GT World Challenge Asia 2025 delivered another twist in the championship fight at the Okayama International Circuit, as JMR’s #66 Corvette, shared by Abu Bakar Ibrahim and Alexander Sims, secured a strong second place finish.
But while JMR had reason to celebrate, the championship picture was thrown into chaos. Title favourites Bob Yuan and Leo Ye, along with fellow contender Jefri Ibrahim, saw their hopes dashed before the end of the opening lap, leaving the season finale in Beijing wide open.
The drama began immediately. Starting third, championship leader Ye looked set to challenge team-mate and pole-sitter Buus. But after jinking right, Ye cut left into the path of Sims, who was pushed into Daan Arrow’s Porsche. The domino effect sent Arrow’s car spearing into the wall.
Moments later, Ben Green attempted an outside move on Buus at Turn 1 but ran wide and rejoined into a three-wide battle with Ye and Sims. Contact broke #99’s rear suspension, while Green’s Corvette struck Ye’s car, spinning the Porsche around at Turn 2. Both Ye and Green limped back to the pits, where their races ended prematurely. Stewards later ruled the chaos a racing incident.
The early exits of Ye and Yuan, combined with Jefri Ibrahim’s misfortune, reshaped the title race and opened the door for new contenders.
With the frontrunners out, Buus and co-driver Lu took control. After a rapid opening stint and aided by Phantom Racing’s Anthony Liu serving a success penalty, Lu inherited the lead and never looked back.
Dorian Boccolacci had earlier played a key role by defending against Sims, giving Buus the space to build a decisive gap. Lu eventually crossed the line comfortably ahead, sealing a vital win.
Behind him, Abu Bakar Ibrahim and Sims brought the JMR Corvette home in second, though unable to close the 14-second gap. Absolute Racing’s Wang claimed third after a gritty defense against Liu, who recovered to fourth but couldn’t break through.
The result means seven crews remain in contention heading into the final showdown in Beijing (October 17–19):
- Bob Yuan & Leo Ye (still leading despite retirement)
- Lu & Jefri Ibrahim (just 6 points behind)
- Phantom’s Anthony Liu & co-driver (20 points off the top)
- Craft-Bamboo’s Cao Qi & Jayden Ojeda (outside chance, 47 points down)
Cao and Ojeda kept their slim hopes alive with a fifth-place finish, but they must win both Beijing races to snatch the title.
With Okayama’s chaos reshuffling the deck, the Beijing Street Circuit finale promises one of the most unpredictable title fights in GT World Challenge Asia history. What was once a two-horse race is now a seven-way battle for glory, setting up an unforgettable climax to the 2025 season.
Credit Photo : GTWC
