Staged over two action-packed days at the Bahrain International Circuit, the nation-versus-nation contest sees 18 two-driver crews competing for the chance to be crowned as the event’s first champions. With cars decked out in the colours of each competing country’s flag, it has produced an impressive spectacle at a state-of-the-art circuit.
Indeed, the inaugural FIA GT Nations Cup has proven to be a resounding success in many areas, with drivers and teams enthusiastically embracing the concept and enjoying the considerable track time on offer.
SRO Motorsports Group will continue in its role as promoter for next year’s event which, as planned, switches continent for its second running. After launching in Bahrain, SRO will propose to the FIA to host the 2019 FIA GT Nations Cup in Europe, at the Italian venue Vallelunga.
Situated a little over 30km north of Rome, the circuit can trace its history back to the early nineteen-fifties and remains a popular destination for a variety of race series.
In 2019 it will host the second edition of the FIA GT Nations Cup over the weekend of 2/3 November, placing the event at the end of the European racing season. A significant entry list is expected as the race switches to motorsport’s traditional heartland.
Among its support action, the Vallelunga weekend is likely to feature an endurance contest for GT4 competitors. Originally planned to form part of Spa Speedweek, this has been moved to a later date in the year due to the high number of GT4 events already staged during July.
The date for next year’s FIA GT Nations Cup coincides with a slight adjustment to the Intercontinental GT Challenge calendar. The Kyalami 9 Hour had been set to run over the opening weekend of November, but will now take place three weeks later on the final Saturday of the same month (23 November). This will avoid a clash with the 2019 Rugby World Cup Final, a key date on the South African sporting calendar.
The FIA GT Nations Cup and Kyalami 9 Hour will close out what promises to be a fantastic the 2019 season for SRO Motorsports Group, with events on five continents across a host of championships.
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