SRO Motorsports – organiser of the Blancpain GT Series – has joined forces with Japanese Super GT promoters GTA and Mobilityland to create a new race for GT3 and GT300 machinery.
The 10-hour Suzuka enduro will bring together the global-spec GT3 category and the Japan-based GT300 regulations for the first time.
It will replace the Suzuka 1000 km round of the Super GT championship, with the race weekend bookmarked for August 23-26 2018.
“First and foremost, I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep appreciation and respect for both partners; the GT Association and the SRO Motorsports Group, here today with us, for their collaboration in the realisation of this promising project," said Mobilityland President Susumu Yamashita.
"In collaboration, the Suzuka Circuit will provide the dream stage where worldwide GT series will gather in the prospect of future worldwide expansion."
"We are determined to, together with the entire local region, fully support the event, the public, the entrants and all of those involved in this promising project."
SRO Motorsports, run by Stephane Ratel, already manages the GT300 balance of performance, but GT3 teams have not been allowed to compete against Japan's premier sportscar teams until now.
All GT3 teams from SRO's partner championships will be eligible to compete at Suzuka, including the European and Asian Blancpain GT Series, Pirelli World Challenge, Intercontinental GT Challenge, and British GT Championship.
The GT300 category, meanwhile, has attracted almost 30 entries from 12 different manufacturers for the 2017 Super GT season.
"I am very excited to be here at Suzuka Circuit today to officially unveil the 47th Summer Endurance Suzuka 10 Hours," said Ratel.
"SRO fully supports this new project undertaken by Mobilityland. We are at a legendary circuit that is highly valued both in Europe and Asia."
"It is therefore a most appropriate platform to host a global GT race and write another chapter in the Suzuka Circuit’s long and valuable history."
"SRO will fully embrace the event by supporting champions from our numerous affiliated global categories and those teams currently competing in the European and Asian Blancpain GT Series to ensure that it flourishes and becomes a success.”
Race times for Suzuka are yet to be announced, although a morning start has been mooted.
A prize fund of 100 million Yen (£713,000) will be distributed during the weekend.
