Climax Racing will once again field two Mercedes-AMG GT3 entries in the 2026 season of GT World Challenge (GTWC) Asia powered by AWS. The Chinese squad will compete in both the Silver-Am and Am classes, introducing fresh driver combinations across its line-up as it aims to build on last year’s performances.
Santoso switches to Climax Racing as Am ambitions grow ahead of 2026 GTWC Asia campaign
In the Am class, Setiawan Santoso joins forces with Mike Zhou Bihuang. Santoso arrives from EBM, where he finished second in the same category last season. Now, he reunites with Zhou, having previously raced alongside him in other events, and looks to convert that familiarity into title contention.
“I am very happy to join Climax Racing for the new season,” said the Indonesian. He continued, “I have previously teamed up with Mike in other races, and I am also quite familiar with the Mercedes-AMG car. I hope we can carry this positive momentum into the new season.”
Zhou, a race winner at Suzuka, embarks on his fourth season in the championship with Climax. However, this campaign marks his first full-time assault in the Am class, signalling a renewed focus on consistent class results.
Li and Seppanen form new Silver-Am Climax Racing pairing for 2026 GTWC Asia campaign
Meanwhile, the team’s second Mercedes-AMG features a new Silver-Am combination. Li Li Chao returns to the championship after a 2024 season with Climax that included outings in both Silver-Am and Am. He now partners Finnish driver Elias Seppanen.
Seppanen steps up to a full-time GT World Challenge Asia campaign after making two cameo appearances with Harmony Racing last year. The Finn has already demonstrated strong pace on the international stage, and both drivers believe their partnership holds significant potential.
“This year marks my return to GT World Challenge Asia after 2024, and I will be partnering with my new team-mate Elias,” said Li. “He is a driver who has proven his strong pace on the international stage, and we are confident of competing strongly against our rivals in the new season.”
Seppanen added: “I am thrilled to be competing with Climax Racing in the GT World Challenge Asia. This year we will aim higher and perform even better. Li is undoubtedly one of the fastest gentlemen drivers in Asia, and together we have what it takes to fight for victories.”
Season kicks off at Sepang
The 2026 campaign spans six rounds and 12 races, beginning at Sepang on 4–5 April. With two refreshed pairings and proven GT3 machinery, Climax Racing enters the new season determined to challenge for honours in both Silver-Am and Am.
