A record number of competitors have pre-registered for the 2023 Gulf 12 Hours.
The Middle East’s premier GT3 endurance race, which takes place at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi on December 8-10, doubles as this year’s Intercontinental GT Challenge Powered by Pirelli season finale.
A capacity 36-strong entry is expected after 81 GT3 cars and 49 teams pre-registered for the event. The grid, which will solely comprise GT3s for the first time in event history, has been capped to ensure high-quality garage and team facilities for every competitor at Abu Dhabi’s Formula 1 circuit.
The process of confirming the final list has now begun with entries featuring at least one FIA Bronze-ranked driver given priority along with those from IGTC’s full-season manufacturers (BMW, Mercedes-AMG and Porsche).
“The strong response to pre-registration for the 2023 edition is further proof that the Gulf 12 Hours has established itself as the go-to event for GT3 drivers, teams and manufacturers,” said head of Driving Force Events, Andrea Ficarelli.
“We are of course aware that several teams that have registered their interest will not necessarily be able to formalise their entries, but nevertheless the level of interest this year is truly record-breaking. We therefore expect to achieve sold-out status very soon on the way to another capacity Gulf 12 Hours grid.”
GT2 and GT Cup cars, which have traditionally contested the 12 Hours, will instead race in the new Yas Island 6 Hours on December 9.