Not only we need to study the rules of the new series thoroughly before its beginning. It is also mandatory to tell our fans what exactly will happen on the track (an on the prize winning podium). When you know the rules according to which the race is going on it becomes more interesting to watch it.
That is why we studied 56 pages of GT Cup Open Europe regulations and have a pleasure to announce that you should not do it anymore. It is enough to read this article and enjoy watching the six rounds of GT Cup Open Europe; moreover, the first round starts this weekend.
So, if we are talking about 6 rounds, let us remind you the series calendar. On April 27–28 we start on the well-known and beloved Paul Ricard autodrome. On June 8–9 we meet in Belgium, on the famous Spa Francorchamps track. On July 6–7 it is time to go to Hungary, to Hungaroring track. The autumn part of the season starts on September 7–8 on Silverstone in Great Britain. On September 21–22 Barcelona is waiting for us, and the season finishes in Italy – don't miss the race in Monza on October 12–13!
However, only five rounds of six are classified. Drivers can participate in several classifications. First of all, it is definitely the overall classification of the race, where the results of all the drivers are taken into account. Secondly, it is one of the three classes: Silver, ProAM, AM. Brothers Lino and Carlo Curti will participate in АМ class. Finally, there is a team classification where everything is clear – to support Tsunami RT!
So, each round consists of two free practices, two qualification segments (20 minutes each) and two races.
One of the team drivers (Lino or Carlo Curti in our case) starts the first racing day. He drives the qualification, and then starts in the race driving into the pit lane in the middle of it and shifting places with the second driver. The same is for the second racing day, however, the second driver participates in the qualification and starts the race then shifted by the second one.
As opposed to Porsche Carrera Cup Italia, the new series has no start from rest, but the rolling start. This means that the vehicles start for the warm-up lap behind a safety car in the order, defined by qualification results. On the warm-up lap it is forbidden to practice the start and make a gap for more that 5 car lengths from a car in front. Then a safety car leaves the track (from this moment zigzag movements on the track in order to warm up the tires are forbidden!), and the real competition begins after the lap is finished!
The race lasts 55 minutes, then the prizes are given in various classes and classification points are assigned.
To gain the points in the overall classification, it is necessary to finish in the top-10. Points are assigned according to the scheme 15-12-10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1.
You need to enter top-6 in each class and in the team classification. Point assignment scheme: 10-8-6-4-3-2.
Only half classification results are assigned on condition that there are less than 6 drivers in a class.
In the end of the season all the results are summed up, one round is subtracted (don't we forget!), and the winner of the series is defined that gained the most classification points. If several drivers have equal number of points, the winner is who has had more victories within the season.
Stewards lavish various penalties for non-compliance with the rules. They are equipped with drive through, stop-and-go, 5 or 10 seconds, time cancellation during free practices or qualifications, start from pit lane. After the third penalty within the season a driver will be shifted 10 positions back on the start of the next race.
Not more than 12 slicks can be used in each weekend. The number of rain tires is not regulated, however, it is forbidden to start on rain tires if the wet race has not been announced by the stewards.
Handicaps are one more interesting trick from the organizer so that one does not think that life is all beer and skittles. The time to spend by the crew on the pit lane during the shift of drivers has its lower limit, that means you cannot shift places quickly and drive further, but you need to spend some time there defined by the handicaps. There are three of them:
- a personal handicap established for each driver;
- a victory handicap for the winner of the last race (if you have won the previous time, have a break and give a chance to your competitors);
- a compulsory handicap (for everybody).
All these times are summed up, and it is very important not to leave the pit lane before the time is up.
Is it difficult? Yes, it is! Is it curious? Yes, it is very curious!
We hope that GT Cup Open Europe became clearer for you. The main principle remains inalterable from the times of Greek chariot races: to pass a complicated track faster than others, to keep competitors behind, and here you are, douched with the champagne on the prize winning podium.
Let us try? A little time remains to the start!