Gran Turismo World Series 2024: A Thrilling Finale in Amsterdam

The Gran Turismo World Series 2024 World Finals delivered a packed schedule of high-stakes racing across multiple competitions. With exhilarating performances, strategic masterclasses, and memorable victories, the event crowned champions in the Nations Cup, Manufacturers Cup, and Toyota Gazoo Racing GT Cup. Let’s break down the action-packed weekend.

Nations Cup: Takuma Miyazono’s Tactical Brilliance

Japanese driver Takuma Miyazono won his second Nations Cup title in Amsterdam, leaving everything on the track in a nail-biting final.

Qualifying session: The exclusive qualifying session featuring Gran Turismo 7's Master License International B tests saw Miyazono top, a marginal 0.6sec ahead of runner-up Valerio Gallo in the final table after the five test matches.

Race 1: Trial Mountain

Miyazono, despite earning pole position, struggled in his Ferrari as Gallo's Honda NSX and Serrano's Mercedes-AMG GT Black outpaced him. Jose Serrano claimed victory, with Miyazono finishing fourth.

Race 2: Monza

Race 2 introduced the F1-inspired F3500-A, a high-powered fictional car. Miyazono, employing smart pit strategies, secured second place behind Serrano.

Grand Final: Nurburgring 24h

The Grand Final on the grueling Nordschleife saw a nail-biting conclusion. Drivers piloted the Red Bull X2019 Competition and had to navigate three tire compounds.

Miyazono’s strategy of running hards early, combined with fuel-saving tactics, allowed him to overtake his rivals late in the race. He ultimately claimed victory after a stunning pass at the Dottinger Hohe and a composed finish.

Final Standings

Champion: Takuma Miyazono

Second Place: Kylian Drumont

Third Place: Jose Serrano

Miyazono’s victory cements him as the most decorated driver in GT World Series history, with four major titles to his name.

Manufacturers Cup: Lexus Reclaims the Crown

Lexus secured its second Manufacturers Cup title despite tough competition and the absence of Igor Fraga, its star driver.

Qualifying Format: A three-stage superpole qualifying determined the grid, with Valerio Gallo’s Honda NSX taking pole. Lexus started fifth with Coque Lopez behind the wheel.

Race Highlights

The 20-lap finale at Spa-Francorchamps saw unpredictable weather and bold tire strategies.

Early Action: BMW took the early lead after a chaotic opening lap. Lexus steadily climbed through the field, benefiting from penalties and mistakes by rivals like Honda and Porsche.

Rain Drama: Mid-race rain created a split in tire choices. Lexus’s decision to stay on wets paid off, allowing Lopez to battle for the lead.

Late Strategy: Genesis’s switch to slicks late in the race nearly reshaped the podium, but Lexus held firm, finishing second behind BMW to clinch the championship.

Final Standings

Champion: Lexus (33 points)

Runner-Up: BMW (32 points)

Third Place: Genesis (19 points)

Victory marked Lexus’s return to the top after six years, joining Toyota and Subaru as two-time champions.

Toyota Gazoo Racing GT Cup: A Spanish 1-2-3

Jose Serrano took his first individual title, leading a Spanish 1-2-3 in the Toyota Gazoo Racing GT Cup.

Semi-Finals: Serrano dominated Semi-Final A, while Pol Urra and Coque Lopez shone in Semi-Final B. The Spanish trio locked out the top three positions for the final.

Grand Final at Le Mans

The eight-lap race at Circuit de la Sarthe featured mandatory tire changes and rain.

Rain Challenges: Mid-race rain caught several drivers off guard, but Serrano maintained composure to hold his lead.

Strategic Brilliance: Using softs for the final stint, Serrano outpaced his competitors and secured a comfortable victory.

Final Standings

Champion: Jose Serrano

Second Place: Pol Urra

Third Place: Coque Lopez

The Gran Turismo World Series 2024 Finals in Amsterdam delivered unforgettable moments of skill, strategy, and excitement.