> Fanatec Japan Cup remains key component of pan-Asia schedule
> Thailand stages season opener for the first time
> Motegi replaces Sportsland SUGO
Fanatec GT World Challenge Asia Powered by AWS will return to a 12-race, six-event schedule next season following confirmation of the draft 2023 calendar.
At its heart is the Fanatec Japan Cup, which is once again set to feature four events that count towards a championship within a championship for Japanese teams and drivers.
Mandalika’s cancellation has reduced this year’s schedule to five weekends. But while the Indonesian circuit does not appear on 2023’s calendar, the total number of events has returned to six thanks to the inclusion of Chang International Circuit – a series mainstay before the coronavirus pandemic struck in 2020.
What’s more, a Fanatec GT World Challenge Asia season will begin outside of Malaysia for the first time ever when Thailand’s MotoGP venue welcomes teams and drivers on May 13/14.
Next up are Fuji and Suzuka, which have swapped places and no longer take place on consecutive weekends. These events also count towards the Fanatec Japan Cup, which continues when SRO Motorsports Group visits Motegi for the first time in late July. Japan’s MotoGP circuit replaces Sportsland SUGO, which could return to the calendar in future seasons.
Okayama, as it does this year, stages the Fanatec Japan Cup finale in August before Sepang closes out the campaign one month later. Malaysia’s date will be confirmed once other regional motorsport events are finalised.
Official testing will continue to take place on the Thursday or Friday before most events, while the existing driver class format is unlikely to alter.
However, there will be a renewed focus on GT2 cars, which are eligible to but do not currently compete in the championship.
PROVISIONAL 2023 CALENDAR
May 13/14 – Chang International Circuit – 2x 1hr races
June 17/18 – Fuji International Speedway – 2x 1hr races (Fanatec Japan Cup)
July 1/2 – Suzuka International Circuit – 2x 1hr races (Fanatec Japan Cup)
July 22/23 – Motegi – 2x 1hr races (Fanatec Japan Cup)
August 19/20 – Okayama International Circuit – 2x 1hr races (Fanatec Japan Cup)
September TBC – Sepang International Circuit – 2x 1hr races