GTA President & CEO Masaaki Bandoh appeared in GTA’s regular press conference held on November 2nd (Sun) before the race start of the MOTEGI GT300km RACE GRAND FINAL, Round 8 of the 2025 AUTOBACS SUPER GT series and shared his view on this season and the new plan for the race operation of next season and beyond.

　He opened his address by touching on the traffic congestion occurring in local area by many spectators visiting the circuit, “Last year (Motegi) was not the last race of the year, but we are seeing more show-up of fans compared against 2 years ago.” Bandoh emphasized the success of Motegi event. “Weather is good and there is fly-over by F-2 too. I think the (race) distance is a bit short, but there is a sunset issue (so there is no choice). But I think it’s a good and fun package as an event, and we will continue our efforts to create new ideas so that we can present ‘Fun to Watch’ SUPER GT.”

　He was asked for his opinion through a representative question on the season that had various changes such as Round 3 Malaysia, which was held for the first time in 13 years, the first sprint race of Round 4 Fuji that was held as a regular series event for the first time in SUPER GT, etc. “It had been 13 years for Malaysia, and we started out with the promoter as well as the government of Malaysia on trial-and-error basis. Variety of issues came up, like logistics, etc., but I think it was because it was the first year (after resumption). It’s very busy situation, but we want to make it so that SUPER GT, as well as Japanese motorsports, can become something that can be built together with the people of Southeast Asia. I know it was a hard job for our staff, but I think the direction we need to go has become clearer. I really appreciate everybody involved in the process. Also, it was a very important year in terms of shifting the focus on how we can build sustainable SUPER GT, and the one-make tire starting from 2027, environmental consideration, cost reduction, etc., are all related.” With the recent number of spectators getting closer to the level before the COVID-19 pandemic, Bandoh explained the need for having the organizer and circuit work together to establish a structure required to accept visitors as well as in promotional activities to draw more fans to the circuit. He also mentioned that it was a year where they were able to pave the path for various initiatives for next season. “I believe we have been able to enhance the added value (of SUPER GT) and to build a sense of value that can appreciates that.”

　The CEO also spoke about the initiatives deployed in the FIA-F4 championship that was co-held with the Round 7 Autopolis event. 2 classes were created for the Autopolis event, Champion and Independent classes, where each class held qualifying and race independently. To a question that asked about the format to be adopted from next year, Bandoh responded, “There is going to be an organizers meeting this month. 2 races will be held each for Champion class and Independent class, and we need to discuss further on how we are going to utilize Friday (car run time on circuit) as well as on whether we can establish whatever needed for officials and the Stewards of the Meeting.” He also revealed that a request was submitted to JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) for 4-race event. Since one event out of the SUPER GT series events will be held at overseas (Malaysia), discussions are going on to include FIA-F4 in the Japanese SUPER FORMULA LIGHTS Championship held in June at Okayama International Circuit to satisfy the requirements of 6 events or more and a total of 14 races to be an FIA sanctioned championship, according to the CEO.

　”We are considering that if F4 can have qualifying on Friday, then we can probably set a practice session for SUPER GT.” Bandoh responded on the difficulty to schedule 4 races in 2 days of Saturday and Sunday due to the sunset time being earlier depending on the time of the season when the event is held, like the Motegi event. “If it became 3-day event from the current 2-day, then that could be ‘work style reform’ if you consider the work hour in a day. It would increase the cost for the teams, but we can think about ‘how to utilize Friday.’ If we can run the cars on Friday, then the time the people (SUPER GT related workers) have to stay at the circuit could become shorter on Saturday and Sunday, or we could have more promotional activities. We will consider various options.” Bandoh explained that the components of the schedule of a SUPER GT event are being reviewed. However, he also emphasized that the discussions will need to continue by collecting ideas and opinions from the stakeholders because there are also possibilities for making the schedule very tight, such as for traveling, because there are also co-hosted races to consider.

　”There are new issues for next year and we need to tackle them one by one, but we will climb up one step after another too. There were failures, but I think we were able to leave footmarks. We are working as one team to create something new to draw more spectators. We will continue our efforts together by keeping our motive to make motorsports a culture in mind.” President & CEO Bandoh expressed determination and closed the last regular press conference of the season.