The 2024 Gulf 12 Hours, which will run on December 15th at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, will have a different look and feel to last year when it served as the Intercontinental GT Challenge’s season-ending event.
For the 13th edition of the race organiser Driving Force Events has announced a few key changes to the format and rules.
In terms of driver line-ups, a Bronze or Silver-ranked driver is guaranteed to stand on the winners’ podium following updated regulations.
The Pro category can be contested by car crews featuring either one Bronze-graded driver alongside any combination of Platinum, Gold or Silver drivers, or three Silver drivers. At least two Bronze-ranked drivers must be part of every Pro-Am category line-up while no Gold or Platinum drivers are permitted in the Am class.
The format for the race has also been tweaked. Unlike earlier editions (held before it was an IGTC round) which featured an equal split of two six-hour parts, the 2024 running will consist of an opening eight-hour endurance section followed, after a two-hour break, by a four-hour sprint to the chequered flag. This means the second starting ceremony will take place at night.
“We continuously strive to make the Gulf 12 Hours a memorable and enjoyable end to the racing season and the 2024 edition will be another milestone,” said Andrea Ficarelli, the head of Driving Force Events.
“As well as the familiar benefits of a world-class venue, a unique atmosphere and great facilities in ideal weather conditions, we have adjusted the race format and driver categorisations, based on constructive discussions with the teams and drivers. These factors will combine to make the 2024 Gulf 12 Hours another unforgettable experience.”
The entry process has already started, with the promotors already building the grid for the race.
