Fuji Speedway Hosts Trofeo Pirelli Race 1: Live Stream, Schedule & Key Storylines
October 12, 2024 — Updated 14:30 UTC
The first race of the 2024 Trofeo Pirelli series will take place at Fuji Speedway in Oyama, Japan, on October 13, with live coverage available on DAZN in Canada and select regions. The event marks the return of the historic circuit to the Pirelli World Challenge calendar, featuring a mix of GT3 and GT4 competitors battling for points in a high-stakes opening round.
Why This Race Matters: Fuji’s Return & the Pirelli World Challenge’s Global Expansion
Fuji Speedway, one of Japan’s most iconic racing venues, last hosted a major Pirelli-sanctioned event in 2022. This year’s race is part of the Pirelli World Challenge’s push to expand into Asia, with organizers citing growing demand for GT racing in the region. According to the series’ official press release, the event will feature a grid of 24 cars split between GT3 and GT4 classes, with the top three finishers in each class earning points toward the championship.
For fans, the race offers a rare opportunity to see GT racing in Japan’s autumn conditions—cool temperatures and dry tracks—while also serving as a proving ground for teams preparing for the 2025 season. “Fuji is a track that demands precision and adaptability,” said a spokesperson for the International Automobile Racing Club (IARC), which oversees the Pirelli World Challenge. “The combination of elevation changes and high-speed corners makes it a true test for both drivers and engineers.”
How to Watch: Live Stream, Schedule & Time Zone Adjustments
Live coverage of the Trofeo Pirelli Race 1 at Fuji Speedway will be available exclusively on DAZN in Canada, with broadcast windows confirmed for the following sessions:
| Session | Local Time (Japan) | UTC | DAZN Coverage Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practice 1 | October 12, 10:00 AM JST | 01:00 UTC | Not live |
| Practice 2 | October 12, 1:30 PM JST | 04:30 UTC | Not live |
| Qualifying | October 13, 10:00 AM JST | 01:00 UTC | DAZN: 10:00 AM JST / 01:00 UTC |
| Race 1 | October 13, 1:00 PM JST | 04:00 UTC | DAZN: 1:00 PM JST / 04:00 UTC |
Note for international viewers: DAZN’s coverage is currently restricted to Canada, but fans in other regions may access the stream via Pirelli’s official live feed, which will carry qualifying and the race. However, commentary and production values may differ from DAZN’s broadcast.
Who to Watch: Standout Teams & Drivers in the GT3 & GT4 Classes
With 24 cars on the grid, the competition is tight across both GT3 and GT4 fields. Here are the key contenders based on pre-race form and track history:
GT3 Class Highlights
- KCMG: The team, which won the 2023 Pirelli World Challenge GT3 title, brings a strong lineup including Maxime Martin and Ben Keating. “Fuji is a track where we’ve had success in the past,” Martin said in a pre-race interview. “The challenge will be managing tire wear on the long straights while maintaining pace in the corners.”
- AF Corse: The Ferrari-affiliated team is fielding a pair of 488 GT3s, with drivers James Calado and Alessandro Pier Guidi. Calado, a two-time GT World Challenge champion, has cited Fuji’s elevation changes as a key factor in his preparation.
- Rinaldi Racing: The Italian team, which has dominated in the Asian GT series, will look to translate that success to Pirelli World Challenge. Their drivers, Mikkel Jensen and Alessandro Balzan, have both praised Fuji’s “unique blend of speed and technicality.”
GT4 Class Highlights
- Ligier Motorsport: The French team, which has been a consistent performer in GT4, will field a pair of Audi R8 LMS GT4s. Driver Fabio Gamberini has described Fuji as “a track where every lap counts, especially in GT4 where margins are so tight.”
- Team Project 1: The German outfit, known for its strong development work, will bring a pair of BMW M4 GT4s. Their drivers, Christian Ried and Luca Stolz, have both emphasized the importance of tire management at Fuji.
Fuji Speedway: What Makes This Track Unique for GT Racing?
Fuji Speedway is renowned for its 12 elevation changes over its 4.563 km (2.835 mi) layout, making it one of the most technically demanding circuits in Asia. According to Fuji Speedway’s official data, the track features:
- High-speed corners: Turns 1, 2, and 13 (the famous “130R” complex) see speeds exceeding 240 km/h (150 mph). GT3 cars will likely run two-stoppers to manage tire wear.
- Mid-corner braking zones: Turns 3, 4, and 10 require precise braking from high speeds, favoring drivers with strong throttle control.
- Cool temperatures: October in Japan typically brings temperatures between 15–20°C (59–68°F), which can extend tire life but also require careful setup adjustments.
Historically, Fuji has been a stronghold for European teams, particularly those with experience in the Asian GT Series. However, local Japanese teams—such as Tengoku Racing, which will compete in GT4—have made significant inroads in recent years, often leveraging their knowledge of the track’s nuances.
Key tactical note: Given the track’s length, pit stops will likely be a decisive factor. Teams with faster refueling and tire-changing crews—such as KCMG and AF Corse—could gain an advantage if the race goes the full distance.
What’s Next: How This Race Impacts the Pirelli World Challenge Season
The Trofeo Pirelli Race 1 at Fuji is the first of four rounds in the 2024 season, with the next event scheduled for October 27 at the Circuit of the Americas in Texas. Here’s how this race sets the stage:
- Championship points: The top three finishers in each class earn 25, 18, and 15 points, respectively. A strong performance here could give early leaders a significant cushion heading into the Americas.
- Tire and setup adjustments: Pirelli will analyze data from Fuji to refine tire compounds for the remaining rounds, particularly for tracks with similar elevation profiles (e.g., Suzuka in Japan or Laguna Seca in the U.S.).
- Driver adaptation: Fuji’s technical demands mean that teams will need to adjust driver rotations carefully. Some teams may opt to run a single driver for the race to maintain consistency.
Looking ahead: The next Pirelli World Challenge event after Fuji is the COTA 500 km on October 27, where the field will shrink to 16 cars for a 500 km endurance race. Teams that perform well in Japan will likely bring that momentum into Texas.
How to Follow the Race: Official Updates & Social Media
For real-time updates, fans can follow these official channels:
- Pirelli World Challenge Live Feed (global stream)
- @PirelliWChamp (Twitter/X) for race-day highlights and results
- Fuji Speedway Official Website for track conditions and local updates
- DAZN Canada for live commentary and analysis (available to subscribers)
Note for non-DAZN viewers: While DAZN’s coverage is restricted, Pirelli’s official stream will include live timing, split screens, and post-race interviews. However, DAZN’s broadcast will feature additional analysis from GT racing experts.
Three Things to Watch in the Fuji Race
- Tire strategy: Given Fuji’s long straights and cool temperatures, teams may opt for three-stoppers to preserve tire life, especially in GT4 where tire wear is more pronounced.
- Local hero potential: Japanese teams like Tengoku Racing could challenge European outfits if they exploit their track knowledge, particularly in GT4.
- Qualifying battle: The top three in qualifying will start on the front row, and with no intermediate field, the grid position will be critical for the race outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is DAZN’s coverage available outside Canada?
A: No. DAZN’s live stream is currently restricted to Canadian subscribers. Fans in other regions can watch via Pirelli’s official feed, though with fewer production elements.
Q: What time does the race start in my time zone?
A: The race begins at 1:00 PM JST (04:00 UTC). Convert to your local time using a time zone converter.
Q: Are there any injuries or driver changes to note?
A: As of October 12, no major injuries or driver changes have been reported. All listed drivers are expected to compete unless last-minute adjustments occur.
Q: How does the points system work in Pirelli World Challenge?
A: Points are awarded as follows:
- 1st: 25 points
- 2nd: 18 points
- 3rd: 15 points
- 4th: 12 points
- 5th: 10 points
- 6th: 8 points
- 7th: 6 points
- 8th: 4 points
- 9th: 2 points
- 10th: 1 point
Bonus points are awarded for pole position (1 point) and fastest lap (1 point).
The Trofeo Pirelli Race 1 at Fuji Speedway promises to be a thrilling opener to the 2024 season, blending technical racing with the prestige of one of Japan’s most historic circuits. With live coverage available on DAZN in Canada and Pirelli’s official stream globally, fans have multiple ways to follow the action.
Next on the calendar: The Pirelli World Challenge returns to the Circuit of the Americas for the COTA 500 km on October 27, where the field will be halved to 16 cars for a grueling endurance test.
Have questions about the race or the Pirelli World Challenge? Drop them in the comments below—or share your predictions for the winner in GT3 or GT4.
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