On May 4, ahead of the season’s first 3‑hour race, GTA Co., Ltd. held its regular press conference. With the race taking place during Japan’s Golden Week, a large number of fans gathered at Fuji Speedway. Taking the stage, Masaaki Bandoh, President & CEO of GTA, noted the increased congestion around the venue due to the larger crowd, while also expressing his relief that the heavy rain overnight had given way to improved weather conditions, allowing the race to be held on a dry track.
Bandoh then addressed new initiatives being implemented at this round. As part of efforts to address environmental sustainability, he revealed that a demonstration test is being conducted to supply electricity using a hydrogen‑powered generation system. This initiative is being carried out in cooperation with the Motorsports Committee of the Automobile Business & Culture Association of Japan, and is also linked to GTA’s environmental program, the “SUPER GT Green Project 2030.” Through continued challenges toward environmental responsibility at the competition site itself, GTA aims to carry the appeal of motorsport into the future.
At this Fuji round, Toyota’s MIRAI and Grand Hiace, fuel‑cell vehicles powered by hydrogen, were deployed in the paddock. While the primary aim is to verify the potential of alternative power supply methods to replace conventional generators, the project also seeks to utilize electricity supplied by fuel‑cell vehicles at circuits that require large amounts of power. In doing so, GTA hopes to accumulate practical knowledge that will contribute to reducing environmental impact and achieving sustainable event operations at race circuits. Bandoh commented, “While SUPER GT cars continue to produce sound, we want to make an effort to reduce carbon dioxide emissions within the paddock.” He added that GTA aims to expand such initiatives to other circuits in the future, linking these efforts to the broader promotion of carbon neutrality.
During the Q&A session, Bandoh was asked about the progress of introducing a one‑make tire system from next season. He stated clearly from the outset, “The tire manufacturer has already been decided.” While the supplier itself has been selected, he explained that the contract is currently in its final stage and that a formal announcement will be made only after the agreement has been finalized. Bandoh also noted that, in preparation for the new system, tire development and evaluation must be carried out in earnest. As a result, from Round 4 at Fuji in August onward, tests are planned to take place on Mondays following race weekends, with further details to be announced at a later date.
He explained that the content and timing of these tests will differ between the GT500 and GT300 classes. In particular, due to the wide variety of car models and drivetrain configurations in GT300, he stated that it would be ideal to conduct continuous testing across all remaining rounds from Round 4 onward in order to gather data under a broad range of conditions. For the GT500 class, testing is planned to be conducted at Fuji Speedway and Mobility Resort Motegi. Although participation by all cars is not mandatory, Bandoh emphasized that cooperation from all teams will be essential, and that through these tests GTA aims to establish a well‑balanced tire performance suitable for both classes.
