The Fanatec GT2 European Series enters its third year of competition in 2023. As this fledgling championship continues to evolve with the non-professional racer at its heart, the 2023 edition includes some exciting new changes.
Those changes include new regulations to open the series up to amateur and professional drivers of all ages, brand-new silverware to fight for, plus two new premium brands joining the grid.
What’s new?
First up is the lifting of the previous minimum age requirement, which prevented drivers under the age of 40 entering the championship. This move makes modern-day GT2 racing more accessible for drivers young and old, whilst paving the way for diverse driver pairings.
There’s also a new accolade up for grabs with the introduction of The Iron Cup. This impressive new trophy will be awarded to the top Pro-Am and Am entry with a combined age of 100 years and over at each round on the 2023 calendar.
More and more manufacturers are adopting the GT2 regulations. The new Maserati MC20 GT2 and the Mercedes-AMG GT2 models are ready to hit the gird this year. They will join five already established GT2 brands, the Audi R8 LMS, Brabham BT63 GT2, Porsche 911 GT2 RS, KTM X-Bow GT2 and Lamborghini’s Super Trofeo Evo.
What is the Fanatec GT2 European Series?
The 2023 Fanatec GT2 European Series will playout across six double-header rounds hosted at Europe’s elite circuits, including trips to two new tracks at Dijon in France and Portimão in the Algarve. The ‘sunshine’ circuit calendar is combined with top-notch hospitality for drivers and their guests at every round.
Each race weekend consists of two one-hour free practice sessions, followed by two 20-minute qualifying sessions to define the grids for two 50-minute races, each with a mandatory pit stop. There’s two hours of paid testing available prior to each event, except for Dijon, and with no limit on private testing outside of championships rounds there are plenty of opportunities to take part in additional paid testing events.
What are the classes?
The unique make-up of the championship allows an amateur (graded FIA Bronze) driver to share with a professional (up to FIA Silver grade) in the Pro-Am class, providing the perfect environment for on-event driver and car development coaching. The Am category caters for a single or two Bronze-grade drivers.
All competitors must hold an International ‘C’ licence. Both classes offer independent rewards, with trophies and a champion crowned in each category.
How does a GT2 car compare to a GT3?
A GT2 car features more outright power than a GT3 but is less dependent on its aerodynamics to produce the best lap times, making it more friendly to race for an amateur. GT2 sits below GT3 in the SRO pyramid, giving amateurs a place to develop on a level playing field and hone their skills with extensive track time.
Stéphane Ratel, Founder and CEO of SRO Motorsport Group comments: "In contrast to the rapidly accelerating costs, technical sophistication, and direct manufacturer involvement in the GT3 category, GT2 remains close to the origins of true supercars.
“The precise ingredients that initially made GT3 a global success - high power and limited downforce, standard engines, and affordable running costs - are now behind the definition of GT2.
“As a result, it is now ready to pick up the flag of true supercars, remaining close to their road car origin. Alongside the Fanatec GT2 European Series, a number of highly prestigious SRO-promoted Endurance events will open their grids to GT2 cars in a near future.
“Come and join us at the official pre-season test on March 14th at Dijon for a new experience. We look forward to seeing you there!”
How can I get on the grid?
The official pre-season test at Dijon, France, on 14th March offers the ideal opportunity for drivers interested in entering the Fanatec GT2 European Series to connect and test with top-flight, professional teams. Any team running GT2 machinery is also welcome to take part.
Contact Valerie Guillon for further information: valerie-guillon@sro-motorsports.com