What Is 2019 GT World Challenge Asia

Overview

The 2019 GT World Challenge Asia was a premier grand tourer motorsport series that brought high-level GT3 racing to circuits across Asia. Organized by the SRO Motorsports Group, it marked the second season of the rebranded championship, previously known as the Blancpain GT Series Asia.

With a focus on competitive balance and driver categorization, the series attracted teams and drivers from across the region and beyond. The 2019 season emphasized accessibility and cost control while maintaining top-tier racing standards.

• Seven manufacturers were represented, including Audi, BMW, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Mercedes-AMG, Porsche, and Lexus, each fielding GT3-spec vehicles.
• The championship kicked off on April 13–14, 2019, at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, setting the tone for the season.
• Six race weekends were held across five countries: Malaysia, Japan, Korea, China, and Thailand, maximizing regional exposure.
• Each round featured two races: a 60-minute sprint format with mandatory pit stops and driver changes, testing both speed and strategy.
• The series used the FIA driver categorization system, dividing competitors into Pro, Silver, and Am classes to ensure fair competition.

How It Works

The GT World Challenge Asia followed a structured format combining endurance elements with sprint racing dynamics, designed to test both car reliability and driver versatility across diverse conditions.

• GT3 Regulations: All cars adhered to FIA GT3 technical specifications, ensuring performance parity through Balance of Performance (BoP) adjustments.
• Pro Class: Reserved for professional drivers with FIA Gold or Platinum ratings, this class featured the most experienced competitors on the grid.
• Silver Class: For young or emerging drivers with FIA Silver rating, promoting the development of new talent in top-tier GT racing.
• Am Class: Designed for amateur drivers (FIA Bronze), this category allowed skilled non-professionals to compete in regulated conditions.
• Pit Stops: Each race required at least one pit stop for driver change and tire strategy, adding tactical depth to race outcomes.
• Points System: Drivers and teams earned points based on finishing position, with extra points awarded for pole position and fastest lap.

Comparison at a Glance

Compared to other GT3 series, the 2019 GT World Challenge Asia offered a distinct regional focus with tailored regulations and scheduling.

The table highlights how the 2019 GT World Challenge Asia balanced international standards with regional logistics. While smaller in scale than European or American series, it provided a critical platform for Asian circuits and drivers. The exclusive use of GT3 cars and structured driver classes ensured consistency with global SRO standards, enhancing its credibility and appeal.

Why It Matters

The 2019 season played a crucial role in expanding GT3 racing’s footprint in Asia, fostering regional talent and strengthening motorsport infrastructure across the continent.

• Boosted regional motorsport economies by attracting international teams and sponsors to Asian circuits, increasing tourism and local investment.
• Promoted driver development through the Silver and Am classes, giving emerging talents a pathway to global competition.
• Strengthened manufacturer presence as brands like Mercedes-AMG and Audi used the series for regional marketing and technical validation.
• Enhanced technical parity via SRO’s Balance of Performance, ensuring close racing and reducing dominance by any single brand.
• Integrated with global GT calendar, allowing teams to transition between Asian, European, and American SRO-sanctioned events.
• Improved safety and regulations through FIA compliance, setting benchmarks for other regional series in Asia.

Overall, the 2019 GT World Challenge Asia was a pivotal season that elevated the standard of GT racing in the region, laying groundwork for future expansion and deeper international integration.