Porsche Supports Ratel's Concerns Over GT3 Racing Direction

Porsche Motorsport chief Thomas Laudenbach has expressed support for Stephane Ratel, head of SRO, regarding concerns about the evolving nature of GT3 racing. Laudenbach emphasized the importance of returning to the category's foundational principles amid rising costs and the introduction of race-first cars.

During a recent IMSA event at Road America, Laudenbach agreed with Ratel's assessment, stating that the focus should remain on affordable GT racing derived from street-legal vehicles. He noted that the trend towards prototypes is troubling and called for measures to ensure the integrity of GT3.

Ratel has pointed out that upcoming models from manufacturers like Genesis, Mercedes, and Toyota are being developed primarily as race cars, diverging from the original concept of converting road cars into race-ready vehicles. Laudenbach acknowledged the challenges posed by competitors and the necessity for manufacturers to adapt while maintaining the essence of GT3 racing.