JP Motorsport Backs Out of Entry After Format Changes

JP Motorsport has abandoned plans to compete in ADAC GT Masters next year following the series’ restructuring initiated after ADAC’s acquisition of DTM.

The Polish squad stated it was planning a multi-car effort into the German GT3 championship, which would follow a one-off entry with Christian Klien and Dennis Lind at the Red Bull Ring earlier this year.

However, team manager Claude Roth explained that the team has opted to reverse course after it learned of ADAC’s proposed new direction for the championship.

Under ADAC’s new, multi-tier pyramid system, GT Masters would fall under the newly created DTM Endurance umbrella together with the LMP3-based Prototype Cup Germany. Platinum-rated drivers would also likely no longer be allowed to compete in GT Masters.

“After analyzing all the framework conditions of DTM Endurance, it is unfortunately no longer an option for us,” said Roth.

“Both the ban on platinum drivers, as our regular driver Christian Klien is one, as well as the shared field with the LMP3 cars are reasons for us to look for an alternative racing series.

“For us as a team, it’s important to race in a series that offers stability and planning security.”

Roth added that his outfit was caught out by ADAC’s press conference following the DTM acquisition, stating he had not expected the series’ format to be altered.

“We were very surprised by the content of the ADAC press conference, as we had not expected the DTM and GT Masters to be merged,” noted Roth.

“The team had already been in contact with ADAC since the summer regarding participation in the 2023 GT Masters and there were never any reasons for us to doubt the continuation of the current format of the ADAC GT Masters.

“The team’s internal preparations and restructuring were also well advanced at the time of the press conference in order to compete in the series with our McLaren and provide further brand diversity.”

Roth further noted that a planned two-car effort in ADAC GT4 Germany is also now unlikely to go through as a result of the changes.

“However, we are now looking forward to competing as a team in other series against high-caliber teams that are of necessity moving out of the ADAC GT Masters, because I am sure we are not the only ones who now find themselves in this unpleasant situation and are looking for a new field of activity,” he concluded.