FIA GT1 World Championship
Encyclopedia
The FIA GT1 World Championship is a world championship
sports car racing
series developed by the SRO Group
and regulated by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile
(FIA). It features multiple grand tourer
race cars based on production road cars and conforming with the GT1 regulations competing in one-hour races on multiple continents. Championships are awarded each season for drivers and teams.
The FIA GT1 World Championship has started in 2010
as a successor to the previous FIA GT Championship
which featured the GT1 category as well as a GT2 category. In 2012 the series plans to move away from exclusive use of GT1 cars by allowing 2009-spec GT2 from the former FIA GT Championship as well as current performance balanced GT3
specification cars to compete alongside the series' current GT1 cars. All vehices will be performance balanced with weight and restrictor adjustments to make different makes artificially more equal. The series title will be altered to the FIA GT World Championship.
, in which three sessions are held and following each session, the slowest cars are eliminated and their grid positions set. The first race of each weekend is a qualifying race, the results of which determine the starting grid for the second race awarding full championship points. Each car is required to change tires and drivers at least once during each race. The points system for the series is identical to that adopted by the FIA in 2010 with the top ten finishers in the second race earning points; only the top three finishers in the qualifying race earn points.
A maximum of six manufacturers are accepted with each manufacturer limited to supplying two privateer teams
. Each team is limited to running a maximum of two cars. This creates a grid of up to 24 cars and 48 drivers at each event. To ensure close competition, each model of car is tested by the FIA to determine any mandatory adjustments (such as extra weight ballasts and restrictor tweaks) for performance balancing. Performance adjustments are also made between races during the season. Michelin serves as the sole tyre supplier for the series.
To defray costs for individual teams, the SRO provides free transport for cars and equipment as well as airline tickets for ten personnel per team.
represents the series' only Middle East round. South America has featured the Potrero de los Funes Circuit
in Argentina
and both the Interlagos
and Curitiba
circuits in Brazil
. European races have included the Czech
Brno Circuit
, British
Silverstone Circuit
where the winners are awarded the RAC Tourist Trophy
, French
Paul Ricard
, Portuguese
Autódromo Internacional do Algarve
, and Spanish
Circuito de Navarra
. Germany
's races have switched from the Nürburgring
to the Sachsenring
from 2010 to 2011, while Belgium
's races have moved from the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
to Zolder. For 2011 the series visits Asia with a Chinese
round at the Ordos International Circuit
. Due to the cancellation of the round at Curitiba in 2011, the series elected to visit Goldenport Park Circuit
at Beijing
shortly after the round at Ordos, with a short exhibition street race afterwards.
, Maserati
, and Aston Martin
retaining the cars they had previously utilized in FIA GT. Ford
, Nissan
, and Lamborghini
all brought new vehicles developed specifically for FIA GT1.
The first champions of the 2010 season were crowned at the San Luis street circuit
in Argentina after the Qualifying Race on the 5th of December 2010. Michael Bartels
and Andrea Bertolini
, three-time FIA GT Champions, clinched the Drivers' Championship while their Vitaphone Racing Team clinched the Teams' Championship. Aston Martin
earned the SRO Trophy for Manufacturers. In 2011 the defending champions did not return and Maserati was no longer represented, leaving a field of 18 cars from five manufacturers. The series visted China for the first time for two rounds. Germans Michael Krumm
and Lucas Luhr
of the JR Motorsports
team won the year's Drivers' Championship in the penultimate race of the season, while Hexis AMR won the Teams' title in the final race of the year.
World championship
A world championship is the top achievement for any sport or contest. The title is usually awarded by contests, ranking systems, stature, ability, etc. This determines the best nation, team, individual in the world in a particular field. Certain sports do not have a world championship, instead...
sports car racing
Sports car racing
Sports car racing is a form of circuit auto racing with automobiles that have two seats and enclosed wheels. They may be purpose-built or related to road-going sports cars....
series developed by the SRO Group
Stéphane Ratel Organisation
The Stéphane Ratel Organisation is a motorsports organization founded by French driver Stéphane Ratel in 1995. Currently based out of London, the company is involved in the promotion, support, and organization of various national and international auto racing series around the world...
and regulated by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile
Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile
The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile is a non-profit association established as the Association Internationale des Automobile Clubs Reconnus on 20 June 1904 to represent the interests of motoring organisations and motor car users...
(FIA). It features multiple grand tourer
Grand tourer
A grand tourer is a high-performance luxury automobile designed for long-distance driving. The most common format is a two-door coupé with either a two-seat or a 2+2 arrangement....
race cars based on production road cars and conforming with the GT1 regulations competing in one-hour races on multiple continents. Championships are awarded each season for drivers and teams.
The FIA GT1 World Championship has started in 2010
2010 FIA GT1 World Championship season
The 2010 FIA GT1 World Championship season was the debut season of the FIA GT1 World Championship, a motor racing competition reserved for FIA GT1 cars. The championship was a replacement for the FIA GT Championship which was held from 1997 to 2009...
as a successor to the previous FIA GT Championship
FIA GT Championship
The FIA GT Championship was a sports car racing series organized by the Stéphane Ratel Organisation at the behest of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile . The championship was mostly concentrated in Europe, but throughout the years has visited other continents including Asia and South...
which featured the GT1 category as well as a GT2 category. In 2012 the series plans to move away from exclusive use of GT1 cars by allowing 2009-spec GT2 from the former FIA GT Championship as well as current performance balanced GT3
FIA GT3 European Championship
The FIA GT3 European Championship is a sports car racing series organized by the Stéphane Ratel Organisation and regulated by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile . It is a championship derived from the international FIA GT1 World Championship, but meant to provide competition for more...
specification cars to compete alongside the series' current GT1 cars. All vehices will be performance balanced with weight and restrictor adjustments to make different makes artificially more equal. The series title will be altered to the FIA GT World Championship.
Format
The FIA GT1 World Championship holds races in ten countries, with each event consisting of two races over a weekend. Qualifying involves a knock-out system similar to Formula OneFormula One
Formula One, also known as Formula 1 or F1 and referred to officially as the FIA Formula One World Championship, is the highest class of single seater auto racing sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile . The "formula" designation in the name refers to a set of rules with which...
, in which three sessions are held and following each session, the slowest cars are eliminated and their grid positions set. The first race of each weekend is a qualifying race, the results of which determine the starting grid for the second race awarding full championship points. Each car is required to change tires and drivers at least once during each race. The points system for the series is identical to that adopted by the FIA in 2010 with the top ten finishers in the second race earning points; only the top three finishers in the qualifying race earn points.
A maximum of six manufacturers are accepted with each manufacturer limited to supplying two privateer teams
Privateer (motorsport)
In motor sport, a privateer is usually an entrant into a racing event that is not directly supported by an automobile manufacturer. Privateers teams are often found competing in rally and circuit racing events, and often include competitors who build and maintain their own vehicles...
. Each team is limited to running a maximum of two cars. This creates a grid of up to 24 cars and 48 drivers at each event. To ensure close competition, each model of car is tested by the FIA to determine any mandatory adjustments (such as extra weight ballasts and restrictor tweaks) for performance balancing. Performance adjustments are also made between races during the season. Michelin serves as the sole tyre supplier for the series.
To defray costs for individual teams, the SRO provides free transport for cars and equipment as well as airline tickets for ten personnel per team.
Races
The world tour has visited three continents so far, with plans for a fourth. Yas Marina Circuit of the United Arab EmiratesUnited Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates, abbreviated as the UAE, or shortened to "the Emirates", is a state situated in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia on the Persian Gulf, bordering Oman, and Saudi Arabia, and sharing sea borders with Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Iran.The UAE is a...
represents the series' only Middle East round. South America has featured the Potrero de los Funes Circuit
Potrero de los Funes Circuit
The Lago Potrero de los Funes circuit is a race track originally constructed in 1987, and rebuilt in 2008. It is located from San Luis, capital city of the San Luis Province, Argentina. The circuit is semi-permanent, with a length of...
in Argentina
Argentina
Argentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires...
and both the Interlagos
Autódromo José Carlos Pace
Autódromo José Carlos Pace, also known by its former name Interlagos, is a motor racing circuit located in the city of São Paulo, and named after Carlos Pace, a Brazilian Formula One driver, who had died prior to its naming...
and Curitiba
Autódromo Internacional de Curitiba
Autódromo Internacional de Curitiba is a motorsports circuit located in Pinhais, Brazil. It has been host to the World Touring Car Championship, TC2000, Fórmula Truck and Stock Car Brasil racing.-The circuit:Fabrizio Giovanardi of JAS Motorsport suggested the circuit is bumpy...
circuits in Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
. European races have included the Czech
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe. The country is bordered by Poland to the northeast, Slovakia to the east, Austria to the south, and Germany to the west and northwest....
Brno Circuit
Masaryk Circuit
The Masaryk circuit or Masarykring, now referred to as the Brno Circuit, refers two Czech racing circuits located close to the city of Brno.The original circuit was made up of public roads, and at its longest measured nearly...
, British
Great Britain
Great Britain or Britain is an island situated to the northwest of Continental Europe. It is the ninth largest island in the world, and the largest European island, as well as the largest of the British Isles...
Silverstone Circuit
Silverstone Circuit
Silverstone Circuit is an English motor racing circuit next to the Northamptonshire villages of Silverstone and Whittlebury. The circuit straddles the Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire border, with the current main circuit entry on the Buckinghamshire side...
where the winners are awarded the RAC Tourist Trophy
RAC Tourist Trophy
The International Tourist Trophy is an award given by the Royal Automobile Club and awarded semi-annually to the winners of a selected motor racing event each year in the United Kingdom. It was first awarded in 1905 and continues to be awarded to this day, making it the longest lasting trophy in...
, French
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
Paul Ricard
Circuit Paul Ricard
The Paul Ricard Circuit is a motorsport race track built at Le Castellet, near Marseille, France, in 1969 with finance from the eccentric drinks magnate Paul Ricard, who created what essentially became Pernod Ricard...
, Portuguese
Portugal
Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
Autódromo Internacional do Algarve
Autódromo Internacional do Algarve
The Autódromo Internacional do Algarve commonly referred to as Portimao Circuit is a race circuit located in Portimão, Portugal. With a total cost of €195 million , the project includes a karting track, technology park, five-star hotel, sports complex and apartments.Construction was finished in...
, and Spanish
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
Circuito de Navarra
Circuito de Navarra
Circuito de Navarra is a motorsport race track that opened in June 2010 near Los Arcos in the Navarre region of Northern Spain. It is a permanent road course that hosts the Superleague Formula series and the FIA GT1 World Championship....
. Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
's races have switched from the Nürburgring
Nürburgring
The Nürburgring is a motorsport complex around the village of Nürburg, Germany. It features a modern Grand Prix race track built in 1984, and a much longer old North loop track which was built in the 1920s around the village and medieval castle of Nürburg in the Eifel mountains. It is located about...
to the Sachsenring
Sachsenring
The Sachsenring racing circuit is located in Hohenstein-Ernstthal near Chemnitz in Saxony, Germany. Among other events, it features the annual German motorcycle Grand Prix of the FIM Grand Prix motorcycle racing world championship.- History :...
from 2010 to 2011, while Belgium
Belgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
's races have moved from the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is the venue of the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix and the Spa 24 Hours endurance race. It is also home to the all Volkswagen club event, 25 Hours of Spa, run by the Uniroyal Fun Cup. It is one of the most challenging race tracks in the world, mainly due to its...
to Zolder. For 2011 the series visits Asia with a Chinese
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
round at the Ordos International Circuit
Ordos International Circuit
Ordos International Circuit, built in 2010, is a motorsport facility located in Ordos City, Inner Mongolia, China. It hosted a round of the China Touring Car Championship, Scirocco Cup China and Superleague Formula in 2010...
. Due to the cancellation of the round at Curitiba in 2011, the series elected to visit Goldenport Park Circuit
Goldenport Park Circuit
Goldenport Park Circuit is a permanent circuit in Jinzhanxiang, Chaoyang District, Beijing, People's Republic of China designed by Australian Michael McDonough...
at Beijing
Beijing
Beijing , also known as Peking , is the capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of 19,612,368 as of 2010. The city is the country's political, cultural, and educational center, and home to the headquarters for most of China's...
shortly after the round at Ordos, with a short exhibition street race afterwards.
History
Six manufacturers were represented in the inaugural season of FIA GT1, with CorvetteChevrolet Corvette
The Chevrolet Corvette is a sports car by the Chevrolet division of General Motors that has been produced in six generations. The first model, a convertible, was designed by Harley Earl and introduced at the GM Motorama in 1953 as a concept show car. Myron Scott is credited for naming the car after...
, Maserati
Maserati
Maserati is an Italian luxury car manufacturer established on December 1, 1914, in Bologna. The company's headquarters is now in Modena, and its emblem is a trident. It has been owned by the Italian car giant Fiat S.p.A. since 1993...
, and Aston Martin
Aston Martin
Aston Martin Lagonda Limited is a British manufacturer of luxury sports cars, based in Gaydon, Warwickshire. The company name is derived from the name of one of the company's founders, Lionel Martin, and from the Aston Hill speed hillclimb near Aston Clinton in Buckinghamshire...
retaining the cars they had previously utilized in FIA GT. Ford
Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is an American multinational automaker based in Dearborn, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. The automaker was founded by Henry Ford and incorporated on June 16, 1903. In addition to the Ford and Lincoln brands, Ford also owns a small stake in Mazda in Japan and Aston Martin in the UK...
, Nissan
Nissan Motors
, usually shortened to Nissan , is a multinational automaker headquartered in Japan. It was a core member of the Nissan Group, but has become more independent after its restructuring under Carlos Ghosn ....
, and Lamborghini
Lamborghini
Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., commonly referred to as Lamborghini , is an Italian car manufacturer. The company was founded by manufacturing magnate Ferruccio Lamborghini in 1963, with the objective of producing a refined grand touring car to compete with established offerings from marques like...
all brought new vehicles developed specifically for FIA GT1.
The first champions of the 2010 season were crowned at the San Luis street circuit
Potrero de los Funes Circuit
The Lago Potrero de los Funes circuit is a race track originally constructed in 1987, and rebuilt in 2008. It is located from San Luis, capital city of the San Luis Province, Argentina. The circuit is semi-permanent, with a length of...
in Argentina after the Qualifying Race on the 5th of December 2010. Michael Bartels
Michael Bartels
Michael Bartels is a professional racing driver. He is a multiple FIA GT champion and former Grand Prix driver who failed to qualify for 4 Formula One races with Lotus.-Career:...
and Andrea Bertolini
Andrea Bertolini
Andrea Bertolini is an Italian race car driver currently driving for Swiss Team in the Superstars Series. He is the official test driver of the Maserati factory....
, three-time FIA GT Champions, clinched the Drivers' Championship while their Vitaphone Racing Team clinched the Teams' Championship. Aston Martin
Aston Martin
Aston Martin Lagonda Limited is a British manufacturer of luxury sports cars, based in Gaydon, Warwickshire. The company name is derived from the name of one of the company's founders, Lionel Martin, and from the Aston Hill speed hillclimb near Aston Clinton in Buckinghamshire...
earned the SRO Trophy for Manufacturers. In 2011 the defending champions did not return and Maserati was no longer represented, leaving a field of 18 cars from five manufacturers. The series visted China for the first time for two rounds. Germans Michael Krumm
Michael Krumm
Michael Krumm is an auto racing driver. At present, he competes in the FIA GT1 World Championship. Krumm married tennis player Kimiko Date on 1 December 2001 at St. Mary's Cathedral, Tokyo...
and Lucas Luhr
Lucas Luhr
Lucas Luhr is a German race car driver, currently contracted by Audi.-Early career:Luhr began his career in karts in 1989. Throughout the early 1990s, he won several local and national karting trophies...
of the JR Motorsports
Sumo power
Sumo Power is a British car tuning company based in Rye, East Sussex, England. Founded in 2002, Sumo Power specializes in custom tuning Japanese imports, including the Nissan Skyline GT-R and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, as well as the importation and sale of many Japanese performance parts,...
team won the year's Drivers' Championship in the penultimate race of the season, while Hexis AMR won the Teams' title in the final race of the year.
List of FIA GT1 World Champions
| Season | Driver Champions | Team Champions |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 2010 FIA GT1 World Championship season The 2010 FIA GT1 World Championship season was the debut season of the FIA GT1 World Championship, a motor racing competition reserved for FIA GT1 cars. The championship was a replacement for the FIA GT Championship which was held from 1997 to 2009... |
 Michael BartelsMichael Bartels Michael Bartels is a professional racing driver. He is a multiple FIA GT champion and former Grand Prix driver who failed to qualify for 4 Formula One races with Lotus.-Career:...  Andrea BertoliniAndrea Bertolini Andrea Bertolini is an Italian race car driver currently driving for Swiss Team in the Superstars Series. He is the official test driver of the Maserati factory.... |
Vitaphone Racing Team |
| 2011 2011 FIA GT1 World Championship season The 2011 FIA GT1 World Championship season was the second season of the SRO Group's FIA GT1 World Championship, an auto racing series for grand tourer cars complying with Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile GT1 regulations. The championship comprises two titles: GT1 World Champion for... |
Lucas Luhr Lucas Luhr Lucas Luhr is a German race car driver, currently contracted by Audi.-Early career:Luhr began his career in karts in 1989. Throughout the early 1990s, he won several local and national karting trophies... Michael KrummMichael Krumm Michael Krumm is an auto racing driver. At present, he competes in the FIA GT1 World Championship. Krumm married tennis player Kimiko Date on 1 December 2001 at St. Mary's Cathedral, Tokyo... |
 Hexis AMRHexis Racing Hexis Racing is an auto racing team based in Lédenon, France. Hexis Racing was founded by Michel Mateu, CEO of Hexis S.A. in 2001, initially for participation in the French Formula Renault Championship. Hexis later moved into grand tourer racing in 2005, participating in the FFSA GT Championship... |
See also
- Blancpain Endurance SeriesBlancpain Endurance SeriesThe Blancpain Endurance Series is a sports car racing series developed by the SRO Group and the Royal Automobile Club of Belgium with approval from the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile...
- FIA GT3 European ChampionshipFIA GT3 European ChampionshipThe FIA GT3 European Championship is a sports car racing series organized by the Stéphane Ratel Organisation and regulated by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile . It is a championship derived from the international FIA GT1 World Championship, but meant to provide competition for more...
- GT4 European CupGT4 European CupThe GT4 European Cup is a sports car championship created and organized by the Stéphane Ratel Organisation and sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile . It is an amateur championship which follows a formula similar to the FIA GT3 European Championship, which is itself derived...