Porsche supports SRO warning against GT3 prototype trend

Porsche Motorsport head Thomas Laudenbach has expressed full support for SRO director Stephane Ratel regarding concerns over the future direction of the GT3 racing category. Speaking at the IMSA event at Road America, Laudenbach warned that the category risks losing its fundamental essence if it shifts away from vehicles derived from mass-produced consumer models.

The core issue involves a trend where manufacturers, including Genesis, Mercedes, and Toyota, are planning new GT3 projects for 2028. These vehicles may be designed primarily as pure racing prototypes that are only later homologated via small-scale production runs for the street. This contradicts the original GT3 philosophy, which required transforming high-volume production sports cars into race cars.

Laudenbach noted that while competition is vital, the industry must be cautious to ensure GT racing remains affordable and distinct from prototype racing. He emphasized that Porsche aims to maintain a clear GT3 philosophy to prevent a cycle where manufacturers are forced to build expensive prototypes just to remain competitive.