GT World Challenge Asia and Japan Cup: Okayama International Circuit Rounds Preview
The highly anticipated penultimate rounds of the GT World Challenge Asia powered by AWS and Japan Cup take place this weekend at Okayama International Circuit, featuring a competitive field of 49 cars: 30 in the GT World Challenge Asia series and 19 in the Japan Cup.
Notable Entries and Key Changes
Recent updates to the GT World Challenge Asia grid include the addition of Ye Yifei, the first Chinese Ferrari factory driver and Le Mans 24 Hours champion, who will drive the #55 Winhere Harmony Racing Ferrari 296 GT3 alongside Song Jiajun. In contrast, the #2 Climax Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO, piloted by Mike Zhou and Ralf Aron, has been withdrawn due to chassis damage.
Other returning drivers include Alexander Sims, who will race the #66 Johor Motorsports Racing Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R, and Edoardo Mortara, competing in the #19 Absolute Corse Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO. Notably, Danial Frost rejoins the series with the #77 Craft-Bamboo Racing Mercedes-AMG following government service.
Championship Standings
In the battle for the GT World Asia Drivers’ Championship, reigning champions Bob Yuan and Leo Ye Hongli of Origine Motorsport lead with a seven-point margin over Prince Jefri Ibrahim of JMR. A three-way tie for third follows, involving Cheng Congfu/Yu Kuai, Anthony Liu Xu/Dorian Boccolacci, and Ruan Cunfan/Maxime Oosten, all trailing by 42 points. Ruan and Oosten hold a commanding lead in the Silver-Am Cup and are expected to secure the title this weekend.
Japan Cup Highlights
The Japan Cup’s standings are equally competitive, with championship leaders Akihiro Tsuzuki and Shintaro Kawabata of Hitotsuyama with Cornes Racing trailing Hiroyuki ‘Bankcy’ Ogawa of seven x seven Racing by just 12 points. Key drivers Shinji Takei/Ukyo Sasahara and Yudai Uchida/Yuya Motojima remain in contention following previous wins.
In the GT3 Am category, Tadao Uematsu and Hirokazu Suzuki can potentially clinch the title, holding a 45-point lead. In the GT4 series, Haridarma Manoppo and Seita Nonaka of Toyota Gazoo Racing Indonesia are 28 points ahead and also eyeing a championship win.
Upcoming Events
Of particular note, over half of the GT World Asia entries will also participate in the 49th annual Suzuka 1000km on September 14. Additionally, the inclusion of Murakami Motors in the GT4 ranks will enhance the competitiveness of the field this weekend.
As the excitement builds for this significant event at Okayama, teams and drivers prepare for high-stakes races that will have lasting implications for the championship standings.
