Toyota GR GT3 makes its race debut at Super GT Motegi
The newsroomUpdated on October 27, 20263 minThe Toyota GR GT3 makes its racing debut on 7-8 November 2026 at the Super GT finale in Motegi, with ROOKIE Racing, Hiroaki Ishiura and Tokiya Suzuki.
Key point
The Toyota GR GT3 will make its racing debut at the Super GT finale in Motegi on 7 and 8 November 2026, in the No. 32 ROOKIE Racing car driven by Hiroaki Ishiura and Tokiya Suzuki.
After years of anticipation, the new Toyota GR GT3 is finally readying for its race debut. The green flag will drop at the Super GT Motegi Grand Final on 7 and 8 November 2026, the world competition debut of the GR GT3 Concept.
ROOKIE Racing and two drivers
The ROOKIE Racing team will run the No. 32 car in both 250 km races of the weekend. The drivers are Hiroaki Ishiura, a veteran Toyota factory driver and development driver for the GR GT, and 19-year-old Tokiya Suzuki from the Toyota Gazoo Racing Driver Challenge.
For the team, the choice comes at a sporting cost. By switching from its Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO to the Toyota, ROOKIE Racing will not score championship points in these final two races. Hiroaki Ishiura is currently seventh in the GT300 standings.
A GT3 with a twin-turbo V8
The GR GT3 is a GT3 car powered by a twin-turbo V8. It is expected to race full-time from 2027 in several championships: WEC, IMSA, Super GT and the Nürburgring 24H with the NLS series.
The Lexus RC F GT3 gives an idea of Toyota's approach: that car raced two seasons in Super GT before moving to other series. The GR GT3 appears to follow a similar path, starting with the Japanese championship.
Why it matters
For endurance and GT3 fans, this first race outing is the first real test of a car that is due to line up in major events in Europe and the United States. Motegi will show how the GR GT3 performs against the competition, even with no points at stake for the team.
Key points
- Race debut: Super GT finale at Motegi, 7 and 8 November 2026.
- ROOKIE Racing No. 32: Hiroaki Ishiura and Tokiya Suzuki (19), two 250 km races.
- Targeted programme from 2027: WEC, IMSA, Super GT and Nürburgring 24H/NLS.
- No championship points for ROOKIE Racing in these two races.
Frequently asked questions
When does the Toyota GR GT3 race for the first time?
At the Super GT finale in Motegi on 7 and 8 November 2026, in two 250 km races.
Who drives the car?
Hiroaki Ishiura, a Toyota factory and development driver, and 19-year-old Tokiya Suzuki from the Toyota Gazoo Racing Driver Challenge.
Will the car score points?
No: ROOKIE Racing, which swaps its Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO for the occasion, will not score championship points in these two races.
Sources
- DailySportsCar — GR GT3 to make world motorsport debut in Super GT Motegi Grand Final
- Racer — Toyota's GR GT3 to debut at Super GT finale
Written by the Karrazmotorsport newsroom, proofread before publication. For settings, always refer to your vehicle's manual. Our charter.
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