GT3 Performance to Be Reduced at Nordschleife

Photo: Brecht Decancq

There will be further changes to the landscape of racing at the Nürburgring Nordschleife beyond the previously announced track safety improvements, as GT3 cars are set to be limited in performance for 2016.

The German motorsport association, DMSB, has announced that all cars competing in the SP7, SP9/GT3, SP and SP Pro-X categories will face a 10 percent reduction in power compared to the start of the 2015.

Additionally, various elements of the cars’ aerodynamics, such as air intakes, front wheel arches and minimum height, will be adjusted, while development tires will be banned from competition, all aimed to keep lap times under control.

The changes, made in response to a deadly accident that claimed the life of a spectator earlier this year, are understood to affect both VLN races, as well as the Nürburgring 24.

“GT3 manufacturers and most tire suppliers have understood that they contribute to [improvements] in lap time by a few seconds each year,” said DMSB President Hans-Joachim Stuck.

“The terrible accident early this year has shown that a limit had been reached.

“From the analysis of the accident, we all have, learned through the various simulation models of the car manufacturers.

“Now it’s time for everyone – drivers, manufacturers, the tire industry, racetrack operators and the DMSB – to jointly implement [changes].”

GT3 cars faced an initial 5 percent reduction in power prior to this year’s Nürburgring 24, as well as speed limits imposed at certain parts of the circuit, which have since been lifted.

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