Han Lichao Claims Dramatic Victory at Greater Bay Area GT Cup in Toyota GR Supra GT4 EVO
In a nail-biting race at the Greater Bay Area GT Cup (GT4), Toyota Gazoo Racing China’s Han Lichao emerged victorious, driving the Toyota GR Supra GT4 EVO to a hard-fought win in Zhuhai.
The 10-lap race began under safety car conditions due to damp track surfaces, with competitors unleashed on lap three. BMW M4 GT4 (G82) driver Andy Deng Yi initially seized the lead, closely shadowed by Han, who started second on the grid. The race’s dynamics shifted dramatically at Lisboa Bend, where Deng’s crash opened the door for Han to take control.
Han’s lead, however, was short-lived. A mid-race safety car restart saw 778 Auto Sport’s Lo Ka Chun and Harmony Racing’s Alex Liang Jia Tong, both in BMW M4 GT4s, gain ground. Their choice of slick tyres proved advantageous on the drying track compared to Han’s wet tyres. The pair engaged in an electrifying duel, with Lo narrowly beating Liang by just 0.008 seconds at the finish line.
Post-race, drama unfolded as both Lo and Liang were found to have breached the Sporting Regulations by failing to ensure their cars were resting on their wheels at the three-minute mark before the race start. This violation led to 30-second penalties for both drivers, propelling Han Lichao to the top of the standings.
The revised podium saw 610 Racing’s Yang Xiaowei finish second in a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS CS, while Team TRC’s Kevin Tse Wing Kin claimed third place in a Mercedes-AMG GT4.
Han’s victory marks a significant achievement for Toyota Gazoo Racing China, underscoring the performance capabilities of the GR Supra GT4 EVO in a fiercely competitive field.
