GTA held its regular press conference before the start of the AUTOPOLIS GT 3Hours RACE, Round 7 of the 2025 AUTOBACS SUPER GT series. During the press meet, GTA President & CEO Masaaki Bandoh explained about the tires that will be used from 2027. Bandoh revealed that the series will introduce one-make tire to both GT500 and 300 classes.
There have been vast variety of tire manufacturers taking part in the series, 4 manufacturers in the GT300 class and 3 manufacturers in the GT500 class this season alone. So many tire makers have fought with the teams since the preceding championship of SUPER GT, the All Japan GT Championship, but the form of ‘competition’ is coming to an end in 2026.
“We have been working on cost reduction since 2008 (when Bandoh began his tenure), and this has been another form of competition for the domestic auto industry within a framework of so called motorsports, but various issues like environmental, cost situation of each company, etc., started to surface. There is no change in the three automakers of GT500, Toyota, Nissan, and Honda, continuing the competition. However, for the tires, it is true that it’s not just about taking part, the outcome is also important as a company. Tire cost is shooting up for the teams, and the difference between development tires and commercial tires is getting larger. We had discussed with the entrants (participating teams) for a long time. And we’ve reached a conclusion to introduce one-make from 2027. It’s very tough feeling. It was an agonizing decision and painful feeling because ‘head-to-head battle’ is what we pursue, but it’s my job to share this with you.” Bandoh commented with a stern face.
President & CEO Bandoh touched on the decision to introduce one-make tire again at the end of the press conference, “This may mean that we’ve reached that era, but I really appreciate the four tire manufacturers. I wish we can continue to work with the tire makers who established the fundamentals for the ‘foot’ of race cars, but the situation doesn’t allow us to continue with the current form. That’s probably the path we need to take now. When we reach 2027, we will have two (tire manufacturers), or maybe one or I don’t know how it will be yet, but I’m filled with grateful feeling from the bottom of my hear’ (to the tire manufacturers).” Bandoh repeatedly expressed his appreciation.
During the Q&A session with the press held afterwards, Bandoh was asked for a comment on Prelude-GT, a GT500 race car built based on new PRELUDE, which Honda Racing (HRC) conducted shakedown on October 1st at Sportsland SUGO (Miyagi Prefecture). HRC has announced that the race car will be fielded in the GT500 class from 2026.
“If they are bringing out Prelude (from next season), then maybe it means that they don’t want to lose to TOM’S instead of Toyota?” While drawing laughter, he commented on the current race car CIVIC TYPE R-GT, “They put effort into developing the car, I want to see it racing a little bit longer. There is such sentiment, and I even feel we should keep it as display.” He also emphasized his expectation on the new car, “On the other hand, I’m glad they put effort in technology development for SUPER GT and compete with a new model.”
