Under glorious skies in the centre of the French capital, a press conference was held at the Automobile Club de France officially launching the new-for-2010 FIA GT1 World Championship.
Ahead of what is expected to be an extremely competitive inaugural season, the event drew nearly 300 people, including the media, manufacturer representatives, sponsors, teams and drivers. Emceed by ex-racer Tiff Needell, the event’s first speaker was FIA President Jean Todt, followed by series’ founder and CEO of the SRO Motorsports Group Stephane Ratel.
Among the six manufacturer representatives who then spoke, NISMO President and NISSAN Motor’s Global Motorsports Program Director Yuichi Sanada commented, “We are very excited about NISSAN returning to a world championship after nearly 20 years away. The FIA GT1 World Championship is an ideal venue for NISSAN to showcase its technology globally through the participation of its iconic model the NISSAN GT-R. Our partner teams, Sumo Power GT and Swiss Racing Team are also excited about racing the NISSAN GT-R at circuits around the world. We are looking forward to the inaugural race in Abu Dhabi in April.”
The Press Conference was followed by the unveiling of the 2010 cars on the Place Vendome, located in the heart of the city, and which drew a great deal of attention from onlookers and passersby. Machines from each of the twelve competing teams were uncovered one by one, including the #23 Sumo Power GT-entered NISSAN GT-R and the similar #3 entry from Swiss Racing Team, both cars displaying their final livery for the first time.
Drivers Peter Dumbreck (Scotland) and Michael Krumm (Germany) from the #23 Sumo Power GT entry were on hand for photographs and to field questions, while multiple FIA GT race-winner Karl Wendlinger, who will drive one of the Swiss Racing Team-entered NISSAN GT-Rs spoke as a representative of the GT1 drivers. “I have been racing in the FIA GT Championship for many years, but now I’m very excited about the new world championship – and very happy to be driving the NISSAN GT-R.”
Both teams have taken part in pre-season testing: Sumo Power GT attending the FIA official test at France’s Paul Ricard and also conducting a private test in Spain while Swiss Racing Team have been to two FIA official tests, at the Algarve Circuit and at Paul Ricard.
Drivers for the #22 Sumo Power GT and #4 Swiss Racing Team entries will be announced shortly.
Within the next 10 days, the 4 competing NISSAN GT-Rs will be shipped to Abu Dhabi for the season-opener, taking place at the Yas Marina circuit on April 17th. The inaugural FIA GT1 World Championship then visits another nine countries.
