GT News Notebook

GT Open Cup Europe Introduces GT Trophy For GT4-spec Cars

GT Sport have announced a significant change for the GT Cup Open Europe, its junior GT series that will come into play from the next round in Monza (23-25 September),

The Italian race meeting will see the debut of a new GT Trophy specifically designed for GT4 cars and new specifications for the existing GT Cup cars.

GT Cup cars, come mainly from mono-brand series (essentially Porsche 992 and 991 Carrera Cup –gen I and II-, Lamborghini Huracan SuperTrofeo Evo 1 and 2, and Ferrari 488 Challenge), the advantage to the changes being introduced is that they will be racing in specifications (weight and restrictor) much closer to their original performance levels, thus allowing freer and closer competition.

The GT Trophy for GT4 cars will have its own BoP, very close to the standard GT4 BoP used in many competitions throughout the world. It will also have a distinct identity, with separate results and podiums (according to the traditional Pro-Am and Am split), while being an integral part of the GT Cup Open Europe series and races.

“The aim of these developments is to give more visibility to GT 4 cars, and to allow GT Cup cars to better express their level of performance”, explains Jesús Pareja, CEO of GT Sport:

“The creation of a specific GT Trophy for GT4 within the GT Cup Open Europe was considered during last winter and introduced in the regulation for 2022. The first part of the season has convinced us that this is the right approach to take and that now is the right time to implement it.”

GT4 cars may continue to race as GT Cup cars (hence not in the GT Trophy) if contenders so wish; in that case, the Technical Committee will be fully available for the involved teams and manufacturers to work on the necessary adjustments to establish the specific BoP.

Götz Back With MadPanda For Nürburgring ADAC GT Masters

After the two races in Zandvoort, Maximilian Götz (36/Uffenheim) will again line up for the Madpanda team at round four of the ADAC GT Masters at the Nürburgring. The 2012 champion and current Mercedes-AMG works driver will again share the cockpit of the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo with Ezequiel Perez Companc (27/RA). “It is always like coming home for me. I like the ADAC GT Masters and am pleased to be making my second appearance of the season,” says Götz.

The German GT Championship heads to the Nürburgring in the Eifel Mountains from 5th to 7th August for round four of this season’s German GT Championship.

Doriane Pin Extends Ferrari Challenge Points Lead

Ferrari Challenge Europe Championship leader, Doriane Pin, further extended her title advantage at Hockenheim over the weekend with two dominant pole positions and victories in her Iron Lynx entered ‘Iron Dames 488 Challenge.

Pin, is looking to secure back-to-back titles for the Iron Dames after the Championship was claimed by Michelle Gatting in 2021.

The pair will form 50% of the Iron Dames effort in next weekend’s TotalEnergies Spa 24 Hours alongside Sarah Bovy and Rahal Frey.

Iron Lynx Team Principal, Andrea Piccini, said: “The team did a fantastic job at Hockenheim this weekend. From the beginning, Doriane dominated, showing a pace that couldn’t be matched by her competitors.

“She’s increased the championship lead once again, scoring the maximum points that were available to her.

The 2022 Ferrari Challenge Europe continues at Silverstone on the 17th and 18th September.