It has been exactly 20 years since the FIA GT3 Championship began a new era in sports car racing. When a full grid of 44 vehicles took the start at Silverstone Circuit in 2006, few would have imagined the success this category would achieve over time.
At that time, the landscape of sports car racing was fragmented and in transition. The World Endurance Championship had yet to revive, and the GT1 and GT2 categories (which would later become GTE) were too factory-oriented, which limited their accessibility.
With the aim of adapting GT racing to private teams and amateur drivers, Stephane Ratel created the GT3 category, focused on affordability and controlled performance, allowing preparers to convert road cars into competition vehicles.
What Ratel did not foresee was that GT3 would become the predominant platform for contemporary sports car racing. While the GT1 system disappeared entirely in 2012 and the GTE followed suit after 2023, GT3 has demonstrated its versatility by successfully replacing these categories. Currently, it falls under different series and events, from the World Endurance Championship to the GT World Challenge and regional series such as DTM and British GT.
One of the most surprising aspects is how the category has evolved, integrating professional drivers who compete alongside amateur racers, thus shifting its initial focus from hobby drivers to a proposal more led by recognized names.
In recent years, the impact of figures like Valentino Rossi has been palpable, bringing new fans into the world of GT racing. Ratel highlighted how Rossi’s presence has increased public attendance, especially at events like Monza.
GT3 is now authorized in globally relevant races, including the 24-hour races at Le Mans, Daytona, Nürburgring, and Spa. Despite its growth, it still occupies a niche position within the motorsport landscape, making public attraction a constant challenge for promoters.
Ratel acknowledges that, although GT3 cannot be compared to the popularity of Formula 1, its growth is noteworthy. The combination of various manufacturers and attendance at events are signs that indicate an expansion of its audience, increasingly consolidating itself in the world of motorsport.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
