The 2025 GT World Challenge Asia, one of the world's premier Grand Touring (GT) racing series, will be held in Beijing for the first time from October 17 to 19, with preparations now entering the final stage. This is the first top-tier international motorsport event to take place in Beijing as a street circuit race. Photo: Courtesy of the orgnizer

The 2025 GT World Challenge Asia, one of the world's premier Grand Touring (GT) racing series, will be held in Beijing for the first time from October 17 to 19, with preparations now entering the final stage. This is the first top-tier international motorsport event to take place in Beijing as a street circuit race. 

Santiago Hernandez, Director of Event Operations for SRO Motorsports Group China, told the Global Times on Wednesday that the race will serve as the Asian Cup finale, with world-class drivers competing in GT3 and GT4 cars on a newly built 4.9-kilometer FIA Grade 3 temporary street circuit.

"Chinese driver Liu Xu has a strong chance of claiming his second overall season title, making history for Chinese motorsport," Hernandez noted.

The event will bring together leading global brands, including Lamborghini, Ferrari, and Porsche, as well as a lineup of renowned drivers.

According to Hernandez, Swiss driver Edoardo Mortara, a four-time world champion, will race for Lamborghini, while former German driver and multiple endurance race champion Markus Winkelhock will compete for the Audi Sport Asia Fantom team.

In addition to the aforementioned stars, top drivers from renowned teams around the world will also take part, including Japan's Super GT racer Kazuto Ogata, Porsche Supercup champion Bastian Buus, Nurburgring 24 Hours winner Nico Menzel, and Porsche factory driver Alessio Picariello.

"This competition will take place on a brand-new temporary street circuit, an unknown challenge for every driver," he said. "It will thoroughly test their adaptability, courage, and ability to respond under pressure. Even a small mistake could completely change the outcome of the race."

Li Quan, deputy director of the Administrative Committee of Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area, introduced that the Beijing Yizhuang circuit, a core highlight of the event, fully meets international standards. 

"The city circuit was designed strictly according to FIA Grade 3 specifications, with planning led by Apex, the original team behind the design of the Miami F1 track," he said.

Accordin to Li, the circuit is 4.9 kilometers long, and professional calculations show that cars can reach a top speed of 299 km/h," he noted. "This track combines professionalism with challenge, thoroughly testing drivers' control skills and tactical judgment.

"Bringing the GT Asia to Beijing fills a decade-long gap in top-tier motorsport events, enriches the city's racing calendar, and further consolidates Beijing's status as an 'international sports event capital,'" he said.

"Future plans will continue to promote innovative development through the integration of sports, industry, and culture, providing new opportunities for the upgrade of Beijing's high-tech industries, enhancing the city's role as an international exchange hub, and boosting its global influence," he added.