Full release on launch of ACO Michelin GT3 Cup:
http://www.dailysportscar.com/2015/1...-for-2016.html
bullet points:
- 5 two hours races (skipping Silverstone)
- 1 hour support race LM24 for full seasonal GT3 + P3 entrants (incl. AsLMS), entry capped to 45 cars
- auto invite for winner in LM24 GTE following year
- GTC (GT3) removed from ELMS (as mentioned above)
- prize money (to be announced) awarded
- grid to be expected up to 20 cars for first season
The schedule therefor looks like this:
March 22/23 prologue pre season test Paul Ricard (if invited)?
May 15 - Imola
June 18 - Le Mans (support race)
July 17 - Red Bull Ring
August 28 - Paul Ricard
September 25 - Spa (date to be confirmed)
October 23 - Estoril
clashes with Blancpain series:
- Imola <->
BES @ Silverstone (which was brought forward by a week compared to previous years - will it be moved back?)
- Paul Ricard <->
BSS @ Hungaroring
All in all a serious attempt by the ACO to expand their 'ladder system' [
empire seems a better word], taking a fresh and the most serious shot so far at SRO's Blancpain (Endurance) Series. Imo, there's room for both, especially with the Bronze driver requirement for the ACO series, the abundance of available cars and the possibility for teams/owners to compete in both, having another option to make a return on their investment.
The 2 current scheduled clashes aren't the biggest deal (yet) either but it shows once again both (?) organizations are not willing to satisfy customer preferences beyond their own agenda - which is a disappointment for the type of racing, its competitors and its fans. As a result I'd expect the
BSS 'to suffer most' from it. Plus let's hope SRO isn't too stubborn (and the track is able) to move their BES Silverstone date back a week again.
Anyway, the LM support race should be an interesting one with the mix of GT3 and LMP3 - I'm sure we'll see that combination more in the future!
ELMS could expect grids around 30 again next year, maybe towards 35 with the incoming boom of P3s.
