As part of the first FIA World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) meeting of the year on 26 February, the FIA has announced that this year’s FIA GT World Cup at Macau will feature a revised qualifying format.
In addition to the 30-minute qualifying session established in previous years (Q1), there will be a second qualifying segment (Q2) for the fastest ten drivers from the first session. This ‘Super Pole’ session will see all ten drivers going out on track individually for two qualifying laps. Each competitor will also be permitted to use a new set of tyres during Q2.
The rest of the FIA GT World Cup programme remains unchanged from last year, with a 12-lap qualifying race followed by the 16-lap main race to decide the FIA GT World Cup winner.
The change, which was made after gathering feedback from drivers, has been met positively. Reigning FIA GT World Cup champion Maro Engel said of the change: “It’s a great idea to introduce the Super Pole session in Macau. This will be one of the most spectacular and exciting sessions of the season, and it should also ensure sporting fairness. The fans have a lot to look forward to.”
“In Macau, it was always tricky to have a clean lap. With this new format you won’t hear the excuse of traffic or a red flag,” said 2024 FIA GT World Cup polesitter Raffaele Marciello. “To have only two laps will be challenging, but now the fastest guy will probably be on pole!”
FIA World Hypercar Endurance Champion, Laurens Vanthoor, added: “Very often in Macau you have red or yellow flags and this interrupts your qualifying. Now there will be no excuses. You will have added pressure because you only have those two laps. If you make a mistake, there’s nothing after that. In a normal qualifying you have more chances.
“Personally, a shootout is always something I enjoy a lot. For the drivers, on a track like this, it will almost be the highlight of the weekend.”
The eighth edition of the FIA GT World Cup takes place from 13–16 November on the iconic Guia Circuit in the streets of Macau.
Feature image © BMW
