The 2026 GT World Challenge (GTWC) Asia powered by AWS will return to Ningbo International Circuit next month after organisers confirmed a late venue switch for the championship’s Chinese round.
Originally, the series planned to stage Rounds 5 and 6 at Shanghai International Circuit on June 3-5. However, administrative complications linked to China’s nationwide College Entrance Exam forced organisers to reconsider the event schedule. Consequently, SRO Motorsports Group moved the round to Ningbo, a circuit that last hosted the championship in 2018.
Organisers act quickly to protect the schedule
SRO Motorsports Group confirmed the decision only weeks before the event. Nevertheless, teams had already received advance notice of the possible change, which allowed them to adjust their preparations.
According to organisers, Ningbo offered the most practical alternative because of its proximity to Shanghai. The circuit sits approximately three hours away by road, while Shanghai remains the primary international arrival hub for teams and freight entering China.
Furthermore, the revised timetable will help travelling personnel maintain existing return bookings. Organisers now plan to hold both races on Friday instead of Saturday, reducing logistical disruption for teams and staff.
Meanwhile, testing, practice and qualifying sessions will take place on Wednesday and Thursday, with officials expected to release the final timetable shortly.
Ningbo returns to the international spotlight
Opened in 2017, Ningbo International Circuit quickly established itself as one of China’s leading modern racing venues. The FIA Grade 2 circuit features 21 corners across a 4.01km layout and has previously welcomed the FIA World Touring Car Championship alongside several major domestic categories.
Importantly, GT World Asia has raced at Ningbo before. The championship last visited the circuit in 2018 for a dramatic season finale that crowned Dennis Lind and Martin Kodric as GT3 drivers’ champions.
The pair secured the title for FFF Racing in a Lamborghini Huracan GT3 after an intense championship battle that concluded under the Ningbo lights.
SRO GT Cup continues as planned
In addition to the main GT3 championship, the SRO GT Cup will continue to support the event despite the venue change.
The GT4-based category remains an important part of the race weekend programme and will follow the revised Ningbo schedule without further alterations. As a result, fans can still expect a packed weekend of multi-class GT racing action.
2026 GTWC Asia championship battle intensifies
While organisers finalise operational details, attention also turns toward the title fight. The Ningbo round marks the third event of the six-round 2026 campaign, which means the championship battle will soon reach its halfway point.
Currently, Alessandro Ghiretti and Huang Ruohan lead the standings for Absolute Racing. The duo has delivered strong performances in the team’s Porsche 911 GT3 R Evo during the opening rounds. Therefore, the move to Ningbo could prove decisive as teams adapt quickly to a circuit that many drivers have not raced on for several years.
A familiar venue provides stability
Although the championship faced unexpected scheduling difficulties, the switch to Ningbo ensures that the series maintains momentum without cancelling the Chinese round altogether.
At the same time, the return to a proven circuit offers teams, drivers and organisers a reliable alternative at a crucial stage of the season. Consequently, fans can still look forward to a competitive weekend as GTWC Asia continues its 2026 campaign in China.
