SUPER GT Returns to Sepang: A Historic Comeback
This weekend marks a significant milestone in motorsport history as the SUPER GT Series returns to the Petronas Sepang International Circuit, 12 years after its last race at the venue and five years following a cancelled comeback due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event, the SUPER GT Malaysia Festival, kicks off a new era for the championship, which has evolved from the All-Japan Grand Touring Car Championship (JGTC) that first graced the circuit in 2002.
Event Overview
The race will take place on Saturday, featuring a 55-lap, 300-kilometer race starting at 4:30 PM MYT. While it will not be the anticipated night race initially planned for 2020, the late-afternoon start promises some respite from the oppressive heat typical of the region.
Historical Context
Historically, the circuit has been dominated by Honda and Nissan, with Toyota only winning twice since the inaugural JGTC race in 2002. Tsugio Matsuda, a veteran in the GT500 class, remains a key figure as he looks to secure victory with his current team, Kondo Racing. Matsuda boasts a bittersweet legacy, having won both the first and last races run at Sepang, in 2002 and 2013, respectively.
Technical Insights
The lap records set in previous years are anticipated to be shattered during Friday’s qualifying sessions. The current generation of GT500 vehicles, including the GR Supra, is expected to perform exceptionally well, having secured the last six races in a streak tying the record for consecutive wins held by Honda from 1998-1999. The heavily loaded #1 au TOM’S GR Supra faces a challenging task in protecting its 14-point lead due to the Success Weight regulations.
Honda aims to break its winless streak in 2025 with the #100 Stanley Civic Type R-GT, which has shown strong pace in early practice sessions. On the GT300 side, a field of 19 cars includes defending champions JLOC with their Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO2, who hope for a turnaround in performance compared to their struggles earlier this season.
Team Dynamics and Strategy
The #65 LEON Pyramid AMG holds the championship lead, keen to defend its position amid the newly implemented Success Weight system that adds refueling time based on performance. Meanwhile, the #61 Subaru BRZ coaches a chance to avenge previous defeats, and various veteran drivers are set to capitalize on their diverse experiences under the hot Malaysian sun.
Wildcard entries include local racers in Aston Martin and Porsche, bringing additional excitement to the event as they contend against seasoned SUPER GT participants.
Key Competitors
- GT500: The top contenders are the Toyota GR Supras led by Sho Tsuboi and Kenta Yamashita, along with Honda’s Civic Type R-GT aiming for the win.
- GT300: JLOC and their Lamborghini face challenges from other competitors like the #4 Goodsmile Hatsune Miku Mercedes-AMG GT3, running under new driver lineups due to absences from key personnel.
Conclusion
The SUPER GT Malaysia Festival signifies a promising return to Sepang, an iconic venue that has witnessed the evolution of GT racing in Asia. As excitement builds for the race on Saturday, all eyes will be on the track for what could become a historic day in SUPER GT history.
Race Schedule:
- Free Practice 2: 10:30 AM MYT Friday
- Qualifying: 4:30 PM MYT Friday
- Race Start: 4:30 PM MYT Saturday
For those following the action, an official live stream will be available.
Images © GTA, Toyota.
