GT3 Silver Cup class to be axed for 2021
British GT will scrap the Silver Cup class in GT3 next year, with Silvergraded drivers able to compete only alongside a Bronze-graded amateur in a move that is designed to keep Pro-am pairings competitive.
Six cars were entered in the Silver category this year, comprising over half of the GT3 grid after several withdrawals from Pro-am entries amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Of the eight races held so far in 2020, half have been won by Pro-am pairings, while Silver crews Sam De Haan/patrick Kujala (RAM Mercedes) and Sandy Mitchell/rob Collard (Barwell Lamborghini) hold the top two positions in the standings with one round to go.
A championship statement confirmed that the change will be made “to redress the balance while maintaining a viable environment for young, would-be professionals to develop and prosper”.
The proposed Silver-am class will not admit all drivers that are encompassed in the FIA’S broad Silver ranking, but “will typically comprise promising but less experienced young drivers, GT4 graduates or those likely to contribute some budget when paired with a Bronze-graded amateur”.
GT4 will be unaffected by the changes, with all-silver pairings allowed to compete against Pro-am entries.
The championship has also announced its calendar for 2021, with the return of Spa bringing the schedule back to the nine races across seven events that were planned this year. The season is due to start with its traditional Easter weekend double-header at Oulton Park and is set to conclude with a two-hour race at Donington Park in September.