Maserati to compete in GT1?

[vetteheadracer]

Given that both the Vitafone and Sarafree teams are pre-qualified for GT1 next year as a result of their success in GT1 in FIA GT this year, will they be allowed by the ACO to run their Maserati MC12's next year?

Also, will Penske bring their Porsche Spiders over for Le Mans as they too are pre-qualified?

[Panclan]

Unless the car is modified to conform to ACO rules then no it won't be allowed

[E36GUY]

That's what I thought. It is given a special dispensation for the GT1 races I think but don't think it's allowed at the 24 hour. THink it's width or something like that.

As for the Porsches, they were pre-qualified last year too but I believe they always planned to return to LM for 2008 so hopefully....

[Brewster1980]

Both Vitaphone Maserati and Penske pre-qualified last year, and were on the provisional LM line up. Neither took up their invitations though. Shame.

I think there is a Dutch team which has bought some RS Spyders with a view to racing them at LM 08, so there is hope...

[chrisbr68]

Was listening to midweek motorsport last week and they were saying something about a new GT class to replace the two old ones? They mentioned something about rendering some cars or other out of date now. Didnt listen properly as it was on my Ipod on the bus but I wonder if this has any implications on your question?

Might be worth a re listen if I get a chance....

[chrisbr68]

Had a re listen to this. They mentioned there is consideration being given to having a GT world championship ala GT1 and a Euro one for GT2 style cars. They said both would be at Spa, but I didnt hear them mention le mans. They also mentioned that this may be good to have a large diverse number of cars in each.

[mikeyscott]

Brewster1980 said:

Both Vitaphone Maserati and Penske pre-qualified last year, and were on the provisional LM line up. Neither took up their invitations though. Shame.

I think there is a Dutch team which has bought some RS Spyders with a view to racing them at LM 08, so there is hope...

I think a lot will hinge on the LMP2 regs.. Porsche don't like them and from what I understand this dutch team will effectively have Porsche backing anyway