Blanpain Endurance Series (Photo Credit: V-IMAGES/Decancq)
The SRO Motorsports Group has unveiled a six date calendar for the 2012 Blancpain Endurance Series. The five confirmed dates take the championship to some of Europe's iconic track, with the 64th Spa 24 Hours the centrepiece of the year. A six date – in October – is listed as to be confirmed.
The format for the races, apart from the 24 hours challenge, remains the same – with entrants talking three hour races.
Once more Monza hosts the curtain raiser, with Silverstone also retaining a place on the calendar.
After being the season finale in October at the end of the series' inaugural year the UK round of the championship is moved up to the first weekend in June, becoming the second round of the 2012 season.
The French round moves to Paul Ricard, and the trip to the Nurburgring GP circuit will be the series' first race on German soil,
All of the six race weekends will feature a new support package. The Lamborghini Super Trofeo will compete in two 50 minute races at all of the six rounds, while the new Blancpain Revival Series will provide support at all the rounds, save for Spa-Francorhamps.
The new championship is intended to cater for GT cars that raced between 1994 and 2004. The British Formula Three International Series will share the paddock for the Monza, Paul Ricard and Spa-Francochamps rounds.
Another new addition to the weekends' programs will be the SRO Supercar Club. Members of the club will be treated to a VIP experience at the race weekends, including access to the hospitality unit. The highlight will be the chance to take their cars onto some of the world's finest circuits.
“The Blancpain Race Weekends are all about enjoying racing,” said Stephane Ratel, CEO of the SRO Motorsports Group. “2011 was a hugely successful first year for the Blancpain Endurance Series. We've looked at what worked, changed some of the things that didn't, and with new circuits, more cars and more racing we are confident that 2012 will be even better. We have also introduced the SRO Supercar Club which will allow members not only to come and see the event; they can be part of it as well.
“The choice of circuits for the 2012 calendar was crucial as the teams and drivers want to race on the best circuits. And they don't get much better than Monza, Silverstone, Paul Ricard, Spa-Francorchamps and the Nürburgring.”
Interest is proving high in the championship – Ratel citing more than 70 potential interests. The official test is scheduled for the end of March at Paul Ricard.
2012 Blancpain Endurance Series calendar
April 14-15 Monza, Italy
June 2-3 Silverstone, UK
June 29-July 1 Paul Ricard, France
July 25-29 Total 24 Hours of Spa, Belgium
September 22-23 Nürburgring, Germany
October TBC
