2013 ADAC GT Masters promises to be even more exciting

• Sophisticated computational model for ‘Balance of Performance’
• Adjustments to driver classifications and handicap weights
• All 16 races in 2013 to be shown live on TV again

The ADAC has paved the way for an even more exciting ADAC GT Masters season in 2013. Improvements in the rules for the forthcoming season promise to make the Super Sports Car League even more competitive. There are changes to the ‘Balance of Performance’ (BoP) to ensure equal opportunities for different vehicle designs, and to the driver classification, with the former Amateur class being re-designated ‘Gentlemen’.

The ‘Balance of Performance’ in 2013 will once again be in line with the standard laid down by the FIA for sports cars competing under GT3 regulations. The basic classification will be determined by the FIA before the season starts by measuring engine performance and downforce. ‘Balance of Performance’ for the ADAC GT Masters will then be worked out by putting this data through a specially adapted computational model that also takes into account those parameters that are specific to the ADAC GT Masters such as tyres. Responsibility for ‘Balance of Performance’ in the 2013 season will once again lie solely with the German Motorsport Association (DMSB).

Also undergoing some changes next season are the driver classifications and the handicap weights. Drivers will continue to be classified by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) on a scale reflecting track record: Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze. The driver classification in the ADAC GT Masters will be essentially similar but will have only three categories: Professionals (equivalent to FIA Platinum and Gold), Semi-Professionals (equivalent to FIA Silver) and Gentlemen (equivalent to FIA Bronze). “With the Platinum and Gold categories, we are talking about fully professional drivers in both cases,” says ADAC Head of Motorsport Division Lars Soutschka. “It has been our experience over the past few years that, when you put them all in GT3 sports cars, there are rarely any significant differences in performance. Platinum drivers such as ex-Formula 1 contestants Heinz-Harald Frentzen and Karl Wendlinger were carrying far too big a handicap under the previous regulations and were consequently discriminated against in sporting terms. The new rule is much fairer without compromising the spirit of the ADAC GT Masters.”

To uphold the principle of sporting fairness, weight handicaps will once again be applied to driver pairings in accordance with their driver classifications. Two Professionals sharing a car will carry a 40kg handicap (previously 60 kilos). In the case of Semi-Professionals and Gentlemen, the sliding scale of handicaps means that they can enjoy a weight advantage of up to 40 kilos.

The former Amateur class of the ADAC GT Masters now goes into the 2013 season under a new name. All drivers in the Bronze category will be competing against each other in the Gentleman class which is worth €75,000 in prize money. If two Bronze drivers share one car, their points will be multiplied by a factor of 1.5. Competitors appearing on the podium in next year’s Gentleman class will be joined by their higher-ranked co-driver.
“The improvements in the 2013 regulations will ensure fairer competition and even more exciting racing,” says Lars Soutschka confidently. “Fans watching the action at the track or at home can look forward to a great season ahead. All races will be shown on TV again in 2013. The live broadcasts of the ADAC GT Masters since 2010 have been an important contributory factor in the rise to prominence of the series. We would like to maintain this momentum in 2013.” Details about TV coverage in the forthcoming season will be announced shortly.

Registration for the 2013 ADAC GT Masters 2013 has already begun. Teams signing up before 15th December benefit from attractive discounted rates. Registrations can only be accepted online. Visit www.adac.de/motorsport.

As usual, the 2013 ADAC GT Masters will be contested over 16 rounds on eight race weekends. The Super Sports Car League will be making debut appearances in 2013 at the Formula 1 circuit in Spa-Francorchamps and at the Slovakiaring in Slovakia. The curtain-raiser for the seventh ADAC GT Masters season takes place on the weekend of 26th - 28th April at the Motorsport Arena Oschersleben.