GT3 Race Cars Will Make Less Power at the Nurburgring for 2016

One racing series is taking the unconventional step of reducing engine power. For the upcoming 2016 racing season, the top GT3 class at the Nürburgring in Germany will be required to cut horsepower by 10 percent, along with other modifications in an effort to improve safety and reduce crashes.

The decision comes after the tragic accident earlier this year, when a Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3, driven by Jann Mardenborough, went airborne through a turn and crashed into spectators, injuring several and killing one.

Since then, manufacturers, the German motor sport association (DMSB), and several experts including racing veteran Hans-Joachim Stuck have worked together to come up with solutions to reduce the risks of crashes at the ‘Ring. The group devised short-term solutions including the reduction of top speed along the Dottinger Hohe straight and banning GT3 race cars altogether. Those restrictions have since been lifted.

Other changes for the 2016 season include higher ride height and aerodynamic restrictions. Racers will also be prohibited from using extreme or experimental tire compounds. According to Motorsports.com, the new rules affect the SP7, SP9/GT3, SP-Pro and SP-X categories.

“The terrible crash at the beginning of the 2015 season was a wake-up call for all of us,” Stuck told Motorsports.com. “Suddenly, we saw that we had reached a certain limit.”

Source: Motorsports.com

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