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<body> <Table Width="550" border="0" style="border-collapse: collapse" cellpadding="0"><TR><TD Width="35"><IMG SRC="//www.totalmotorsport.com/images/spacer.gif" WIDTH="35" HEIGHT="1"></td><td> <CENTER><Table border="0" width="100%"> <TR><TD width="100%" align="center"><B><FONT FACE="Tahoma" SIZE="5">FIA GT CHAMPIONSHIP</FONT></B></TD></TR> <TR><TD width="100%" align="left"><B><FONT FACE="Tahoma" SIZE="2">09/01/2001</FONT></B></TD></TR> <TR><TD width="100%" align="center"><B><FONT FACE="Tahoma" SIZE="4">2001</FONT></B></TD></TR> <TR><TD width="100%" align="center"><B><FONT FACE="Tahoma" SIZE="3">Massive FIA GT Interest</FONT></B></TD></TR> <TR><TD width="100%" align="center"><img border="1" src="Storage/2001restFIA.jpg"></TD></TR> <TR><TD width="100%" align="center"><FONT FACE="Tahoma" SIZE="1">  </FONT></TD></TR> <TR><TD width="100%" align="left"><FONT FACE="Tahoma" SIZE="2">It wasn’t so long ago that the FIA GT numbers were down to 22 or so at times. All of a sudden, we’re looking at potentially 40 cars that could be available for 2001. That will create an interesting problem, as there is a stated desire from the FIA to limit numbers to a regular 30 at each race, plus two guest entries from local teams.<BR> <BR> So it seems that there will have to be a weeding out system to get the entries down to 30. It isn’t clear how that will be done, but 2000 entrants, especially those with a proven record of competitiveness will logically have preference, with perhaps prominence being given to prestige names such as Ferrari. It would also be illogical to reduce Ferrari numbers in N-GT, as they are currently looking like the only non-Porsches in that class.<BR> <BR> Here’s a quick run-down of cars that could be ready to go for 2001, with the first port of call likely to be a two day test / media event at Monza on March 7 / 8.<BR> <BR> Vipers – three Belmondo, one GLPK, two Carsport, one Larbre, one Racing Box, one ART and perhaps one other.<BR> <BR> Lister Storms – two cars confirmed, with the possibility of a third.<BR> <BR> Ferrari 550s – one Wieth entry initially (possibility of a second my mid-season), two or three Rafanelli cars and one or two FIRST Racing 550s.<BR> <BR> Porsche 911 GT2s – one Autorlando, one Austrian entry (Atzberger), possibly one Proton Competition, one Haberthur, one or two Freisinger.<BR> <BR> Porsche 911 GT3R Bi-turbo – a Dutch team are developing a turbocharged version of the N-GT model for the GT class.<BR> <BR> Lamborghini – possibly one entry.<BR> <BR> Porsche 911 GT3R / RS – three Freisinger, one Haberthur, two RWS, two or three Larbre, one Art Engineering, one from a new Czech team set up by Igor Salquarda, one Kremer, one EMKA and one or two Perspective Racing. <BR> <BR> Ferrari 360 – two or three JMB entries.<BR> <BR> Ironic, isn’t it, that there are suddenly more cars (potentially) available just when the FIA limit numbers to 30 (plus two). A regular 30 makes up a more professional ‘circus’ and ensures a guaranteed entry, but 40 would be more fun and wouldn’t leave anyone disappointed.<BR> <BR> 2003 could see the introduction of the Ferrari F60, the new Viper, the new Porsche and perhaps the Aston Martin Vanquish. GT racing is positively buoyant in terms of entry numbers in Europe.<BR> </FONT></TD></TR> </TABLE><BR> </CENTER> <BR><CENTER><font size="1" color="#808080" face="Tahoma">Copyright ©2000-©2023 TotalMotorSport</font></CENTER> </td> </tr> </table> </body>