GT3 manufactures...

[Rodger Davies]

I'm not sure that's true, they don't have to pay any of those costs as the series isn't linked to the ruleset in the way that, say, DTM is. They build a GT3 car. I think the reason for the manufacturer's permission to be needed is so as not to end up with many multiple versions of the same car built by different people.

Clearly the world is starting to go that way, with IMSA being the most obvious example in sportscars, but I'm not sure Blancpain or the N24 have these requirements yet, just one that they participate in X number of races to qualify for the one they want. I could well be wrong on this one, maybe there is more to it.

Originally Posted by MoMedic9019

If I approach Jaguar or whatnot, and say, "hey, this is a project I want to do" They will approve or deny.. should you be a semi professional outfit, there is little reason to suspect a denial would happen.

As you say, it does happen. We know Lambo have refused Reiter the chance to keep developing their cars due to them wanting to take it in-house, obviously Callaway have had to jump through all sorts of hoops for GM to allow them permission to homologate the C7.

In rallying, the Mitsubishi R5 car is having a similar issue, where the private tuner has built the cars (with support from their local arm of Mitsubishi) but can't get it homologated due to the main company saying 'no'.

It wouldn't surprise me if Jaguar have refused companies permission to develop the F-Type in order to keep their options open.