Super GT - Autopolis

The Autopolis Super GT event represents Round 7 of the AUTOBACS SUPER GT series at the Autopolis International Racing Course. This race takes place at one of Japan's most distinctive circuits, located in Oita Prefecture near Kamitsue village. The event features a 3-hour endurance race format that tests both driver skill and team strategy across the challenging mountain terrain.

Autopolis spans 4.673 kilometers and features 18 turns that wind through dramatic elevation changes of over 50 meters. The circuit sits at an altitude of 820 meters above sea level, with the first section descending before the track climbs back uphill. This layout creates unique demands on car setup and driver technique. Yoshitoshi Sakurai designed the circuit, which opened in November 1990 at a cost of 47 billion yen. The facility holds FIA Grade 2 certification and regularly hosts Super GT, Super Formula, and other major Japanese racing series.

The Super GT event at Autopolis brings together 43 cars split between two classes. The GT500 class fields 15 entries featuring Toyota GR Supra, Honda Civic Type R-GT, and Nissan Z NISMO machines. These cars use 2-liter turbocharged engines with fuel flow restrictors to balance performance. The GT300 class includes 28 cars from various manufacturers, competing under FIA GT3 or GTA-GT300 regulations. Teams select from tire suppliers including Bridgestone, Dunlop, Michelin, and Yokohama.

The 3-hour race format requires two mandatory pit stops. Teams receive an allocation of six sets of dry tires and eight sets of wet tires. Success ballast applies based on championship points, though the weight penalty is halved for this round. Balance of Performance requirements for each car are announced before the race to maintain competitive parity. The fuel capacity limit stands at 110 liters, and teams must use refueling restrictors that comply with JAF regulations.

Autopolis joined the Super GT calendar in 1999 and has hosted races regularly since 2003. The circuit was built by Tomonori Tsurumaki, a real estate developer who intended for the venue to host Formula One. While that goal never materialized, Autopolis sponsored the Benetton F1 team in 1990 and 1991 to promote the circuit internationally. The venue did host the final race of the 1991 World Sportscar Championship season.

The circuit changed ownership several times due to financial challenges. Hazama Ando acquired it in 1995, followed by Kawasaki Motors in 2005, who continue to operate the facility. The location within Aso Kuju National Park provides a scenic backdrop for racing. Tomoki Nojiri holds the fastest lap record at 1:26.757, set in a Super Formula car.

The mountain setting creates variable weather conditions that can dramatically affect race strategy. Teams must prepare for temperature swings and sudden weather changes that come with the high altitude. The mix of high-speed corners and tight hairpins demands versatile car setups. GT500 regulations align with DTM technical rules, while GT300 cars follow FIA GT3 standards with specific modifications for the Japanese series.

All drivers must wear carbon helmets conforming to FIA 8860-2018 safety standards. Some teams register a third driver for the endurance format, allowing for strategic driver rotations during the race. The GT300 class uses group divisions during Q1 qualifying to manage the large field size. A driving moral hazard prevention system monitors driver behavior throughout the season, with potential penalties for accumulated points.

The Autopolis Super GT race offers a unique challenge within the championship. The circuit characteristics favor different car strengths compared to other venues on the calendar. The endurance format rewards consistency and smart pit strategy over pure qualifying pace. This combination makes the Autopolis round a critical event for teams chasing championship points in both GT500 and GT300 classes.