The head of SRO Motorsports, Stéphane Ratel, has begun to question whether a redesign of the GT3 category is necessary as the World Endurance Championship (WEC) heads towards a new era with the arrival of Hypercars in 2030. Ratel warns that rising costs could compromise the future of the category, even though the grids continue to show good health at present.
During the 24 Hours of Spa, he expressed his concern about the trend of manufacturers developing increasingly extreme GT3 vehicles, moving away from the original philosophy that prioritized road cars. In response to these concerns, Ratel has called meetings with the GT Commission to address the current scenario and prevent an unsustainable long-term situation.
Ratel has emphasized that the FIA is an essential strategic partner, and has outlined the need for new regulations that allow manufacturers to continue competing without compromising the common good of the championship. He is open to ideas such as creating a new GT1 category, provided that clear rules are respected and technical requirements are defined.
The founder of the GT3 category highlights that maintaining the quality of the championship is paramount. According to him, it is more effective to work with a limited number of manufacturers but with competitive vehicles, rather than trying to attract a large number of brands with unsustainable vehicles. This strategy, says Ratel, would help avoid downturns like those experienced by the previous GT1.
In conclusion, Ratel underscores that it is essential for the FIA and manufacturers to quickly make the right decisions to stabilize the category and ensure its viability in the future. The outlook is clear: the union of manufacturers’ interests with a long-term vision is fundamental for the continued success of the GT3 category.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
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