The new GT Open Cup to widen GT Sport’s offer
30.09.2018
The International GT Open will have a sister series as from 2019, the GT Open Cup, presented officially at a well-attended event in Monza last weekend. The GT Open Cup is a completely stand-alone series, aimed specifically at Pro-Am and Am drivers and based on cars right one ladder below GT3. Stemming from the success enjoyed by GT racing in recent years, the GT Open Cup aims at offering teams and drivers fond of GT racing a new racing option that provides high performance, close competition and thrilling emotions at a reasonable cost.
The 2019 calendar includes six 2-races events on the most prestigious tracks around Europe (the same as the GT Open except Hungaroring). The GT Open Cup will be part of GT-Sport promoted race weekends, alongside the International GT Open and the Euroformula Open, and will have its own identity, top-level TV production and distinct communications tools (website, social media accounts, etc).
Eligible cars include GT cars from mono-brand series, such as Ferrari 488 Challenge, Lamborghini Huracán SuperTrofeo and Porsche 911 Carrera Cup, and cars within a 5/6 seconds per lap performance gap with respect to GT3 cars, such as McLaren 570S, Mercedes AMG R, Audi R8 LMS, BMW M4, etc.
A BoP to balance their performance is currently being worked out, with track sessions already having taken place at the Hungaroring and Monza and one more scheduled at Barcelona.
Two classes will be established, Pro-Am and Am, with no possibility of Pro-Pro driver pairings.
The event format allows for plenty of track time, with two 1-hour sessions of free practice, two Qualifying sessions (one per driver) of 20-25 minutes and two races of 55 minutes each. A system of time handicaps will apply.
Michelin will be the official tire supplier, providing its hi-tech products and key expertise, and a key partner in supporting communications and PR activities. Panta will be the official partner for fuel supply.
More information can be found on www.gtopencup.net
