August 15, 2025
Introduction of Participating Teams
The provisional entry list for the 2025 Intercontinental GT Challenge Round 4 49th SUZUKA 1000km, held from September 12 (Fri) to 14 (Sun), was released on July 18 (Fri). This season, the first since 2019, features a lineup of 30 cars from both domestic and international teams. Let's introduce the leading teams.
The Intercontinental GT Challenge (IGTC) is contested on five iconic circuits around the world. The basic concept is that, in addition to teams competing in all five races, prominent local teams also participate, and manufacturers registered for the IGTC Manufacturer* Championship (in 2025, Mercedes-AMG, Porsche, BMW, and Ferrari) earn points through these teams.
This season's SUZUKA 1000km reflects this concept, with many teams from the GT World Challenge Asia powered by AWS (GTWCA)* entering. The structure is such that teams competing in the IGTC series face off against teams participating from Japan.
*Manufacturer: Refers to an automobile manufacturer
*GT World Challenge Asia powered by AWS (GTWCA): An international GT racing series held across Asia, organized by the SRO Motorsports Group, just like the IGTC
A major team in GTWCA is Origine Motorsport from China, currently leading the rankings this season with their Porsche 911 GT3 R. They employ Porsche factory drivers and also feature Leo Ye Hongli, who honed his skills in the All-Japan F3 Championship.
Origine Motorsport
Also, among the GTWCA teams, Malaysia's Johor Motorsport Racing JMR, which introduced the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R this season, is strong. H.H. Prince Abdul Rahman Ibrahim and H.H. Prince Abu Bakar Ibrahim, princes of Johor State in Malaysia, are both fast and form a powerful duo.
Johor Motorsport Racing JMR
Another one of Asia's top powerful teams is Mercedes-AMG Team Craft-Bamboo Racing from Hong Kong. It is one of the official performance teams running the Mercedes AMG GT3 EVO and has won various honors worldwide. Other strong contenders from various manufacturers include Phantom Global Racing (Porsche), Absolute Racing (Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2), and Team KRC (BMW M4 GT3).
In addition to these teams, some of the most prestigious names from Europe and America will also participate. Notable teams include 75 Express, known for their Mercedes adorned with flames, GetSpeed, and Heart of Racing by SPS. Also mentioned is Germany’s Herberth Motorsport, which competes successfully with Porsches not only in Europe but also in the Middle East. Among the favorites for victory is Mercedes-AMG Team GMR, a renowned team known in the GT racing world as GruppeM Racing, and the winner of the 2018 Suzuka 10 Hours. Among the participating teams, they are the ones who know best how to "win" at Suzuka.
Mercedes-AMG Team Craft-Bamboo Racing
75 Express
Herberth Motorsport
Mercedes-AMG Team GMR
The Japanese teams facing these strong overseas competitors also present an exciting lineup. Among the teams participating in GTWCA are Porsche Center Okazaki (Porsche), LM Corsa (Ferrari 296 GT3), and TEAM 5ZIGEN (Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3). In particular, TEAM 5ZIGEN consistently competes for overall top positions in GTWCA races and is a regular on the SILVER-AM class podium. Their participation with a Japanese car is also something to look forward to.
Porsche Center Okazaki
LM Corsa
TEAM 5ZIGEN
Also, starting in 2024, four rounds will be held within Japan, and from the SRO Japan Cup*, which will be held concurrently at the Suzuka 1000km, Bingo Racing (Callaway Corvette C7 GT3-R), PONOS RACING (Ferrari), Team Handwork Challenge (Nissan), and MAEZAWA RACING (Ferrari) will participate.
*SRO Japan Cup: A race held domestically in Japan as a support series for GTWCA
Bingo Racing
PONOS RACING
Team Handwork Challenge
Bingo Racing is bringing back the globally rare Callaway Corvette C7 GT3-R after a long time, driven by strong drivers. Also, MAEZAWA RACING will attract attention as Yusaku Maezawa participates in his first world championship race. Furthermore, Team Handwork Challenge has announced their entry with the lineup of Daiki Sasaki, Iori Kimura, and Atsushi Miyake, aiming for the overall victory.
Bingo Racing
MAEZAWA RACING
Lastly, we want to mention Goodsmile Racing. A strong contender boasting three championships in the SUPER GT GT300 class, they also made a return this season by participating in the IGTC Spa 24 Hours. Ryuya Kataoka, who will be driving alongside Nobuteru Taniguchi and Kamui Kobayashi, said, "We will be competing against strong Asian teams, and since it’s been a while since we last ran on Pirelli tires, we see ourselves as challengers. I don’t think it will be an easy race." As the detailed entry list is announced, expectations for a fierce battle are likely to rise.
Goodsmile Racing
