Laurent Gaudin: “A prestigious event with the 24 Hours of Spa”

Returning to the SRO Motorsports fold in 2017 with the promotion of the GT4 category, after the unfortunate end of the GT3 era in France, the FFSAGT will see its calendar include two significant modifications in 2019, after having played the card of stability this year, a necessary element to lay solid foundations and not upset the teams' programs.

First of all, it is the Dijon meeting which disappears from the national calendar, the fault of a lackluster organization according to SRO Motorsports. The locomotive series of French circuits, on the other hand, will be able to boast of offering a round outside our borders at Spa-Francorchamps, as was already the case in 2015.

Laurent Gaudin, responsible for the series in addition to his responsibilities as general manager of the Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup and the 24 Hours of Spa, returned with us on the end of the partnership with Dijon which will be replaced by Lédenon, back on the calendar.

“The French Circuit Championship in its entirety, therefore including the Peugeot 308 Racing Cup, the Clio Cup, the F4… in addition to the FFSA GT, is a big machine, he tells us. There are a lot of people to move, all in favorable conditions.

Dijon, despite an interesting route, still has some known gaps, particularly in terms of the internet network. This point remains essential for TV broadcasts, computerized rankings, and even internal championship messaging. Without that, are we doing high-level motorsport?

In addition, with six disciplines, we need structures that allow a good reception. With the general design of the paddock and the current equipment, the implementation is delicate. The goodwill of the circuit is not in doubt and if things develop favorably, the FFSA GT will return. We must continue this transformation.

On the other hand, Patrice Goueslard, sports director of the championship, visited the Lédenon facilities which have evolved well. Their motivation is certain and corresponds to what SRO wants for the French championship: a system of co-organization. »

Spa in window

Laurent Gaudin also explains the reasons for choosing to offer a round alongside the 24 2019 Hours of Spa. “It is a deliberate choice to offer French GT a prestigious event with the 24 Hours of Spa.

The philosophy of this event is more GT than car (The F3 and the Eurocup FR 2.0 occurred alongside the double clock this year). In fact, the GT4 fits perfectly into this vision. »

The head of SRO Motorsports also recalls that a race at Le Mans was considered with open negotiations with a truck racing promoter, but without success due to calendar issues. 

Unlike the GT4 European Series which will offer two three-hour Endurance rounds in 2019, the French scene has not requested such a format. However, an evolution could be envisaged in the future.