The SRO has announced that 66 cars have signed up for the Blancpain GT Series in 2014, with 44 cars taking the Endurance route and 22 taking the Sprint option.
In addition to the overall title fight – which will see the likes of Nelson Piquet Jr, Alex Zanardi, René Rast, Roman Rusinov and Jeroen Bleekemolen go door-to-door – the Blancpain Sprint Series has two additional classes: Silver Cup, which will see Silver drivers under the age of 25 competing for extra prize money, including €50,000 for winning a race overall; and Pro-Am, which begins the season with only two entries, one of which is the potent pairing of Blancpain CEO Marc Hayek and Peter Kox.
Provisional Monza Entry 11th/12th April
The more established Blancpain Endurance Series has seen a decline in numbers from 2013, when 60 cars began the season at Monza, but it can still boast an impressive grid across its three classes.
The Pro Cup enjoys a dozen entries, including the series debuts of M-Sport Bentley and Oman Racing Team and the return of Tomas Enge to European competition, while The Pro-Am Cup has 22 entries representing nine marques. The Gentlemen Trophy numbers 10 for the season opener.
Provisional Nogaro Entry 19th-21st April
“Looking at the entry lists for the Blancpain GT Series, we are very delighted to see the many top-level drivers and teams who are joining us for this year’s competition,” said Stéphane Ratel. “Their professionalism will help us continue the success story that started during the inaugural year of the Blancpain Endurance Series in 2011. It is also inspiring to see that several young talents have decided to join the ever increasing ranks of GT drivers, in an effort to show their racing skills to a wide audience. The new Silver Cup in the Blancpain Sprint Series is aimed at those youngsters, and their duels will prove to be one of the highlights of this season, I am sure. The Blancpain GT Series represents the next step in the continuing growth of GT racing.
“We are obviously delighted with the continued support, enthusiasm and dedication of our partner Blancpain, one of the world’s most esteemed and respected watch manufacturers. Together we are looking very much forward to 2014, which promises to be a truly exceptional season of racing.”
