GTE racing, particularly the GTE Pro class, concluded primarily due to a significant decline in manufacturer participation and overall car numbers, which prompted the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) to replace it with a new GT3-based category. This change marked the end of an era for a beloved class in endurance racing.
The Decline of GTE Pro
The primary reason for the discontinuation of the GTE platform was the dwindling interest and participation from manufacturers in the top-tier GTE Pro class. This decline made the category unsustainable and led to the need for a more viable replacement.
Key Factors Leading to its End:
- Decreased Car Numbers: The GTE Pro class experienced a significant reduction in grid size over a few years.
- From a high of 10 cars representing five different manufacturers during the 2018-2019 "super season", the grid drastically shrunk.
- By the 2022 season, participation had fallen to just five cars from three manufacturers.
- Reduced Manufacturer Support: This drop in car numbers directly reflected a waning commitment from major automotive brands. Manufacturers found the GTE regulations increasingly less appealing or cost-effective compared to other racing platforms.
- ACO's Decision for a New Direction: Recognizing these challenges, the ACO, the governing body behind the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), announced in 2021 that the GTE class would be replaced. The new class was set to debut in 2024.
The table below illustrates the sharp decline in GTE Pro participation:
| Season | GTE Pro Cars | Participating Manufacturers |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-2019 | 10 | 5 |
| 2022 | 5 | 3 |
The Rise of LMGT3
In response to the declining GTE grid, the ACO decided to transition to a more globally recognized and cost-effective GT racing platform.
- Introduction of LMGT3: The replacement class, officially named LMGT3, is based on the widely popular GT3 regulations. These regulations are used in numerous championships worldwide, offering a robust and competitive field.
- Benefits of GT3:
- Cost-Effectiveness: GT3 cars are generally less expensive to develop and operate than GTE cars, which appeals to a broader range of teams and manufacturers.
- Increased Manufacturer Pool: Many more manufacturers already produce GT3-compliant cars, promising a larger and more diverse grid.
- Global Homologation: The standardization of GT3 regulations simplifies participation for teams and manufacturers across different series.
The move to LMGT3 signifies a strategic shift by the ACO to ensure the long-term viability and competitiveness of its GT racing categories, building on a global standard rather than a bespoke one. This transition aims to bring renewed excitement and a fuller grid to endurance racing's GT classes.
