“Multiple Options” Still on Table for GT3-Based Class in 2024

Photo: MPS Agency

The FIA and ACO have stated there are still “multiple options” on the table for its new GT3-based class that will debut in the World Endurance Championship in 2024, despite rumors indicating the cancelation of its planned ‘premium kit’ on the grounds of costs.

Multiple industry sources have indicated to Sportscar365 that a decision was recently taken to forgo plans of mandating that each eligible manufacturer produce a specific aero kit for use in the yet-to-be-named Pro-Am-based class that will replace GTE in both the WEC and European Le Mans Series.

The kit, announced at this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, was set to be cost-capped to €50,000 ($49,000 USD) and aimed to produce elongated versions of the cars through bodywork modifications that could have helped increase top speeds, most notably at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

One manufacturer estimated that the cost to develop the kit would have exceeded €2 million, which would have been cost-prohibitive given the number of projected sales to GT3 customer teams that’s likely set to be limited to two per brand in the WEC.

Marek Nawarecki, who oversees the FIA’s operations in the WEC, told Sportscar365 that a final decision has not yet been taken on the category’s regulations, with full details set to be ratified during the next FIA World Motor Sport Council meeting on Dec. 7.

“What we can confirm is that this is a work in progress,” Nawarecki told Sportscar365. “We’re still discussing about the future of the GT3 in endurance.

“Multiple options are on the table today to try to adapt as well as possible to the requirements of endurance as well as in terms of the car definition and performance management.

“We have all the options open on that and we are to decide and finalize the discussions.”

ACO competition director Thierry Bouvet said that there have been regular technical working group meetings with manufacturers to define details of the class, including the technical regulations.

Nawarecki added: “We are quite collaborative with all of the stakeholders in this category to take the opinion of all of them.

“We want to define the regulations that will be stable enough and in advance to prepare the entrants in 2024 for the new category.”

Both denied the belief from manufacturers that had suggested the FIA and ACO’s wish to increase the performance window from the standard GT3 category, which could have be achieved with bodywork and aero modifications.

One manufacturer indicated the organizers’ initial desire to create top speeds between 5-10 km/h faster at Le Mans, which appears to now be off the table.

Nawarecki dismissed those claims, indicating that the purpose of the proposed premium kit was not performance-based.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John