The 2026 GT World Challenge Asia powered by AWS season finale will now take place at Shanghai International Circuit on October 30 – November 1.
SRO Motorsports Group’s decision follows extensive consultation with teams and stakeholders after Ningbo was initially selected as Shanghai’s replacement last week. The Chinese Grand Prix venue was due to stage Rounds 5 and 6 on June 3-5 before local administrative complications linked to China’s nationwide College Entrance Exam forced organisers to switch locations.
Maintaining the same date would have reduced the logistical challenges and cost of changing venue at short notice. Indeed, this was SRO’s primary motivation for selecting Ningbo.
However, subsequent discussions led SRO to seek alternative solutions. This has resulted in Shanghai moving exactly one month after GT World Challenge Asia stages what will now become this year’s penultimate event on the streets of Beijing.
Benjamin Franassovici, SRO Motorsports Asia General Manager: “First and foremost, I would like to thank Ningbo for its work at short notice to host GT World Challenge Asia. We are very grateful for its efforts during what was an extremely fast-moving situation that required quick decisions and solutions.
“Nevertheless, customer racing and the relationships around it underpin SRO Motorsports Group’s global activities and hard-earned reputation. Following our clients’ input I believe we have found the best solution to what has been a very challenging situation to navigate.”
Shanghai last hosted GT World Challenge Asia’s season finale in 2024, its first appearance on the calendar since Covid-19 restrictions were lifted.
Meanwhile, details of SRO GT Cup’s races – which were originally scheduled to support GT World Challenge Asia at Shanghai and then Ningbo – will be announced soon.