Super GT - Super GT Round 1

Super GT Round 1 at Okayama International Circuit represents the opening race of the 2026 Super GT championship season in Japan. This event brings together the premier GT500 class and the diverse GT300 class for a multi-class race at one of Japan's most technical racing venues. The race weekend features qualifying sessions and a main race, typically covering 300 kilometers with mandatory pit stops for both tire changes and refueling.

About the Race

The Super GT Round 1 serves as the season opener, showcasing new cars, liveries, and driver pairings for the 2026 campaign. Teams arrive at Okayama International Circuit with fresh preparations and strategies. The race format follows standard Super GT procedures, with both GT500 and GT300 cars competing simultaneously on track. Pit strategy plays a critical role as teams manage tire performance and fuel requirements throughout the race distance.

The Circuit

Okayama International Circuit is located in Mimasaka, Okayama Prefecture, Japan. The permanent road course measures 3.703 kilometers (2.301 miles) and features 13 corners in a clockwise direction. The track layout includes several demanding sections such as the hairpin, Attwood corner, and Revolver turn. Each of these corners requires precise driving and proper car setup.

The circuit's relatively narrow width and undulating surface create opportunities for strategic overtaking. Natural elevation changes add to the challenge drivers face. The technical nature of the track prioritizes mechanical grip and cornering ability over straight-line speed. Spectators benefit from the natural amphitheater-like sections that provide viewing opportunities around the circuit.

Competition Classes

GT500 Class

The GT500 class represents the top category in Super GT. Three major Japanese manufacturers compete with prototype-based racing machines. Toyota fields the GR Supra, Honda enters the NSX-GT (or potential successor model), and Nissan races the Z GT500. Each manufacturer supports multiple factory-backed teams.

All GT500 cars use a common 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder direct-injection turbocharged engine called the NRE (Nippon Race Engine). This power unit produces approximately 650-670 horsepower. The cars share a common carbon-fiber monocoque chassis supplied by Dome. Advanced aerodynamic packages include large diffusers, wings, and intricate bodywork. Multiple tire manufacturers—Bridgestone, Yokohama, Michelin, and Dunlop—develop specific compounds for each car and circuit.

GT300 Class

The GT300 class offers greater diversity with three types of cars competing together. FIA GT3 cars come from international manufacturers like Mercedes-AMG, BMW, Porsche, Audi, Lamborghini, and Aston Martin. JAF-GT cars follow Japan Automobile Federation regulations and often feature Japanese production models with significant racing modifications, including the Toyota GR86, Subaru BRZ, and Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3. Mother Chassis (MC) cars use a standardized carbon-fiber monocoque with different bodywork options.

Performance is equalized through Balance of Performance (BoP) regulations. These rules adjust weight, fuel flow restrictors, and other parameters to ensure fair competition between different car types. The class features both manufacturer-supported teams and independent privateer entries, creating competitive racing throughout the field.

Technical Specifications

GT500 regulations emphasize parity among manufacturers through standardized components. The common chassis and engine platform ensure that aerodynamic development and tire performance become key differentiators. Teams work within strict aerodynamic regulations to maximize downforce and efficiency.

GT300 cars vary widely in their technical specifications. Engine configurations range from 4-cylinder to V8 layouts, depending on the base model. FIA GT3 cars follow global GT3 regulations, while JAF-GT and Mother Chassis cars adhere to Super GT-specific rules. The BoP system continuously adjusts parameters to maintain competitive balance across all entries.

Circuit History

Okayama International Circuit has served Japanese motorsport for many years. The venue hosted Formula 1's Pacific Grand Prix in 1994 and 1995 when it operated under the name Aida. The circuit has been a regular fixture on the Super GT calendar, frequently hosting the season-opening round. Its technical layout challenges drivers and provides a thorough test of car performance across various corner types.

Teams often use Okayama for pre-season testing due to its varied corner combinations. The track simulates different conditions that teams will encounter throughout the season. This familiarity makes it a logical choice for the championship opener.

What Makes This Race Special

Super GT is known for strong fan engagement. The series traditionally offers paddock access, grid walks, and driver autograph sessions, giving spectators unique opportunities to interact with teams and drivers. Race Queens (campaign models) are a distinctive part of the Super GT experience, adding visual appeal to the paddock atmosphere.

Weather conditions at Okayama can vary, ranging from cool and dry to wet conditions. This variability adds strategic complexity to the race. Teams must prepare for multiple scenarios, and weather changes can shuffle the competitive order.

The circuit's shorter main straight compared to other venues means that lap time comes primarily from cornering performance rather than top speed. This characteristic produces close racing as cars with different strengths compete through the technical sections. The combination of multiple tire manufacturers, diverse car types in GT300, and manufacturer rivalry in GT500 creates multiple storylines throughout the race weekend.

Okayama International Circuit sets the stage for the 2026 Super GT championship battle. The race provides the first competitive answers about which teams, drivers, and manufacturers have prepared most effectively during the off-season.