buriram, Sepang, Fuji, Suzuka, Okayama and an unconfirmed Chinese round was released in late June but did not include any dates.

2024 GTWC Asia Schedule:
April 21-22 – Sepang
May 11-12- – Buriram
June 8-9 – Sugo**
June 22-23 – Fuji Speedway*
July 13-14 – Suzuka*
Aug. 24-25 – Okayama*
TBA – Shanghai

*Includes Japan Cup
**Japan Cup only