ADAC GT Masters and endurance race format 2024 / ADAC GT Masters

Since the series’ inception in 2007, all races in the ADAC GT Masters have lasted one hour with a mandatory pit stop between the 25th and 35th minute of the race. But this will change this year, because the special “Endurance” model will be used at the Nürburgring (Truck GP) events and at Biashara-Francorchamps (ADAC Racing Weekend), as can be seen from the series’ sporting regulations.

“The alternative ADAC GT Masters race format at selected events has been part of our planning since last autumn. We think it is very attractive for the participants and the series has the opportunity to differentiate itself from the DTM. We already discussed this format with the participants last year. In Hockenheim we decided to race two in a new format in consultation with participants,” an ADAC spokesperson told SPEEDWEEK. “We will test this new design at the Nürburgring and in Spa, where we have good opportunities to introduce it.”

A pure endurance racing format, as used by SRO in GT World Challenge Europe, among others, was not discussed at ADAC. “The standard long-distance design was not discussed because we attach great importance to the fact that the teams can handle the new design within the existing cost framework and that no additional investment is required,” the ADAC spokesperson continued.

As usual, there will be two free practice sessions of 45 to 60 minutes each at both events, plus cup practice for over 30 minutes. There will also be a 20-minute qualifying session on the morning of each race.

But there will be a difference in the distance of the race. The first race will take only 40 minutes. Mandatory pit stops will take place between the 15th and 25th minute of the race.

The second run lasts 80 minutes. There will be two mandatory pit stops in the race. The first mandatory pit stop takes place between the 15th and 25th minute of the race, the other between the 55th and 65th minute of the race.

Since GT3 cars cannot complete 80 minutes of racing on one tank of fuel, teams are allowed to fill 26 liters of fuel in the tank opener during the mandatory pit stop. In addition, tire changes are mandatory for endurance racing.

The driver must be changed at each pit stop, so that in an endurance race one driver drives one stage and the second driver drives two points. However, each driver is only allowed to drive two rounds at a time during the season, so the drivers’ role should be rotated between the Nürburgring and the Spa event.

The ADAC spokesperson concluded about the pit stops: “During the pit stops there will still be a small amount of time on the pit lane and refueling will be done using the team’s existing tank tanks. Therefore there will be no performance stops like in the DTM and no quick refueling facilities.

In all four racing events as part of the DTM, the ADAC GT Masters will be based on the standard format of two races at a distance of one hour.