Baumann Renounces Spa Points, Pro-Am Lead to Match Co-Driver

Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS Endurance Cup Pro-Am leader Dominik Baumann has renounced part of his points tally to match his co-driver Valentin Pierburg and remain eligible for the end-of-year classification.

Baumann led Pro-Am by a single point over AF Corse’s Andrea Bertolini, Louis Machiels and Stefano Costantini, but he was alone at the top of the standings due to Pierburg racing in a different Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo at the TotalEnergies 24 Hours of Spa.

Pierburg did Spa in SPS Automotive Performance’s Bronze Cup entry, while 2016 GTWC Europe combined champion Baumann competed in Pro-Am with the SPS-assisted SunEnergy1 Racing outfit, scoring 28 points.

Pierburg scored no Pro-Am points at Spa because he raced in a different class.

An official bulletin issued ahead of this weekend’s Endurance Cup season finale states that Baumann asked to have his 24 Hours of Spa points renounced, so that he can be level with Pierburg on 76 points and keep his eligibility in the Pro-Am standings.

The request was approved by series organizer SRO Motorsports Group as a case of force majeure.

However, it means that Baumann is now out of Endurance Cup Pro-Am title contention because he and Pierburg are 27 points behind new leaders Bertolini, Machiels and Costantini, with a maximum of 26 points to be scored at the 3 Hours of Barcelona.

The SRO bulletin went on to state: “Baumann’s Bronze teammates opted to race in the Bronze Cup during the 24-hour race, and Baumann could not be entered in this category.

“As a Gold driver currently leading the Endurance Cup Pro-Am drivers classification, he will otherwise be removed from the classification in accordance with article 10.3a [of the sporting regulations].

“In accordance with the spirit of the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS, the Sporting Board accepts this as being a case of force majeure, and accepts the request.

“The points renounced by Baumann will not be redistributed, and remain acquired by the team and manufacturer, and any other drivers competing in that car in the race in question.”

The GTWC Europe sporting regulations contain a section that covers the permittance of drivers to renounce points in order to draw level with their co-drivers, without affecting the points of their team or manufacturer.

Bertolini, Machiels and Costantinini lead Pro-Am by 17 points over Henrique Chaves, Miguel Ramos and Alexander West, who share the No. 188 McLaren 720S GT3.