An expanded field of six elite automotive manufacturers will trust their customer teams to battle for the 2021 Fanatec GT World Challenge Powered by AWS crown.
Audi, BMW, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Mercedes-AMG and Porsche will stake their claim for the global title, which is decided by the results in each class of continental series in America, Asia, Australia and Europe. Relying on their local representatives, GT3 machinery from the six marques will go wheel-to-wheel at a host of world-leading circuits, including Spa-Francorchamps, Indianapolis, Bathurst and Sepang.
The upcoming campaign will represent the third season of competition for the global concept and sees Ferrari and Mercedes-AMG remain as ever-present participants. Audi and Lamborghini have committed to a second assault on the crown after debuting in 2020, while the addition of BMW and Porsche brings further manufacturer strength to the programme.
The brand to beat will be Mercedes-AMG, which has been crowned Fanatec GT World Challenge Powered by AWS champion two seasons in succession thanks to its customer racing squads. In each continental series the best-finishing GT3 car per manufacturer is awarded points, ranging from 25 at sprint races up to 100 at the Total Hours of Spa. Scores are multiplied by the number of cars competing in each class to produce the final amount.
Participants are not required to have representation on all four continents, though doing so will enhance their chances of earning the grand prize. While the Fanatec GT World Challenge Powered by AWS title is awarded to the winning manufacturer, the teams and drivers who contribute to this success are also celebrated as part of a global effort.
The upcoming season will be the biggest to date in more than one respect. As well as a record number of manufacturers, the concept expands on to a fourth continent in 2021 with the addition of Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia Powered by AWS. This brings the total number of events to 29, all of which will free to view on the official websites, social media channels and GT World You Tube channel, with no regional restrictions in place.
The season begins on U.S. soil this weekend (6-7 March) when Fanatec GT World Challenge America Powered by AWS launches at Sonoma Raceway in California. The Australian campaign will kick off one week later at Philip Island (12-14 March) while Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Powered by AWS gets underway at Monza (16-18 April) and the Asian campaign launches at Sepang (29-30 May) pending travel restrictions in the region.
The final standings will be decided on 26-28 November when the Australian series concludes at Bathurst. With a record number of brands vying for the crown, this promises to be the most competitive season yet for Fanatec GT World Challenge Powered by AWS.
Stephane Ratel, SRO Motorsports Group founder and CEO: “It is with great pride that we present the six manufacturers competing in this year’s Fanatec GT World Challenge Powered by AWS. We are delighted to have secured the commitment of such prestigious automotive brands, each of which brings a unique sporting heritage. This season will be the third for our global programme and the first to include Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia Powered by AWS. It seems fitting that for our biggest calendar yet, we also have our biggest entry. I have always been convinced by this project and it is very rewarding to see it grow each year. At a time when GT3 is drifting dangerously close to factory racing, SRO is proud that this global challenge supports the customer racing ethos of a category that we contributed to the creation of 15 years ago. With so much racing to look forward to, I am certain that 2021 will deliver a fantastic season on each continent.”
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SRO Motorsports Group – The global leader in GT racing
With nearly three decades’ experience at the forefront of a continuously evolving industry, SRO Motorsports Group is the established global leader in GT racing. A busy 2021 season will see events staged under the SRO banner on five continents, highlighted by the prestigious Total 24 Hours of Spa.
The company’s expanding portfolio of series includes Fanatec GT World Challenge Powered by AWS categories in America, Asia, Australia and Europe. Each retains its unique identity, while also allowing competing brands to dispute a global manufacturers’ title through their continental representatives. What’s more, a groundbreaking new initiative for 2021 will see virtual racing come together with the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Powered by AWS Endurance Cup, where a series of e-sports contests will count towards the real championship.
Staged since 2016, the flagship Intercontinental GT Challenge Powered by Pirelli sees world-leading manufacturers compete through their local teams at marquee events across the globe. Considerable emphasis is placed on amateur competitors, too, with the GT Sports Club concept combining a relaxed environment with highly professional standards for drivers using GT2 and GT3 machinery.
SRO also works with the FIA to organise and promote the FIA Motorsport Games, a multi-disciplinary event in which drivers compete in the colours of their national flag. A range of international and domestic series catering for GT2, GT3, GT4 and touring car machinery also form part of an extensive on-track programme, while the burgeoning sim racing scene has taken on considerable importance through the SRO E-Sport GT Series.
In addition to promotion and organisation, the company operates the SRO Race Centre by MMC service facility at Circuit Paul Ricard, and provides the ultimate driving opportunities at world-renowned venues through Curbstone Track Events. Combining a passion for performance with industry-leading experience, SRO continues to play a key role in shaping the future of global GT racing.