Georgian motorsport has always been famous for its bright personalities, but among them occupies a special place Georgy Tevzadze - a racer whose name has become a symbol of speed, skill and an unshakable will to win. His career, which began on the humble circuits of Tbilisi, took him to the international stage, where he not only competed with the best drivers in the world, but also proved that Georgian drivers are capable of competing on equal terms with European and Asian motorsport stars. Tevzadze is not just an athlete, but a real motorsport icon, whose journey inspires thousands of young riders in Georgia and beyond.
In this article we will take a detailed look at the biography of Georgiy Tevzadze, analyze his key achievements, look at the technical aspects of his racing cars and find out how his success influenced the development of motorsport in Georgia. We will pay special attention to those moments that made his career unique - from his first victories in local competitions to participation in prestigious international series. If you are interested in motorsports or plan to connect your life with racing, Tevzadze's story will become a valuable source of motivation and practical insights for you.
Early years and beginning of a career: how Georgiy Tevzadze came to motorsport
Giorgi Tevzadze was born March 15, 1985 in Tbilisi, in a family far from the world of motorsport. His father worked as an engineer and his mother as a teacher, but from childhood Georgiy showed an extraordinary interest in cars and speed. In interviews, he repeatedly told how, at the age of 10, he first got behind the wheel of his father’s car. VAZ-2106 on a summer cottage, without a license, but with a burning desire to feel the adrenaline. This moment became a turning point: the young man realized that racing was his calling.
Tevzadze took his first steps in motorsport in 2002, when I took part in local rally competitions in an old Toyota Corolla with minimal modifications. His talent was noticed almost immediately: despite the lack of professional equipment and sponsors, he took 3rd place in the Georgian championship among beginners. This success opened the door to the world of semi-professional racing, where he began working with local mechanics and tuning studios.
- 🏁 First race: debut on the track Rustavi in 2002.
- 🚗 First car: Toyota Corolla E100 with engine
1.6L 4A-FE. - 💰 Budget at the start: about $2,000 to prepare the car and participate in the season.
- 🏆 First success: 3rd place in the Georgian Championship among beginners.
Interesting fact: in those years, Tevzadze himself was preparing his car. He studied technical literature, consulted with experienced mechanics, and even tried his hand at welding. This experience Later became his key advantage - he not only knew how to drive fast, but also understood how to make the car faster.
If you're just starting a career in motorsports, don't neglect learning the technical side. Knowledge of the car and the ability to set it up often play a decisive role in racing, especially in the early stages.
Breakthrough on the international stage: participation in European championships
K 2008 Giorgi Tevzadze was already one of the most titled racers in Georgia, but his ambitions extended far beyond the borders of his native country. The turning point was the victory in Caucasus Cup in circuit racing, which attracted the attention of European teams. B 2009 he received an offer from the Czech team Charouz Racing System take part in European Endurance Championship (ETCC).
The debut in the ETCC was not easy: Tevzadze had to adapt to new tracks, more powerful cars (BMW 320si with engine 2.0L and 280 hp) and fierce competition. However, already in the third race of the season he finished at 5th place, which was the best result among debutants. This success cemented his reputation as a promising driver and opened the door to other European series.
| Year | Championship | Team | Car | Best result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | ETCC (European Championship) | Charouz Racing System | BMW 320si | 5th place (race in Brno) |
| 2010 | WTCC (World Championship) | Lukoil Racing Team | Lada Priora WTCC | 8th place (race in Porto) |
| 2012 | Blancpain GT Series | GRT Grasser Racing | Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 | Podium (3rd place in Zandvoort) |
| 2014 | 24 Hours of Nürburgring | Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus | Ferrari 458 Italia GT3 | 7th place in class |
One of the most memorable episodes of Tevzadze’s career occurred in 2012 on the track Zandvoort within Blancpain GT Series. The race took place in pouring rain, and most pilots chose to slow down. Georgy, taking risks, chose an aggressive strategy and was able to overtake several favorites, finishing on 3rd place. This podium was the first for a Georgian driver in the prestigious GT series and attracted the attention of sponsors.
Technical secrets of success: how Georgy Tevzadze tuned his cars
One of Tevzadze's key characteristics as a racing driver was his deep understanding of the technical side of motorsport. Unlike many drivers who rely entirely on team engineers, Georgiy was actively involved in tuning his cars. He claimed that 80% of success in racing depends on proper preparation of the car, and not just on the skill of the pilot.
For example, during performances in WTCC on Lada Priora WTCC he was personally involved in tuning the suspension and braking system. His approach included:
- 🔧 Suspension stiffness: use of stiffer shock absorbers Öhlins for better handling at high speeds.
- 🛠️ Aerodynamics: modification of the splitter and wing to increase downforce.
- ⚙️ Transmission: optimization of gear ratios for specific routes (for example, shorter gears for urban routes).
- 🔥 Brakes: installation of ceramic brake discs Brembo to reduce weight and improve cooling.
Tevzadze paid special attention engine tuning. For example, in Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, at which he performed in Blancpain GT Series, he achieved an increase in power with 560 hp up to 585 hp by optimizing the intake system and reflashing the ECU. These improvements allowed it to compete with more powerful Ferrari 458 and Audi R8 LMS.
What brake pads did Tevzadze use?
Depending on the route, Georgy chose between Ferodo DS3000 (for high temperatures) and Pagid RSL29 (for a better initial bite). On tracks with a lot of turns, such as Nürburgring, he gave preference Pagid due to their stability under frequent braking.
Participation in legendary races: 24 hours of Nürburgring and Le Mans
The pinnacle of many racers' careers is considered to be participation in 24 Hours of Le Mans or 24 hours Nürburgring. Giorgi Tevzadze was no exception. B 2014 he received an invitation from the team Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus take part in 24 hours Nürburgring - one of the toughest endurance races in the world.
The race took place in rain and changeable weather conditions, which made it even more challenging. Tevzadze piloted Ferrari 458 Italia GT3 as part of an international crew. Despite several incidents (including a puncture in the 12th hour), the team was able to finish on 7th place in its class. This result was the best for the Georgian rider in endurance racing and confirmed his ability to cope with extreme conditions.
⚠️ Attention: Endurance races such as the Nürburgring 24 Hours require not only speed, but also the ability to conserve the car's resources. Georgy Tevzadze later admitted that the biggest mistake of beginners in such races is trying to drive to the limit from the very start. This leads to overheating of the brakes and engine, which inevitably leads to a stall.
Interestingly, after the Nurburgring Tevzadze received an offer from AF Corse test Ferrari 488 GTE for possible participation in World Endurance Championship (WEC). Although this project was not implemented due to financial difficulties, the very fact of the invitation indicates a high level of trust in the Georgian pilot from top teams.
Contribution to the development of motorsport in Georgia: racing school and popularization of the sport
In parallel with his own career, Giorgi Tevzadze was actively involved in the development of motorsport in Georgia. B 2015 he founded the country's first circuit racing school — Tevzadze Racing Academy. The Academy became a talent pool for Georgian motorsport: here young racers could not only learn how to drive racing cars, but also learn the technical aspects of preparing cars.
Among the academy's graduates are several champions of Georgia in circuit racing, as well as pilots competing in European series. Tevzadze personally supervised the training, paying special attention to:
- 📚 Driving theories: trajectory analysis, braking and acceleration techniques.
- 🔧 Technical training: basics of car tuning and diagnostics.
- 💡 Psychological preparation: working with stress and concentration.
- 🤝 Teamwork: interaction with mechanics and engineers.
In addition, Tevzadze initiated the holding of stages of international series in Georgia. Thanks to his efforts in 2017 track Rustavi accepted the race GT4 European Series, which became a historical event for Georgian motorsport. This not only raised the prestige of local racing, but also gave young pilots the opportunity to show themselves at the international level.
☑️ What is needed to open a racing school?
Personal life and philosophy of success: what motivates Georgiy Tevzadze
Despite his busy schedule and constant travel, Giorgi Tevzadze always found time for his family. He is married, he has two children, and in interviews he has repeatedly said that the support of loved ones is his main support. Interestingly, his son, Luka Tevzadze, is already following in his father’s footsteps and competes in junior karting championships.
Tevzadze's philosophy as a racer and coach is based on several key principles:
- Discipline: "Talent without discipline is like a car without brakes. Sooner or later you will lose control."
- Ongoing training: "Motorsport changes every year. If you stop learning, you lose."
- Teamwork: "The racer is just the tip of the iceberg. Behind every victory there are mechanics, engineers, sponsors."
- Ability to take risks: “Sometimes you have to push yourself to the limit, but you always have to understand where that line is.”
In his free time from racing, Tevzadze enjoys aviation — he has a private pilot's license and sometimes flies light aircraft Cessna 172. He claims that flying helps him relax and view racing from a different perspective.
Success in motorsport depends not only on talent, but also on the ability to build a team, constantly learn and maintain discipline. Giorgi Tevzadze is a shining example of how these principles work in practice.
Current career status and plans for the future
Today, Georgiy Tevzadze continues to actively participate in races, although he has reduced the number of starts. B 2023 he took part in Georgian Circuit Racing Championship in class GT3, where he took 2nd place on Porsche 911 GT3 R. In addition, he acts as a mentor for young pilots at his academy and sometimes takes part in demonstration races.
Among his immediate plans:
- 🏁 Participation in 24 hours of Dubai: Tevzadze is negotiating with one of the teams about participating in this prestigious race.
- 📺 Development of media projects: launch of a YouTube channel dedicated to the technical aspects of motorsport.
- 🏗️ Modernization of the highway in Rustavi: attracting investments to meet standards FIFA Grade 2.
- 👨🏫 Academy expansion: opening of branches in Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Tevzadze also does not exclude the possibility of returning to international series, but only if he has a competitive car and a strong team. As he himself says: “I don’t want to race for the sake of racing. My goal is to fight for victories.”
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Georgiy Tevzadze
How many victories did Georgiy Tevzadze win in international championships?
During his career, Tevzadze won 12 wins in various international series, including ETCC, Blancpain GT Series and Georgian Championship. The most prestigious victory is considered 3rd place in the race Blancpain GT Series in Zandvoort (2012).
What cars did Tevzadze drive in different years?
During his career, Georgy piloted the following cars:
- Toyota Corolla E100 (2002–2004, motorsport debut).
- BMW 320si (2009, ETCC).
- Lada Priora WTCC (2010–2011, WTCC).
- Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 (2012–2013, Blancpain GT Series).
- Ferrari 458 Italia GT3 (2014, Nürburgring 24 Hours).
- Porsche 911 GT3 R (2018–present, Georgian Championship).
How do Tevzadzes prepare for endurance races such as the Nürburgring 24 Hours?
Preparation for endurance racing includes several key stages:
- Physical fitness: special training for endurance (cardio, strength training).
- Technical preparation of the machine: strengthening the brake system, checking the reliability of the engine and transmission.
- Race strategy: distribution of driving time between pilots, planning pit stops.
- Psychological preparation: working on concentration and the ability to make decisions in conditions of fatigue.
Tevzadze paid special attention sleep pattern before the race, I slept 4–5 hours intermittently to adapt to night races.
Is it possible for foreign riders to enroll in the Tevzadze Academy?
Yes, Tevzadze Racing Academy accepts students from abroad. To do this you need:
- Apply on the official website of the academy.
- Pass a medical examination.
- Pay for training (course cost - from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the program).
- Obtain a Georgian racing license (assistance in registration is provided by the academy).
Classes are conducted in English and Russian.
What advice does Tevzadze give to novice racers?
Giorgi Tevzadze often shares advice with young pilots. Here are some of them:
"Don't chase power. It's better to learn to drive a weak car to the limit than to try to tame an overly powerful car."
"Study the route in advance. Modern simulators such as iRacing or Assetto Corsa, allow you to work out trajectories before you go out on the real track."
"Don't ignore physical fitness. The driver must be as fit as his car."
"Find a mentor. An experienced mentor will save you years of trial and error."