The 12h of Bathurst, the opening race of the 2022 season of the Intercontinental GT Challenge, changes the type of categories.
The event on Mount Panorama will be held on the weekend of 13-15 May, but with the concomitances and commitments that teams, riders and manufacturers also have in other endurance championships around the world, it is unlikely that the starter park will be able to reach the levels of past editions.
For this reason the promoter SRO Motorsports has chosen to give priority to the Pro-Am Class, rather than to a PRO category, given the probable lack of several official competitors and therefore trying to highlight those who will be there in support of customers and amateur drivers. , also engaged in the GT World Challenge Australia.
In the meantime, it has also been confirmed that for 2023 the race will be held on 3-5 February, with the hope of reviving the qualities of the past.
“Barring situations beyond our control, I was determined to have Bathurst return to the Intercontinental GT Challenge calendar in 2022, and this new category structure ensures that we can do that without decreasing the level of the championship or event,” he said. said Stéphane Ratel, head of SRO.
“Factory teams and drivers usually make the news, but the fact is that the amateurs and the Pro-Am class are the foundation of GT racing. There are also few races like Bathurst where the Pro-Am crews are the stars. it will take place in May, when some of the best AM drivers in the world will have the chance to win one of motorsport’s great endurance events. It feels like a return to the 12 Hours and GT racing of yesteryear. “
“I am also happy that the race is returning to its traditional February start date in 2023. Our only other option this year would have been to cancel the event, which neither SRO nor Supercars were willing to do. Likewise, staging it in May is not compatible with European programs “.
“We have found a smart solution for this year, but we can’t wait for Bathurst to return to its status next season.”
Bathurst 12h – Classes 2022
Class A: GT3 Pro-Am
2 Platinum, Gold or Silver and 1 Bronze pilots
2 Platinum, Gold or Silver and 2 Bronze pilots
Class A: GT3 Am
Maximum 1 Silver driver, other Bronze drivers
Class B: GT3 Trophy Pro-Am
Maximum 1 Silver driver, other Bronze drivers
Class B: GT3 Trophy AM
All Bronze
Class C: Porsche GT3 Cup Car
Class D: GT4
Class I: Auto Invitational, “GTC” cars from single-make categories including Ferrari Challenge, Lamborghini Super Trofeo and Audi R8 Cup
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