- Jeddah Corniche Circuit to stage final round of two European championships in 2024
- TotalEnergies 24h Nürburgring joins Intercontinental GT Challenge Powered by Pirelli
- TotalEnergies to supply 100% sustainable racing fuel in Fanatec GT Asia and Europe
- Calendars announced for majority of SRO series worldwide
Stéphane Ratel has outlined plans for SRO Motorsports Group in 2024 and beyond in his annual press conference at the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa.
The media gathering was staged just a few hours before the start of the twice-around-the-clock classic, which begins its 75th edition at 16:30 CEST this afternoon. The points of discussion ranged from recent activities undertaken by SRO to future developments, including significant news of a new venue for 2024.
It was revealed that Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Powered by AWS and the GT4 European Series Powered by RAFA Racing Club will stage their respective season finales at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit in Saudi Arabia in 2024 and 2025. The Middle Eastern city will host both championships on 21-23 November next year, launching a new long-term partnership that will expand over the coming seasons.
In another significant development, the ADAC TotalEnergies 24h Nürburgring will become an Intercontinental GT Challenge Powered by Pirelli round next season, forming part of what is provisionally a four-round calendar. The iconic Nordschleife will host its annual event on May 30 – June 2, joining a schedule also comprising the Bathurst 12 Hour (February 16-18), CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa (June 27-30) and Indianapolis 8 Hour Presented by AWS (October 4-6).
A new agreement with TotalEnergies will see the multi-energy firm continue to supply fuel to a host of SRO championships. It will act as official fuel supplier to a variety of series and will introduce Excellium Racing 100, its certified 100 percent sustainable racing fuel, to Fanatec GT Asia and Europe.
SRO's broader sustainability efforts were also detailed during the press conference. The past year has seen a focus on textile recycling and the use of 100 percent bio (HVO) fuel for both tyre warmers and generators. SRO has also supported eight environmental projects across five continents, 3,400 new trees planted across 11 countries to reach 85 percent carbon neutrality.
Following a successful event at Circuit Paul Ricard in October of last year, the FIA Motorsport Games will expand from 16 disciplines to 26 for its third edition in 2024. As previously announced Circuit Ricardo Tormo and Valencia will take on hosting duties, while the dates for the event have been confirmed as 23-27 October.
As ever, calendars were confirmed for a variety of SRO series around the globe. There was also news of the 2024 Asian Le Mans Series, which will run as a joint venture between the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), Asian Le Mans Endurance Management (ALMEM) and SRO Motorsports Group, while it was announced that the 2024 Macau FIA GT World Cup would run on 11-19 November.
There will be increased synergy between the European championships in 2024. Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Powered by AWS will run its usual 10-round championship, highlighted by the centenary CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa (27-30 June). The Fanatec GT GT2 European Series will join for five of its six events, with a sixth meeting taking place as part of the returning Spa Speedweek. The trip to Spa-Francorchamps is scheduled to take place one week before the season’s marquee event.
The GT4 European Series Powered by RAFA Racing Club will support six Fanatec GT rounds events. What’s more, a new GT4 Manufacturers' Cup will be launched in which points can be scored in a variety of championships around the world.
The 75th CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa will get underway today (Saturday 1 July) at 16:30 CEST.