GT World Challenge (GTWC) Asia powered by AWS has confirmed a six-round 2027 calendar featuring returns to Suzuka Circuit and Chang International Circuit.
Season 9 will comprise 12 one-hour races across four countries between April and October. However, GTWC Asia will introduce several cost-control measures, including fewer official test sessions and a reduced weekend tyre allocation.
Meanwhile, SRO Motorsports Group has also confirmed the provisional 2027 Japan Cup schedule and announced that Mandalika will open the 2028 GTWC Asia campaign.
GTWC Asia prioritises cost control for Season 9
GTWC Asia will retain its established format of two one-hour races at each of its six events.
However, the championship will reduce the number of official test days to help teams manage costs throughout the season. Sepang will host one test, while SRO will confirm the location of a second Japanese test at a later date. The remaining four rounds will move to three-day schedules. Furthermore, GTWC Asia will reduce each team’s weekend tyre allocation as part of its wider cost-control programme.
SRO revealed the changes during its annual CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa press conference.
The revised approach allows GTWC Asia to preserve its 12-race structure while limiting unnecessary running and associated expenses.
Chang returns for Southeast Asian leg
Sepang International Circuit will once again open the GTWC Asia season on 3–4 April. The championship will then travel to Chang International Circuit on 1–2 May. The Thai venue returns after a one-year absence and completes the two-round Southeast Asian leg.
Chang’s comeback means GTWC Asia will not visit Mandalika during the 2027 campaign. However, SRO has already confirmed that the Indonesian circuit will return as the opening round of the 2028 season.
The early announcement reinforces Mandalika’s place within the championship’s longer-term plans despite its absence from the 2027 schedule.
Suzuka rejoins 2027 GTWC Asia calendar
Suzuka Circuit will host the third round on 12–13 June, marking GTWC Asia’s first visit to the Japanese venue since 2024. Teams and drivers had pushed for Suzuka’s return, and the popular circuit will now open the Japanese section of the championship.
GTWC Asia will then travel to Fuji Speedway four weeks later for its fourth round on 10–11 July.
Several teams could return to Suzuka two months later for the Suzuka 1000km. The historic endurance race will become a joint Intercontinental GT Challenge and Super GT300 event in 2027.
Therefore, the calendar gives Asia-based GT3 teams two opportunities to compete at Suzuka during the same season.
Beijing and Shanghai close the 2027 GTWC Asia campaign
GTWC Asia will conclude its season with two Chinese rounds during October.
The Beijing Street Circuit will stage the penultimate event on 2–3 October before Shanghai International Circuit hosts the finale three weeks later on 23–24 October.
Beijing’s inclusion follows confirmation that the street race will remain on the GTWC Asia calendar for at least another 10 years.
The agreement gives the championship a long-term presence in the Chinese capital, while Shanghai’s Formula 1 venue retains the season-ending position.
As a result, GTWC Asia will close its 2027 campaign with four races across three weeks.
Mandalika targets 2028 season opener
The returns of Chang and Suzuka leave no space for Mandalika or Okayama on the main GTWC Asia calendar. Nevertheless, both circuits remain part of SRO’s Asian racing programme. Okayama will continue to host Japan Cup, while Mandalika will begin the 2028 GTWC Asia season.
SRO Motorsports Asia General Manager Benjamin Franassovici explained how team feedback and cost management shaped the new calendar.
“Asia’s 2027 calendar reflects our dedication to reducing costs where possible next season, as well as listening to our teams who were eager to return to Suzuka. But our commitment to racing at Mandalika also remains as strong as ever, hence announcing its inclusion on the 2028 schedule well ahead of time. It’s one of Asia’s best circuits, and quite possibly the most picturesque, so we are very much looking forward to GT World Challenge Asia’s return two years from now.”
Mandalika’s early confirmation also gives teams additional time to prepare for the logistical demands of returning to Indonesia.
Motegi returns to open Japan Cup season
SRO has also confirmed a four-round provisional Japan Cup calendar for 2027. Mobility Resort Motegi will host the opening event on 15–16 May, marking the championship’s first appearance at the circuit since 2023. The weekend will operate as a standalone Japan Cup event.
Japan Cup will then join GTWC Asia at Fuji Speedway on 10–11 July before visiting Okayama International Circuit on 7–8 August.
Finally, Suzuka will host the fourth round on 4–5 September as part of the Suzuka 1000km weekend.
The domestic championship will therefore contest eight one-hour races across four Japanese venues between May and September.
Provisional 2027 GTWC Asia calendar
- 3–4 April: Sepang International Circuit — Two one-hour races
- 1–2 May: Chang International Circuit — Two one-hour races
- 12–13 June: Suzuka Circuit — Two one-hour races
- 10–11 July: Fuji Speedway — Two one-hour races
- 2–3 October: Beijing Street Circuit — Two one-hour races
- 23–24 October: Shanghai International Circuit — Two one-hour races
Provisional 2027 Japan Cup calendar
- 15–16 May: Mobility Resort Motegi — Two one-hour races
- 10–11 July: Fuji Speedway — Two one-hour races
- 7–8 August: Okayama International Circuit — Two one-hour races
- 4–5 September: Suzuka Circuit — Two one-hour races
GTWC Asia’s 2027 calendar combines returning venues with measures designed to reduce costs for teams.
Chang and Suzuka rejoin the championship, while Beijing and Shanghai retain the closing rounds. Meanwhile, the Japan Cup expands its connection with major endurance events, and Mandalika already holds a confirmed place at the beginning of the 2028 campaign.
