Ayhancan Güven to Compete at Suzuka 1000 in Japan
Turkish racing driver Ayhancan Güven is set to compete in the Suzuka 1000, the Japanese round of the Intercontinental GT Challenge (IGTC). The Red Bull athlete will take part in one of the most demanding endurance events on the international GT racing calendar.
Güven will share the No. 7 Porsche 911 GT3 R with French drivers Dorian Boccolacci and Alessandro Ghiretti. The trio will represent their team in a race that combines speed, consistency and strategic precision on the legendary Suzuka circuit.
The race weekend will begin with practice sessions. The first three sessions are scheduled for 03:10, 06:10 and 11:50 Turkish time. These runs will allow the drivers and engineers to evaluate the car’s performance, tyre behaviour and handling characteristics before qualifying.
Qualifying is due to take place on Saturday, September 12, at 11:40 Turkish time. The results will determine the starting positions for the main event, where every detail can have a major impact on the final outcome.
The Suzuka 1000 will begin on Sunday, September 13, at 06:50 Turkish time. Ayhancan Güven and his teammates will battle for victory over a long-distance race in which driver changes, fuel management and pit-stop efficiency will be just as important as outright pace.
A demanding challenge at Suzuka
Suzuka is widely regarded as one of the most technically challenging circuits in motorsport. Its fast corners, elevation changes and narrow racing line leave little room for error. The famous “S” Curves, Degner corners, Spoon Curve and 130R demand both courage and accuracy from the drivers.
For endurance competitors, the circuit presents an additional challenge because conditions can change significantly during the race. Drivers must maintain a high rhythm while protecting the tyres, avoiding unnecessary risks and adapting to traffic from different vehicle classes.
Importance of teamwork
Success in a 1000-kilometre race depends on much more than the performance of a single driver. Güven, Boccolacci and Ghiretti must work as a coordinated unit throughout the weekend. Sharing technical feedback, managing stint lengths and communicating clearly with the team will be essential.
The Porsche 911 GT3 R is designed for international GT competition and offers strong performance in braking, cornering and high-speed sections. However, extracting its full potential requires careful setup work and a driving style that remains consistent across different conditions.
Strategy may decide the result
Endurance races are often determined by strategy rather than raw speed alone. Teams must decide when to make pit stops, how much fuel to load and which tyres to use. A small delay in the pits or an overly aggressive stint can affect the result several hours later.
Traffic management will also be a critical factor. Faster GT cars must pass slower vehicles safely, while drivers need to avoid losing time or damaging the car during close battles. Reliability will be another key priority, as even a minor mechanical issue can cost valuable positions.
Güven’s international experience
Ayhancan Güven has established himself as one of Turkey’s leading representatives in international GT racing. His participation in the Suzuka 1000 provides another opportunity to compete against experienced drivers and prestigious teams from around the world.
Racing in Japan also offers Güven valuable experience on a circuit with a unique character. Suzuka requires a combination of technical knowledge, physical endurance and mental concentration, particularly during long stints behind the wheel.
The race weekend will therefore be important not only for the No. 7 Porsche but also for Güven’s continued development on the global motorsport stage. Fans will be watching to see how the Turkish driver and his teammates perform in one of the season’s most demanding events.