Macau GP | Macau FIA GT World Cup confirms five major brands

Five manufacturers have signed up to compete in the inaugural FIA GT World Cup this November. Aston Martin, Audi, McLaren, Mercedes and Porsche will all be represented by three GT3 cars each in the maiden event that will crown the first FIA GT World Cup Manufacturers’ Champion.
The FIA and the Automobile Association Macau China had sought a total of seven manufacturers, who would be able to provide 21 of the 28 cars that will compose the starting grid for Macau’s Guia circuit.
FIA GT Commission president Christian Schacht said: “We’re very satisfied to have received entries from five of the world’s most famous racing manufacturers for the first event.
“It’s the result of two success stories: the FIA GT3 concept used in the majority of GT championships all over the world; and the legendary Macau Grand Prix.
“For Aston Martin, Audi, McLaren, Mercedes and Porsche, the FIA GT World Cup provides a great opportunity to showcase their cars on a big stage in the heart of the growing Asian market.”
Aston Martin Racing boss John Gaw remarked, “Asia is an important market for Aston and Macau is one of the biggest events in Asia, so we are delighted to be taking part.”
Additional cars representing other manufacturers will be allowed to take part in the event by invitation of the selection committee, but they will not be considered for the manufacturers’ title.
The competition setup consists of a 12-lap qualifying race (45 minutes) and an 18-lap points-scoring race (60 minutes).
The top classified two cars from each manufacturer will accumulate points on a scoring system similar to the one used in Formula 1.
The official team names that will denote the five official manufacturers will only be revealed when the entry list is published next month. However, Gaw already indicated that Hong Kong’s Craft-Bamboo Racing will provide at least two of the cars for Aston Martin. He also revealed that Stefan Mucke would likely be one of their drivers. RM