The 2023 Gran Turismo World Series begins on May 13 with the first round of the Nations Cup. Any player who owns a copy of Gran Turismo 7 for PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5 can enter the series by heading to Sport mode in-game. Once there, register for the Nations Cup – race to represent your country or home territory – and/or the Constructors’ Cup, racing for your favorite constructor.
Unlike previous years, the Nations Cup seven-round online series will be held in a back-to-back block, with Round 7 taking place on June 3. The Manufacturers Cup will follow, with round 1 on June 7 and the final round on July 1.
Online Series results will determine which players will be invited to the two 2023 Series live events, the World Series Showdown in Amsterdam (August 11-12) and the Global Finals, which will take place in early December at a venue to be announced.
In 2022, a thrilling World Final in Monaco ended with Subaru and Toyota level on Constructors’ Cup points, but the trophy went to Daniel Solis (USA), Takuma Miyazono (JPN) and Kylian Drumont (FRA) of Subaru thanks to their victory. in the final race.
The Nations Cup was no less contested with points tied in the lead. This time it was popular Spaniard and World Series veteran Coque López who was crowned champion after winning the race after an eventful final lap. Chilean Angel Inostroza finished second while Brazilian Igor Fraga, the first world champion in 2018, took the last place on the podium.
A change to the Nations Cup format in 2023 sees the showdown and World Finals contested as a team event, like the Constructors’ Cup, with three drivers from the same country competing for the title.
“It’s always exciting when a new Gran Turismo World Series kicks off,” commented Kazunori Yamauchi, Gran Turismo Series Producer. “Every year we see incredible battles between our established stars, but there are always new talents bursting onto the scene at the highest level.
In addition to the Gran Turismo World Series, 2023 will also see the Olympic Esports Series bringing together the best players from around the world in Singapore at the end of June. Another milestone this year will be the release of a Gran Turismo movie in August, around the time of our Amsterdam Showdown event, which celebrates the success of the Nissan PlayStation GT Academy program.
“Echoing the GT Academy, we will enjoy watching our 2018 Gran Turismo World Series champion, Igor Fraga, race in the Super GT 300 and Super Formula Lights class in Japan this year. He will be busy, but we are still expecting to see him also face the World Series, having finished third in the Nations Cup last year.
Michelin, Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR), Genesis, Mazda, Brembo, Sony Alpha and BBS continue their support as official partners of the Gran Turismo World Series.
The Gran Turismo World Series is open to all players with any PS Plus subscription for online spins through Gran Turismo 7’s Sport Mode. The Online Series is held in a league format with three leagues determined by driver ratings, so players can compete in races. against opponents of the same level. Qualification for the World Series Showdown and World Finals is subject to terms and conditions which can be viewed on the Gran Turismo website.
In addition to the Gran Turismo World Series, the Toyota Gazoo Racing GT Cup is already underway. Seven online qualifying rounds will end on August 27, and the finals will again be held alongside the Gran Turismo World Series finals at the end of the year.
For the first time since Sydney in early 2020, Gran Turismo fans will have the chance to watch the Gran Turismo World Series live and in person at the Showdown event in Amsterdam and the World Finals. Keep an eye on gran-turismo.com and the Gran Turismo social networks for information on how to get tickets.
* Internet connection and PS Plus membership required for entry