Ratel: Prototypes Still Possible for This Year’s Games

Photo: MPS Agency

Stephane Ratel says he’s hopeful of adding prototypes to this year’s FIA Motorsport Games, indicating that LMP3 would be the most logical option for the Olympic-style competition that will be held at Paul Ricard/Marseille in October.

Announced last week, the SRO Motorsports Group-run event will expand to 15 different racing disciplines, including the addition of a Pro GT3 race, following a successful inaugural event at Vallelunga last year that saw six formulas, including GT3, TCR, Formula 4, drifting, karting and digital.

Ratel, who has expressed interest in adding endurance racing to the games in the past, said it still remains a realistic possibility to have prototypes competing in the Oct. 23-25 event this year.

“I still hope to have prototypes,” Ratel told Endurance-Info. “We are discussing this with the ACO. If I still have a wish, this is it. 

“SRO does not pretend to be the promoter of everything, but it would be great to have ACO at the table in addition to Marcello Lotti for [touring car].

“We have the whole panel and the prototype is the last missing pillar.

“Can it be LMP3? Adding Patrick Peter for a historic circuit race would also be a plus. Like everything I do, it is passion that drives it all. We don’t do that to make money.”

Ratel said he’s been “very pleased” with the FIA’s recent expansion of the event, which will also see competitions take place away from Circuit Paul Ricard.

He also revealed that the same GT3 cars are expected to be utilized across the newly named, two-driver GT Sprint Relay and GT Pro races.

“We needed professional drivers while keeping the Pro-Am which becomes the GT Sprint Relay which will take place over three days, namely Thursday, Friday and Saturday,” Ratel said.

“Professional drivers will only race on Sunday because a team that runs a car in Pro-Am must also have the possibility of competing in Pro.

“This GT race will be the highlight of the event. ”

Laurent Mercier contributed to this report

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