Malaysia will host a round of the Autobacs SUPER GT for three years beginning with the first race scheduled for 27-28 June in 2025 at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit.
This follows the signing of an agreement between HARO Sports & Entertainment as the rights holder and promoter for the Malaysian round of the SUPER GT and the GT Association (GTA) as the rights holders for SUPER GT. The agreement to host the race from 2025-2027 was signed between HARO Sports & Entertainment Managing Partner Fahrizal Hasan and GTA President and Chief Executive Officer Masaaki Bandoh, witnessed by Deputy Minister Of Tourism, Arts And Culture Yang Berhormat Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan. Also present at the event were PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit Chief Executive Officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif and Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM) Secretary-General S. N. Nanthan.
The Malaysian round of the 2025 Autobacs SUPER GT race will be the third round of the 2025 race calendar which features a total of eight rounds – seven of which will take place in various circuits within Japan. Malaysia will remain as the ONLY overseas race for Super GT.
Tentatively, the opening round will be held at the Okayama International Circuit on 12-13 April followed by Round 2 at Fuji Speedway on 3-4 May and Round 3 in Malaysia. Round 4 will again be held at Fuji Speedway on 2-3 August before moving to the Suzuka Circuit for Round 5 on 23-24 August. The final three rounds will be held at Sportsland Sugo on 20-21 September; the Autopolis International Racing Course on 18-19 October and Mobility Resort Motegi on 1-2 November.
SUPER GT will feature the top manufacturers and drivers from Japan competing in the GT500 and GT300 Classes, attracting the best of Japanese manufacturers. The GT 500 manufacturers include Toyota, Honda and Nissan while the GT300 entrants are Subaru and Lexus.
The last time Malaysia hosted a round of the SUPER GT was in June 2013 –11 years ago. The PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit hosted the first overseas race for SUPER GT in 2000 and 2001 when it was then known as the All-Japan Grand Touring Championship. Following two exhibition races, Malaysia was officially included as a full-fledged championship round in 2002 where it played host to SUPER GT’s overseas rounds until 2013.
The race was to have returned to Malaysia in 2020 but was cancelled due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
SUPER GT teams and drivers continue to find the Malaysian round unique and challenging due to its extreme heat and unpredictable weather conditions, unlike what they are normally accustomed to in the other rounds held in Japan. This not only test the drivers, but the heat, and sometimes torrential rains, put the cars, their engines, the tyres and the crew involved through one of the toughest challenges available in circuit racing.
“I am deeply honored that the GTA, the teams and drivers have once again unanimously agreed to return to Malaysia,” said Fahrizal.
“As the only overseas round for SUPER GT, Malaysia has a strong advantage to firmly position itself as a preferred Sports Tourism destination not only regionally, but globally. Hence, the Malaysian race will not only be heavily promoted locally but also throughout the Asian region and beyond.”
With SUPER GT’s strong following and fan base worldwide, including in Malaysia, HARO Sports & Entertainment is targeting to attract at least 80,000 spectators and race fans throughout the two-day race weekend.
SUPER GT continues to be known for its carnival-like atmosphere. It is one of few international events that allow fans to get right up close and personal with their favourite drivers, teams and cars. A popular attraction that makes SUPER GT unique are also the SUPER GT Race Ambassadors who bring immense colour and character to the event, and provide a vital connection between teams and the fans, particularly during the open pit sessions, pit walk, grid walk, circuit safari and at PR and sales booths. Another unique SUPER GT attraction HARO Sports & Entertainment hopes to introduce in Malaysia will be the Circuit Safari where fans have the unique opportunity to get close to the on-track action.
Ticket sales will be announced soon.