Pirelli has expanded its GT racing portfolio with an agreement to exclusively supply the newly created Blancpain GT Series Asia next year.
The Italian tire firm has enjoyed a close and successful long-term partnership with the Blancpain GT Series within Europe, with the new Asia championship now forming the next logical step in a vital growing market for ultra high performance tires.
The inaugural Blancpain GT Series Asia will take in 12 one-hour races over six rounds in four countries. The new championship will use GT3 and GT4 cars, featuring Pirelli’s P Zero tires, which have starred on the Blancpain GT Series this year by providing both performance and durability.
The tire rules for Asia will be similar to those adopted by the Blancpain GT Series, with just one slick compound to decrease costs but increase competition. For wet conditions, there is a single Cinturato WH treaded tire that is capable of rapidly dispersing surface water.
The new Asian championship will be promoted by the Stéphane Ratel Organisation, which is at the helm of a number of other GT championships that Pirelli exclusively supplies, such as the British GT Championship as well as the Blancpain GT Series, plus the FIA GT World Cup in Macau.
Additionally, Pirelli was appointed as sole supplier to the China GT championship earlier this year, reinforcing the company’s sporting presence in the region.
“GT racing is absolutely at the heart of what we do as the world leader in ultra high performance tires, so we’re delighted to extend our partnership with the Stéphane Ratel Organisation through this important new championship,” explained Pirelli’s motorsport director Paul Hembery. “In terms of return on investment for manufacturers and partners, as well as close competition and entertainment for fans, the Blancpain GT format is hard to equal. The Asia-Pacific region is crucial for us strategically, so we look forward to being represented at the forefront of what is sure to be another closely-contested and exciting GT championship.”
