Provisional Entry List Released for 49th Annual Suzuka 1000km
Suzuka, Japan – SRO Motorsports has announced the provisional entry list for the 49th Suzuka 1000km, featuring a robust 30-car field, surpassing expectations for its revival since 2019. This marks a significant growth in participation, particularly highlighted by the dominance of full-time entrants from the GT World Challenge Asia series.
Field Composition
Nearly two-thirds of the entrants are regular competitors in the GT World Challenge Asia, which has seen increasing prestige and participation rates since its 2022 relaunch. In addition to local entries, the race will welcome distinguished teams from the 2025 Intercontinental GT Challenge.
Manufacturer Representation
Porsche leads the field with 11 entries, representing notable teams such as Origine Motorsport and Absolute Racing. Their presence is fitting, reflecting Porsche’s historical 11 overall victories at this event between 1967 and 1994. Competitively, Mercedes-AMG follows with seven AMG GT3 EVOs, including entries from winning team GruppeM Racing.
Ferrari and BMW each field fewer entries, with Ferrari presenting four cars, predominantly from Japanese teams like PONOS Racing and LM Corsa. Notably, IGTC Manufacturers’ Championship leader BMW only has a single M4 GT3 EVO, entered by Team KRC.
Noteworthy Entries
Chevrolet will showcase two GT3 generations, with Johor Motorsport Racing entering two Corvette Z06 GT3.Rs alongside Bingo Racing’s vintage C7 GT3-R. Nissan, a historical competitor with seven wins, will field two GT-Rs, making it the only Japanese manufacturer represented.
Only one Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 will participate, entered by Absolute Racing, while Audi’s solitary entry will come from the Audi Sport Asia Team.
Class Structure and Race Format
This year’s race will feature an extended duration of six-and-a-half hours, an increase aimed at accommodating potential weather-related interruptions. The official schedule includes paid testing on September 12, with qualifying activities set for September 13, leading to the race start at 12:50 PM JST on September 14.
Ticket Sales
Tickets for the event will go on sale starting Monday at suzukacircuit.jp.
For reference, data from previous events notes that the winning car completed the 1000-kilometre distance in approximately 6 hours and 21 minutes in 2018 and 6 hours and 25 minutes in 2019. Final class entries will be confirmed on August 4 for the upcoming race.
The return of the Suzuka 1000km underscores its significance in endurance racing, showcasing a blend of local talent and international competitiveness.
