Super GT at Okayama International Circuit
04 – 05 April, 2016
Formula 4 Japanese Championship
04 – 05 April, 2016
Formula 4 Japanese Championship
Super GT
After years of successive rules changes, at the same time, the JGTC planned holding one more race outside of Japan, in China (Shanghai), in addition to Malaysia (Sepang). However, holding the series in more than three countries violates from the definition of the "national championship" of FIA. Therefore, the series needed to be authorized directly by FIA and was not able to be named Japanese Championship because the series had to be parted from Japan Automobile Federation (JAF), the Authority Sport Nationale (ASN) of Japan.
On December 10, 2004, while the series had been mainly focused on Japanese domestic teams, sponsors and fans, with an ever-rising international fan following and TV coverage shown all over the world it was announced that JGTC would now be called Super GT with the goals of "challenge to the world", "challenge from the world", and "challenge to entertainment".
Now, because the plan of race in China was canceled and the series is held only in two countries (Japan and Malaysia), the series can return to be authorized by JAF to be called Japanese Championship. But the GT-Association selected FIA to keep independent management of the series.
Races
Races are held as part of a yearly series. Races take place on well known Japanese race tracks like Twin Ring Motegi, Fuji Speedway, and Suzuka Circuit. The series was expanded to its first international venue in Malaysia (2000), and an exhibition race at the California Speedway (2005). The Malaysian leg of the race, held at Sepang International Circuit was made an official race from 2001 and counted in the points.
Races were planned for both Zhuhai International Circuit in 2004 and Shanghai International Circuit in 2005, but both events failed to materialize.
Races are held either as a single long endurance race of 500km or greater, or as a set of two sprint races.
The cars
The cars are divided into two groups: GT500 and GT300 (cars with no more than 500 and 300 horsepower (374 and 224 kW), respectively). These power outputs are capped via the use of intake restrictors although some heavier cars are given allowances to run larger restrictors to maintain parity.
In order to ensure maximum excitement, both GT500 and GT300 groups are run at the same time although points are awarded separately for each group.