GT4 European Cup
Encyclopedia
The GT4 European Cup is a sports car
championship created and organized by the Stéphane Ratel Organisation
(SRO) and sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile
(FIA). It is an amateur championship which follows a formula similar to the FIA GT3 European Championship
, which is itself derived from the FIA GT Championship
which uses the GT1 and GT2 classes. The GT4 class cars are the least powerful of the four classes, yet are equalized in order to allow amateur driving skill to become key.
in 2006, the formula was expanded to include usage by other nationally-based professional championships such as the British GT Championship
, Belcar
, and German ADAC GT Masters
. While the FIA GT3 European Championship continues, the SRO felt that a true amateur championship was needed in order to complement GT3 which allowed a certain level of professional driver to compete.
cars, which are factory-built race cars available to the public. However, custom-built cars based on production models can also be built by teams. All cars are test driven by the FIA and then modified so that they all have near identical performance levels. Once a car has been approved by the FIA, it cannot be modified by the teams, eliminating continual development costs for constructors. All cars run on regulated Pirelli
tires to further equalize performance.
The following cars are currently homologated for GT4:
In 2008, a Supersport category was introduced for smaller, lighter cars:
Drivers under the age of 30 are not allowed to have had a top-ten finish in any national or international single-seater championship, nor to have had a distinguishable career in a national or international GT championship. These drivers are known as Silver drivers. Drivers over the age of 30 who did not receive their racing licenses until after turning 30 and having no single-seater experience at all are also allowed in the series, under the term Bronze drivers.
If at least five cars of the same make participate in a race, then a manufacturer cup will also be awarded, similar to the style used in GT3.
and Belgian GT Championship allow GT4 and Super Sport class cars to compete alongside the GT3 class, while the stand-alone Dutch GT4 Championship ran its first season of competition 2009. A GT4 championship plans to be run in Brazil in 2010.
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....
championship created and organized by the Stéphane Ratel Organisation
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...
(SRO) and sanctioned 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 is an amateur championship which follows a formula similar to the FIA GT3 European Championship
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...
, which is itself derived from the 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 uses the GT1 and GT2 classes. The GT4 class cars are the least powerful of the four classes, yet are equalized in order to allow amateur driving skill to become key.
History
Following the successful introduction of the FIA GT3 European ChampionshipFIA 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...
in 2006, the formula was expanded to include usage by other nationally-based professional championships such as the British GT Championship
British GT Championship
The Avon Tyres British GT Championship is a sports car racing series currently based in the United Kingdom, although they have had select races outside of Britain in the past few years. The series was created by the British Racing Drivers' Club in 1993 and for its first two seasons was called the...
, Belcar
Belcar
The Belcar Endurance Championship is the national sports car racing championship of Belgium. The series is sanctioned by the Royal Automobile Club of Belgium and run by the Stéphane Ratel Organisation . The series' title sponsor is Mediagroep Van Dyck.Since the 2007 season, the series has run...
, and German ADAC GT Masters
ADAC GT Masters
The ADAC GT Masters is a grand tourer-based auto racing series founded by the international Stéphane Ratel Organisation and supported by the German ADAC automotive club. Similar to an earlier ADAC GT Cup series in the 1990s, the new GT Masters ran their first season in 2007...
. While the FIA GT3 European Championship continues, the SRO felt that a true amateur championship was needed in order to complement GT3 which allowed a certain level of professional driver to compete.
Regulations
For the most part, the GT4 regulations are similar to those seen in GT3, although there are some exceptions.Vehicles
GT4 class cars are mostly what can be referred to as track dayTrack day
A track day is an organised event in which members of the public are allowed to drive or ride around established motor racing circuits, or alternatively on closed or disused airfields...
cars, which are factory-built race cars available to the public. However, custom-built cars based on production models can also be built by teams. All cars are test driven by the FIA and then modified so that they all have near identical performance levels. Once a car has been approved by the FIA, it cannot be modified by the teams, eliminating continual development costs for constructors. All cars run on regulated Pirelli
Pirelli
Pirelli & C. SpA is a diverse multinational company based in Milan, Italy. The company, the world’s fifth largest tyre manufacturer, is present in over 160 countries, has 20 manufacturing sites around the world and a network of around 10,000 distributors and retailers.Founded in Milan in 1872,...
tires to further equalize performance.
The following cars are currently homologated for GT4:
- Aston Martin Vantage N24Aston Martin Vantage N24The Aston Martin Vantage N24 is a race car introduced by Aston Martin in 2006, based on the V8 Vantage road car . In late 2008, Aston Martin debuted an updated version of the N24, with the newer Aston Martin Vantage GT4, which featured a larger 4.7 litre engine.-Development:During the 2006 British...
- Aston Martin Vantage GT4Aston Martin Vantage GT4The Aston Martin Vantage GT4 is an updated version of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage N24, debuting in late 2008. Its primary alteration is the introduction of the new 4.7 litre V8 that also debuted in the production V8 Vantage. This replaces the 4.3 L V8 in the V8 Vantage N24. -Development:The Aston...
- BMW M3 GT4
- BMW Z4BMW Z4The BMW Z4 is a rear-wheel drive sports car by the German car maker BMW. It follows a line of past BMW roadsters such as the BMW Z1, BMW 507, BMW Z8, and the BMW Z3. The Z4 replaces the Z3. First generation production started in 2002 at BMW USA's Greer, South Carolina plant, with production of both...
- Corvette C6Chevrolet Corvette C6The Chevrolet Corvette is a sports car produced by the Chevrolet division of General Motors introduced for the 2005 model year. The current generation Corvette is the first with exposed headlamps since the 1962 model...
- Chevrolet CamaroChevrolet CamaroThe Chevrolet Camaro is an automobile manufactured by General Motors under the Chevrolet brand, classified as a pony car and some versions also as a muscle car. It went on sale on September 29, 1966, for the 1967 model year and was designed as a competing model to the Ford Mustang...
- Ford Mustang FR500GT4
- Ginetta G50Ginetta G50Ginetta G50 is a specialist GT4 class-developed racing car, designed by Ginetta Cars.-Development:In late 2007, in what he later described as his Victor Kiam moment, Leeds-based businessman Lawrence Tomlinson bough Ginetta Cars from the group of enthusiasts, who themselves had bought it out of...
GT4 - Maserati Gran Turismo MC
- Maserati TrofeoMaserati CoupeThe Maserati Coupé and Spyder are grand tourers produced by Italian automaker Maserati from 2001 to 2007. They have now been replaced by the GranTurismo. The two nameplates refer to the four-seater coupé and two-seater roadster versions, respectively. Both models were based on the 3200 GT, ...
- Nissan 350ZNissan 350ZThe Nissan 350Z is a two seat sports car that was manufactured by Nissan from 2002 to 2009 and marks the fifth generation of Nissan's Z-car line. The 350Z entered production in late 2002 and was sold and marketed as a 2003 model. The first year there was only a coupe, as the roadster did not debut...
- Nissan 370ZNissan 370ZThe Nissan 370Z is a sports car manufactured by Nissan Motors. It was announced on October 29, 2008 and was first shown at an event in Los Angeles ahead of the 2008 Greater LA Auto Show, before being officially unveiled at the show itself...
- Porsche 997Porsche 997The Porsche Type 997 , also simply called the 997 is the current version of the 911 family sports car built by German manufacturer Porsche in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen...
GT4 - Porsche CaymanPorsche CaymanThe Porsche Cayman is a mid-engined, rear wheel drive 2-seat sports car produced by Porsche AG of Germany. First launched in the 2006 model year, the Cayman is a coupé derived from Porsche's second generation Boxster convertible. Like the Boxster, most Caymans were assembled in Finland for Porsche...
- Lotus EvoraLotus EvoraThe Lotus Evora is a sports car produced by British car manufacturer Lotus. The car, which was developed under the project name Project Eagle, was launched as the Evora on 22 July 2008 at the British International Motor Show.- Development :...
In 2008, a Supersport category was introduced for smaller, lighter cars:
- DonkervoortDonkervoortDonkervoort Automobielen BV is a manufacturer of authentic hand-built and ultra light weight sports cars based in Lelystad in The Netherlands. This car brand was founded in 1978 by Joop Donkervoort....
D8GT - KTM X-BowKTM X-BowThe KTM X-Bow is the first car to be developed by Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM, in partnership with Kiska Design, Audi, and Dallara. The X-Bow uses a turbocharged direct injected TFSI engine manufactured by Volkswagen Group, which produces at 5500 rpm and of torque between 2000 and...
- Lotus 2-ElevenLotus 2-ElevenThe Lotus 2-Eleven is a car produced by British car manufacturer Lotus. It is based on the Lotus Exige S, and thus has the same supercharged 2ZZ-GE engine. Weighing and with , the 2-Eleven can sprint from 0-60 in 3.8 seconds and has a top speed of...
- Peugeot 207Peugeot 207The Peugeot 207 is a small family car produced by the French automaker Peugeot and unveiled in January 2006.-Launch:The 207 was launched in France, Spain and Italy during April 2006 and later on in other European, Israeli and Arabic markets....
Spyder
Drivers
Like GT3, GT4 drivers have a set of criteria which would automatically eliminate them from competition based on their level of experience. Since GT4 class drivers are meant to be true amateurs, these criteria are tighter than that seen in GT3.Drivers under the age of 30 are not allowed to have had a top-ten finish in any national or international single-seater championship, nor to have had a distinguishable career in a national or international GT championship. These drivers are known as Silver drivers. Drivers over the age of 30 who did not receive their racing licenses until after turning 30 and having no single-seater experience at all are also allowed in the series, under the term Bronze drivers.
Races
Just as in GT3, each event will consist of two races of equal distance, usually held on different days. Teams are not required to have two drivers and can use the same driver for each race.Championship
The championship will use the standard FIA point scheme for the top eight finishers: 10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1. If a team uses different drivers for each race in a single event, both drivers will receive points. A driver and team championship will both be held.If at least five cars of the same make participate in a race, then a manufacturer cup will also be awarded, similar to the style used in GT3.
Champions
| Season | Class | Drivers Champion(s) | Teams Champion |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | GT4 |  Eric de DonckerEric de Doncker Eric de Doncker is a Belgian racing driver. He won the GT4 European Cup in 2007 and again in 2008 with a Ford Mustang, and in 2008-2009 competed in the GT4 as well as the GT3 European Championship. He again competed in GT3 racing in 2009-10 and 2010-11 .-24 Hours of Le Mans results:-External... |
not awarded |
| 2008 | GT4 | Eric de Doncker Eric de Doncker Eric de Doncker is a Belgian racing driver. He won the GT4 European Cup in 2007 and again in 2008 with a Ford Mustang, and in 2008-2009 competed in the GT4 as well as the GT3 European Championship. He again competed in GT3 racing in 2009-10 and 2010-11 .-24 Hours of Le Mans results:-External... |
Motorsport98 |
| Light |  Christopher HaaseChristopher Haase Christopher Haase is a German racing driver. He became the FIA GT3 European Champion in 2009, racing for Lamborghini and Reiter Engineering, and raced in GT1 for the first time in 2010.... |
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| 2009 2009 GT4 European Cup season The 2009 GT4 European Cup season was the third season of the GT4 European Cup. It began on May 3 at Silverstone, before finishing on September 13 at Portimao after twelve races.-Entry list:-Drivers Championship standings:-External links:*... |
GT4 |  Joe Osborne |
RJN Motorsport |
| Supersport |  Augustin Eder |
||
| 2010 2010 GT4 European Cup season The 2010 GT4 European Cup season was the fourth season of the GT4 European Cup. It began on May 1 at Silverstone, before finishing on October 17 at Magny-Cours after twelve races held at six meetings.... |
GT4 |  Paul MeijerPaul Meijer Paul Ronald Johan Meijer is a Dutch racing driver. He is a former Benelux Formula Renault champion.-Career:As many formula drivers, Paul started his career in karting at the age of 10.... |
Rhesus Racing |
| Supersport |  Gianni GiudiciGianni Giudici Gianni Giudici is an Italian racing driver from Province of Milan, Abbiategrasso.-Career:1970-1992: Italian Touring Car Championship1993: Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft1994: Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft... |
||
| 2011 2011 GT4 European Cup season The 2011 GT4 European Cup season is the fifth season of the GT4 European Cup. It began on 23 April at Zandvoort, and is scheduled to finish at the same venue on 16 October after eighteen races held at six meetings.-Entry list:-Race calendar and results:... |
GT4 | Ricardo van der Ende Ricardo van der Ende Ricardo van der Ende is a Dutch racing driver. He won the 2001 Formula Chrysler Euroseries season with the Belgian team of Vortex Motorsport. He also won the Winter Series of the British Formula Ford Championship in 1998 and the Formula Ford Festival in 1999. Later on he went karting and became... |
Racing Team Holland by Ekris Motorsport |
| Supersport | Gianni Giudici Gianni Giudici Gianni Giudici is an Italian racing driver from Province of Milan, Abbiategrasso.-Career:1970-1992: Italian Touring Car Championship1993: Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft1994: Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft... |
Similar series
Since the introduction of the GT4 European Cup, the GT4 class of cars have been expanded to various national series. The British GT ChampionshipBritish GT Championship
The Avon Tyres British GT Championship is a sports car racing series currently based in the United Kingdom, although they have had select races outside of Britain in the past few years. The series was created by the British Racing Drivers' Club in 1993 and for its first two seasons was called the...
and Belgian GT Championship allow GT4 and Super Sport class cars to compete alongside the GT3 class, while the stand-alone Dutch GT4 Championship ran its first season of competition 2009. A GT4 championship plans to be run in Brazil in 2010.