#blancpain gt world challenge europe

[viper-motorsports]

Pouncing through the Provençal sunshine, Emil Frey Racing paces Circuit Paul Ricard FR as they work on the setup of their N°14 Jaguar XKR G3 prior to the six hour 2016 Blancpain GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup race.

[itracing]

The Jenson Team Rocket RJN McLaren 720S GT3

The McLaren 720S GT3 will join the grid with Jenson Team Rocket RJN, after the British team confirmed entry into the GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS for the 2020 season. The team, established by 2009 Formula 1 world champion Jenson Button, will take on the full five-date Endurance Cup calendar including one round of the Intercontinental GT Challenge, the Total 24 Hours of Spa. The driver line-up for the season will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

The 2019 season saw Jenson Team Rocket RJN debut in the GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS – formerly the Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup – debuting at the season-opener in Monza and taking a season-best 4th-place finish in the Silver Cup at the Total 24 Hours of Spa.

This announcement sees Jenson Team Rocket RJN as the latest team to join McLaren Customer Racing, switching to the 720S GT3. The latest GT3 racecar from McLaren enters its second competitive season in 2020, contesting the GT World Challenge Europe for the first time.

“It is great to have Jenson Team Rocket RJN join the Customer Racing family for 2020. The GT World Challenge Europe offers probably the biggest challenge in GT3 racing and the 720S GT3 has kicked off the year with a strong result on its Bathurst 12 Hour debut last weekend, taking an outright podium and class victory. We now have a strong foundation to build on, and this latest programme with Jenson Team Rocket RJN is extremely exciting for the new season ahead.” Ian Morgan, Director of Motorsport, McLaren Automotive

“It is exciting to confirm that Jenson Team Rocket RJN will be campaigning the 720S GT3 and racing with McLaren this season. The GT World Challenge Europe grid gets stronger and stronger every year, and the racing is amongst the best in the world. We go into the season full of confidence with a team boasting huge experience and a car which has already proven itself as a race winner.” Jenson Button, 2009 Formula 1 world champion.

The first round of the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup takes place in Monza, Italy, over the weekend 17-19 April.

[ewrthings-race-repair-repeat]

Jenson Team Rocket RJN will join the 2020 GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS grid with a McLaren 720S GT3. The British team (established by 2009 Formula 1 world champion Jenson Button)  will take on the full five-date Endurance Cup calendar including one round of the Intercontinental GT Challenge, the Total 24 Hours of Spa; the driver line-up for the season will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

The 2019 season saw Jenson Team Rocket RJN debut in the GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS – formerly the Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup – debuting at the season-opener in Monza and taking a season-best 4th-place finish in the Silver Cup at the Total 24 Hours of Spa. This announcement sees Jenson Team Rocket RJN as the latest team to join McLaren Customer Racing, switching to the 720S GT3. The latest GT3 racecar from McLaren enters its second competitive season in 2020, contesting the GT World Challenge Europe for the first time.

Ian Morgan, Director of Motorsport, McLaren Automotive commented. “It is great to have Jenson Team Rocket RJN join the Customer Racing family for 2020. The GT World Challenge Europe offers probably the biggest challenge in GT3 racing and the 720S GT3 has kicked off the year with a strong result on its Bathurst 12 Hour debut last weekend, taking an outright podium and class victory. We now have a strong foundation to build on, and this latest programme with Jenson Team Rocket RJN is extremely exciting for the new season ahead.” Jenson Button added,“It is exciting to confirm that Jenson Team Rocket RJN will be campaigning the 720S GT3 and racing with McLaren this season. The GT World Challenge Europe grid gets stronger and stronger every year, and the racing is amongst the best in the world. We go into the season full of confidence with a team boasting huge experience and a car which has already proven itself as a race winner.”

The first round of the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup takes place in Monza, Italy, over the weekend 17-19 April.

[varfans]

VAR 2019 Performances 18/48  Rahel Frey

Swiss driver. Born in Niederbipp, Switzerland, in February 23rd 1986. Former member

Highlights of the year: 4th at the European Le Mans Series with Kessel Racing (2 podiums)

2019 W15 - ELMS/GTE (Paul Ricard) - P2 W19 - ELMS/GTE (Monza) - P6 W24 - WEC (2019 Le Mans 24) - P39 W25 - 2019 Nurburgring 24 - P19 W27 - Blancpain GT World Challenge Asia (Fuji) - P5/P4 W29 - ELMS/GTE (Barcelona) - P4 W34 - Blancpain GT World Challenge Asia (Yeongam) - P4/P7 W35 - ELMS/GTE (Silverstone) - P2 W37 - Audi R8 LMS Cup Europe (Nurburgring) - WIN/WIN W38 - ELMS/GTE (Spa-Francorchamps) - P4 W39 - Blancpain GT World Challenge Asia (Shanghai) - P5/P7 W40 - Audi R8 LMS Cup Europe (Hockenheim) - WIN/WIN W43 - ELMS/GTE (Portimao) - DNF W50 - 2019 Gulf 12 hours - P29

[arnaldomoreirablog]

DO BLOG DO ARNALDO MOREIRA Além de participar pela 4ª temporada consecutiva no Campeonato Brasileiro de Stock Car, o piloto Bruno Baptista disputará também, neste ano, o prestigiado Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup (antigo Blancpain GT Series), competição de 5 etapas com provas de longa duração, sendo a principal delas a tradicional “24 Horas Horas de Spa”, na Bélgica, em fins de julho. Além de participar pela 4ª temporada consecutiva no Campeonato Brasileiro de Stock Car, o piloto Bruno Baptista disputará também, neste ano, o prestigiado Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup (antigo Blancpain GT Series), competição de 5 etapas com provas de longa duração, sendo a principal delas a tradicional “24 Horas Horas de Spa”, na Bélgica, em fins de julho. Sem coincidir nenhuma data com as 10 etapas da Stock, a maior revelação da atualidade na principal categoria do automobilismo brasileiro, de 2 Sem coincidir nenhuma data com as 10 etapas da Stock, a maior revelação da atualidade na principal categoria do automobilismo brasileiro, de 23 anos, competirá no difícil campeonato de resistência com um Mercedes-AMG GT da equipe alemã Get Speed Performance, que o contratou depois de um teste que incluiu também outros pilotos na pista francesa de Paul Ricard, nos dias 24 e 25 de fevereiro. Mesmo sem experiência de competições de Endurance na Europa, mas por competir e ter até vencido provas de Stock Car, no Brasil, Bruno Baptista entrará na disputa como piloto da categoria Silver, que fica entre os participantes de nível ouro e bronze registrados na FIA (Federação Internacional de Automobilismo). “A Get Speed Performance é uma equipe competitiva, mas não tem as mesmas condições, por enquanto, de lutar por vitórias entre os times mais fortes da temporada, como é o caso da própria equipe oficial de fábrica da Mercedes AMG. No ano passado, o seu melhor resultado foi um sétimo lugar na segunda etapa de Nürburgring. Assim, meus principais objetivos serão de ganhar ainda mais experiência e, principalmente, tentar uma boa classificação na Silver Cup, um campeonato especial e de muita projeção no GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup”, adianta Bruno Baptista https://www.instagram.com/p/CL8fXpzJtKC/?igshid=1dlylph99bx7r

[motorsporthq]

Ghiotto joins R-Motorsport for GT World Challenge The 24-year Italian, who lies third in the F2 points this season heading into the Abu Dhabi finale at the end of this month, will contest both the endurance and sprint segments of the 2020 GT World Challenge Europe, formerly known as the Blancpain GT Series, driving the Aston Martin Vantage GT3.

[buenosairesnews]

Companc Tops Rain-Affected FP1 at Zandvoort Sportscar365

Companc Tops Rain-Affected FP1 at Zandvoort Sportscar365 Ezequiel Perez Companc topped the timesheets in Friday morning's opening Free Practice session for the Blancpain GT World Challenge Europe Buenos Aires news today

[viper-motorsports]

Hounded by a retinue of challengers, the N°108 Bentley Continental GT3 Evo slides through a soggy Monza IT chicane to inaugurate the 2019 Blancpain GT Challenge Endurance Cup with a sixth place result for Bentley Team M-Sport.

[itracing]

Audi R8 LMS Getss First Season Win in Blancpain GT Series

Belgian Audi Club Team WRT scored its first victory this season in round two of the Blancpain GT World Challenge Europe at Misano (Italy). In an Audi R8 LMS, Belgian Audi Sport driver Dries Vanthoor and his compatriot Charles Weerts won in extremely hot weather conditions. Thus, 18-year-old Weerts is the youngest winner in the history of the Blancpain GT Series. 

Belgian Audi Club Team WRT, while running in second position, had made perfect use of a safety car period for the driver change from Vanthoor to Weerts and captured the lead. Weerts held up to the pressure from his immediate rivals and safely brought home an advantage of nearly three seconds. For Dries Vanthoor, following his victory with Audi Sport Team Phoenix in the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring, this marked the 2nd win within the space of one week.

In third, Audi Sport drivers Christopher Haase (Germany) and Simon Gachet (France) from French Team Saintéloc Racing finished on the podium.

[blancpain-gt-series-asia-blog]

Blancpain GT Series Asia reveals inaugural calendar and championship details

> Six rounds and 12 races spread across four countries in 2017 > An exclusive selection of the best circuits > Multi-class GT3 and GT4 racing featuring the SRO Balance of performance > Pirelli selected as official sole tyre supplier > $300,000 prize fund shared between classes > Dedicated live TV and online streaming > Standardised professional timing service > VIP Team hospitality included in the entry

The inaugural Blancpain GT Series Asia campaign will feature a six-round, 12-race calendar in 2017, as well as a number of elements designed to offer teams greater value for money, opportunities and exposure throughout the season.

The promoter, SRO Motorsports Group, has pooled its experience of overseeing the world’s biggest GT3 Series - the European Blancpain GT Series - as well as national championships catering for GT4 cars, with that of respected leaders in Asian motorsport and its teams to devise a format and benefits specifically tailored to the region’s GT market.

The result brings together the best of both cultures to create a highly-professional platform equally geared towards professional and amateur drivers, while employing the same world-renowned BoP, sporting and technical expertise, and Pirelli tyres common across European and American GT racing.

2017 calendar

The inaugural season’s six-round, 12-race calendar features a mix of Asia’s internationally renowned and newest domestic circuits.

2017 begins at Malaysia’s Formula 1 circuit, Sepang, in early April before moving on to Thailand’s only FIA Grade 1 track, the Chang International Circuit in Buriram, for two more one-hour races in late May.

These are followed by trips to Japan’s most internationally renowned motorsport destinations, Suzuka (June) and Fuji Speedway (August), ahead of two Chinese rounds separated by four weeks. The first of these takes place at Shanghai’s Formula 1 circuit in late September before the newly constructed Zhejiang Circuit plays host to the season finale in late October.

With no Intercontinental GT Challenge (Liquid-Moly Bathurst 12Hour, Total 24 Hours of Spa, Laguna Seca 8 Hours and Motul Sepang 12 Hours) date clashes, the calendar also offers Blancpain GT Series Asia teams and drivers the opportunity to compete outside of their traditional heartland using the same cars, BoP and Pirelli tyres.

Weekend format and classes

Each Blancpain GT Series Asia weekend will follow the same format, which has been designed to maximise track time. Friday features two 45-minute practice sessions before another 30-minute session on Saturday morning. That’s followed by two 15-minute qualifying segments ahead of that afternoon’s 60-minute race. A second hour-long race then takes place on Sunday. Both races will feature a mandatory pit-stop and driver change governed by a minimum pit-stop time.

GT3 and GT4 cars will compete in the same race, albeit fighting for individual honours, which adds an exciting multi-class element.

Equally, SRO’s driver crew classifications offer an opportunity for existing professionals to excel, youngsters to develop and amateurs to win. GT3 will therefore comprise separate categories for Pro/Am, Silver Cup (Silver Cup cars will be balanced) and Am/Am line-ups, while GT4 remains solely dedicated to all-amateur pairings in preparation for a potential GT3 graduation.

Pirelli: a tried and trusted GT partner

Pirelli has won the tender to become Blancpain GT Series Asia’s official sole tyre supplier.

While other manufacturers expressed considerable interest, Pirelli’s P ZERO GT3 and GT4 tyres have consistently proven themselves in other SRO-promoted series. A sole supplier prevents teams from footing significant development costs, while the considerable existing data held by manufacturers, as well as European and US teams, can be shared.

Amateur drivers can easily switch between SRO-sanctioned series or contest one-off rounds of the Intercontinental GT Challenge without spending time and money testing unfamiliar tyres, or altering the car’s set-up and their driving style to suit. Equally, Pirelli’s GT compounds have been praised by amateur drivers for their durability, consistency and confidence-inspiring performance over a stint’s duration.

Clearly, a focus on amateur drivers proved a significant factor in Pirelli’s selection. But its continuing supply deal with Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia (see information below) also emphasises the close cooperation between the package’s various stakeholders.

Greater value for money and prize fund

SRO has also focused on the often difficult logistics teams face when competing at venues across the continent and has taken steps to make the Blancpain GT Series Asia package more affordable.

Building on its successful European partnership, Blancpain GT Series Asia will be supported on all weekends but one by Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia. This makes it more cost-effective for teams (and drivers, if they wish) to compete in both at the same event, while an amateur driver’s progression from one-make category to globally-recognised GT3 rules racing is also streamlined.

A further support series announcement, aimed at making the package even more cost-effective, is expected in the coming weeks.

Finally, a substantial $300,000 prize fund has also been guaranteed throughout the year, with $50,000 available at each round. This will be split between the GT3 and GT4 classes, although only full-season entries are eligible to win a share of the money.

Hospitality, live TV, multi-language resources and dedicated logistics

Blancpain GT Series Asia will feature a number of elements designed to widen the exposure of its teams’ successes, enhance sponsor relations and aid general organisation.

A dedicated central hospitality unit at all races provides teams with an area to wine and dine their partners. Four VIP guest passes are included with every full-season entry, while more can be purchased upon request.

In line with all Blancpain GT Series races in Europe, SRO’s Asian equivalent will benefit from professionally produced live streaming at every round, while TV exposure is also guaranteed across the continent and beyond.

A dedicated logistics partner will help lower the cost associated with freighting cars and personnel across Asia, while standardised professional timing will be used at every round.

Experienced staff

Blancpain GT Series Asia will combine SRO’s world-renowned GT racing expertise with that of experienced Asian motorsport professionals.

Blancpain GT Series Asia Championship General Manager & Director Benjamin Franassovici provides a wealth of experience earned over 20 years at SRO. Having first worked as FIA GT Championship Team Coordinator between 1997 and 2009, he has overseen the British GT Championship since 2011 and will already be familiar to many Asian teams through his work as Motul Sepang 12 Hours Manager and Macau FIA GT World Cup Coordinator.

Meanwhile, Championship Co-Director Paul Yao’s motorsport involvement began as a driver before founding the Hong Kong Supercar Club in 1999. Four years later he established the Asian Supercar Challenge which, after several name changes, eventually settled on the GT Asia Series moniker. He remained an active partner until 2015.

2017 Blancpain GT Series Asia Calendar

April 8/9 Sepang International Circuit Malaysia 2x 1hr races May 20/21 Chang International Circuit Thailand 2x 1hr races June 24/25 Suzuka International Circuit Japan 2x 1hr races August 19/20 Fuji International Circuit Japan 2x 1hr races September 23/24 Shanghai International Circuit China 2x 1hr races October 21/22 Zhejiang Circuit China 2x 1hr races

Link to Blancpain GT Series Asia Brochure

[varfans]

VAR 2019 Performances 32/48 Sven Muller

German driver. Born in Mainz, Germany, in February 7th 1992. Former member

Highlights of the year: 7th at the Blancpain GT Endurance with Rowe Racing (Porsche)

2019 W4 - IMSA/GTD (2019 Daytona 24) - DNF W15 - Blancpain GT Endurance (Monza) - P21 W19 - Blancpain GT Endurance (Silverstone) - P4 W22 - Blancpain GT Endurance (Paul Ricard) - DNF W24 - WEC (2019 Le Mans 24) - P27 W25 - 2019 Nurburgring 24 - DNF W30 - Blancpain GT Endurance (2019 Spa 24 hours) - P5 W36 - Blancpain GT World Challenge Europe (Hungaroring) - P28/P27 W39 - Blancpain GT Endurance (Barcelona) - P6

[wristwatchjournal]

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Mokarran Limited Edition Watch

BY HARLAN CHAPMAN-GREEN

Blancpain has had an odd relationship with exclusive edition watches. I’d say, their Lamborghini partnership didn’t make a lot of sense to us as the Italian supercar maker is known for being extremely flamboyant while making flashy cars. Blancpain is the exact opposite of that for the most part. We never understood why this partnership existed, or why Blancpain suddenly had a motorsports championship of its own (the Blancpain GT Series, now the GT World Challenge Europe). When Blancpain announced the Ocean Commitment project, we sat up and paid attention. As a brand that has been making watches designed to survive the ocean’s depths since 1953, Blancpain knew it had a new responsibility: to protect the diverse ecosystem only found underneath the waves.

In its latest bid to raise awareness for the ocean environment, Blancpain presents an exclusive 50-piece limited edition version of the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe called the Bathyscaphe Mokarran Limited Edition. The name of the watch, Mokarran, comes from the scientific name for the Great Hammerhead shark, Sphyrna Mokarran. These majestic creatures can grow up to 20 feet in length and feed on crustaceans, fish and even other sharks. They live along the coastlines of every nation near the equator, are apex predators and generally inquisitive of nosy humans.  

Unfortunately, humans are not always simply being nosy. Great Hammerhead sharks are subjected to extreme levels of fishing for the Asian market where they are made into shark-fin soup. This traditional dish is supposed to demonstrate affluence but is reported to taste of next to nothing (click here to see Gordon Ramsay’s reaction to this dish). To collect the fins for the soup, the shark is caught and has its fins cut off before being thrown back into the sea dead or alive. This process is extremely cruel and disrespectful to these magnificent creatures.

In recent times, several countries, including the United States, have made the possession and sale of shark fins a criminal offence, but more work needs to be done. Blancpain’s Fifty Fathoms Mokarran watch has been presented to raise awareness further, as well as make a difference. This watch features a unique green sunburst dial with a green ceramic bezel as well. The case of the watch has been crafted from black ceramic which has been given a brushed appearance. The case measures at 43.6mm x 13.83mm and has a depth rating of 300m. It’s presented on a black NATO strap as well.

Around the back of the watch is the calibre 1318 which has been put on display. It’s got a 4Hz beat rate, is made of 204 components with 35 jewels and has a power reserve of 120 hours. It’s 13 lignes across, and measures in at 5.65mm thick. For this movement, the oscillating rotor has been engraved with the outline of the Great Hammerhead. 

This special edition has been limited in its production and is only available through Blancpain’s boutiques in New York and Las Vegas. By purchasing one of these watches, Blancpain will donate $1000 to the Mokarran Protection Society. That means a total of $50,000 will be added onto Blancpain’s regular donation amount.

The price for one of these watches is $15,500. I hope Blancpain keeps us updated on this project. The Great Hammerhead is considered to be critically endangered, just one step away from becoming extinct in the wild. Now is the time to act. The reference number for this watch is 5005 0153 NABA.

WristReview is entirely opposed to the idea and method involved in hunting sharks for their fins. We do not feel this abhorrent process should be allowed to continue. It is inhumane and wrong in every sense. We wish Blancpain and their team the best of luck with the project.

The Humane Society International states that roughly 100 million sharks are killed every year for their fins. For us, this is 100 million too many.

BUY YOUR BLANCPAIN HERE

The post Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Mokarran Limited Edition Watch appeared first on Wristwatch Journal.

from WordPress https://ift.tt/39mCUwP via IFTTT

[emzeciorrr]

Liked on YouTube: RACE 2 - HIGHLIGHTS - Hungaroring 2019 - Blancpain GT World Challenge Europe https://youtu.be/9jUs4SwgUxU

[motorsporthq]

SRO adopts GT World Challenge to replace Blancpain from 2020 The major GT series in Europe, » Read More

[buenosairesnews]

Engel Leads Rain-Affected FP2 at Brands Hatch Sportscar365

Engel Leads Rain-Affected FP2 at Brands Hatch Sportscar365 Maro Engel set the pace in a rain-affected second and final Free Practice session for the Blancpain GT World Challenge Europe at Brands Hatc Buenos Aires news today