Suzuka 1000KM Test Session 1

The Suzuka 1000KM Test Session 1 marks the first official practice opportunity for teams competing in Round 4 of the 2026 Intercontinental GT Challenge season. This opening test session allows drivers and teams to familiarize themselves with the Suzuka Circuit conditions before the main qualifying sessions and race. The session forms part of the 50th edition of the legendary Suzuka 1000KM endurance race, bringing together top GT3 machinery and international talent to one of Japan's premier racing venues.

The 2026 Suzuka 1000KM Event

The 2026 edition celebrates the 50th running of the Suzuka 1000KM endurance race. This milestone event serves as the fourth round of the Intercontinental GT Challenge series. The race returns to its traditional 1000-kilometre distance format with a total duration of 6 hours and 30 minutes. The weekend schedule includes two test sessions and a night practice session, followed by pre-qualifying and qualifying rounds before the main race.

The Intercontinental GT Challenge represents the premier global competition for GT3 racing. The series brings together manufacturers, professional drivers, and teams from around the world to compete on some of motorsport's most challenging circuits.

Suzuka Circuit Details

The Suzuka Circuit spans 5.807 kilometres and features a unique figure-of-eight layout. This design makes it the only FIA Grade 1 licensed track worldwide with this configuration. An overpass allows the track to cross itself, creating a distinctive racing environment.

John "Hans" Hugenholtz designed the circuit, which Honda opened in 1962 as a test facility. The track includes 18 turns that test both driver skill and vehicle performance. The high-speed Esses section flows through Turns 3 to 7, demanding precision and commitment. The Degner Curves at Turns 8 and 9 challenge braking stability. Spoon Curve features a long double-apex through Turns 13 and 14. The 130R corner presents a high-speed left-hander that requires courage and confidence.

Honda Mobilityland operates the circuit complex, which also houses an amusement park. This combination makes the venue a major leisure destination in Mie Prefecture, Japan.

2026 Entry List and Participants

The provisional entry list for the 2026 Suzuka 1000KM features 28 cars from eight manufacturers. Porsche leads the manufacturer representation with 10 entries, followed by Ferrari with 5 cars, BMW with 4 cars, Mercedes-AMG with 3 cars, Corvette and Nissan with 2 cars each, and Lexus and Ford with 1 car each.

The grid divides into Pro, Pro-Am, Bronze, and Am classes. International teams join Japanese entries to create a diverse field. The Pro class includes notable entries such as the Johor Motorsports Racing Corvette, Absolute Racing Porsche, PONOS RACING Ferrari, and the Miedecke Motorsport by Team MPC Ford Mustang GT3 Evo making its circuit debut. Local Japanese teams form a significant portion of the field, bringing regional expertise and fan support.

Technical Regulations and Balance of Performance

The Intercontinental GT Challenge follows FIA GT3 regulations for grand tourer racing cars. The Balance of Performance system ensures fair competition between different manufacturers and car models. The SRO Sporting Board manages BoP parameters, which include additional weight specifications, fuel cell requirements with mandatory foam, air restrictor settings, and compulsory catalytic converter use.

Officials collect engine reference data for compliance checks. Fuel saving maps are prohibited. Refueling rigs and couplers must meet specific technical standards.

Tyre Specifications

Pirelli serves as the official tyre supplier for the series. Tyre regulations specify minimum starting pressures, target hot pressures, tread temperatures after pre-heating, and maximum camber settings. These specifications help maintain competitive balance and safety standards.

Driver Safety Measures

Driver cooling systems become mandatory when race day temperatures exceed 30 degrees Celsius. This requirement protects driver health during extended stints in demanding conditions.

Race History

The first Suzuka 1000KM took place on June 26, 1966. The event has operated as both a standalone endurance race and as part of various championships over its history. These championships have included the Super GT Series, FIA GT Championship, and World Sportscar Championship.

The race paused from 1974 to 1979 due to the energy crisis of that era. It returned in 1980 and has evolved through different formats. Between 2018 and 2019, the event adopted a 10-hour format as part of the Intercontinental GT Challenge before reverting to the 1000-kilometre distance.

Circuit and Event Characteristics

The figure-of-eight layout creates unique racing dynamics. The track combines high-speed sections with technical corners, testing all aspects of GT3 car performance. Teams must balance setup for quick flowing sections like the Esses with the slower, more technical portions of the circuit.

Honda built the circuit originally for testing and development purposes. This heritage means the track design emphasizes technical challenge over simple speed. Drivers and engineers regard the venue as one of motorsport's most demanding facilities.

The circuit has hosted numerous championship-deciding races in various series. Its position as a season finale venue in multiple championships has created many memorable moments in motorsport history.

What Makes This Event Special

The 2026 edition marks the 50th running of this endurance classic. This milestone brings together half a century of racing heritage with modern GT3 competition. The combination of a challenging circuit, diverse manufacturer representation, and strong international and local team participation creates a compelling racing spectacle.

Test Session 1 provides the first opportunity for teams to gather data on track conditions, tyre behavior, and car setup. Teams use this session to establish baseline setups before refining their approach in subsequent practice sessions. The information gathered during this opening hour proves valuable for qualifying and race strategy development.

The blend of professional drivers, competitive GT3 machinery, and the demanding Suzuka Circuit layout promises close racing across all classes. The endurance format rewards consistency, strategy, and teamwork alongside raw speed.