Experienced sportscar and GT driver Sean Gelael will make his GT World Challenge (GTWC) Asia powered by AWS debut on home soil at Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit on May 2-3, 2026.
The 29-year-old Indonesian is making a one-off appearance in a Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo run by the Garage 75 squad, which has secured the championship’s Am title for the past two seasons. Gelael will contest both 60-minute races solo, following the same approach as his soon-to-be Silver class rival Akash Nandy did during the opening round at Sepang last weekend.
Gelael brings a wealth of experience, having competed as a Le Mans 24 Hours and FIA WEC class runner-up. He currently races in the FIA World Endurance Championship in a BMW M4 GT3 Evo but has prior experience in the Ferrari from the 2025/26 Asian Le Mans Series campaign. Additionally, he is competing in the 296 GT3 Evo in GT World Europe this season.
Central to both of these programmes is AF Corse, a team that also assists Garage 75 in GT World Asia, ensuring Gelael benefits from a high level of support and technical expertise.
First competitive outing at Mandalika
Round 2 of the GTWC Asia season marks Gelael’s first competitive appearance at Mandalika. Last year, the same championship became the first international car racing series to visit the circuit.
“I am so happy to finally race at Mandalika,” said Gelael. “It’s like the last piece of a puzzle. I have done many things at Mandalika before, from circuit inauguration rides and attending races to driving hot laps and even waving the chequered flag! But I’ve never raced competitively there against some tough and fierce rivals. Now that chance will come. This will also be the first time, except for rallying, that I have contested an international car race in front of my beloved Indonesian crowd. So it promises to be a very special moment indeed.”
The excitement is clear as Gelael prepares to showcase his skills in front of his home fans, adding a personal significance to this milestone race.
Schedule and preparations
Official testing at Mandalika is set for Thursday, 30 April, with practice sessions beginning on Friday. The two 60-minute races will take place across Saturday and Sunday, offering Gelael a full weekend of competitive action.
His one-off appearance is expected to draw significant attention from local fans and international GT racing followers alike, highlighting the growing prominence of Mandalika as a destination for top-level motorsport.
