GT3 Cars Get 10% Power Restriction at Nurburgring in 2016

The German Motorsport Association (DMSB) has made the decision to limit the top class in racing at all the events that will be held at the Nurburgring Nordscheleife starting 2016.

The DMSB made an analysis of the horrific crash at the beginning of April 2015 during a VLN Race and reached the conclusion that the power levels in the GT3 class need to be limited. Therefore, the organization has decided to limit the engine power of GT3-class cars, impose a limit for tire manufacturers, and enforce new aerodynamic limitations, Motorsport informs.

The DMSB is headed by the legendary Hans-Joachim Stuck, a highly experienced race car driver, and it apparently made this decision to avoid future casualties at the famed racing track. The official has also stated that the DMSB is working relentlessly with manufacturers, suppliers, drivers, the tire industry, track officials, and FIA officials to make sure the new rules will be properly understood and applied thoroughly.

The main plan involves limiting the power of the SP7, SP9/GT3, SP-Pro, and SP-X race categories by 10%. The top speed of the cars will also be restricted by aerodynamic elements that will bring more grip. Furthermore, a higher base ride height will be enforced for all competitors. All of these measures will make the cars slower, but safer both for the drivers and for the spectators.

The tire restrictions enforced by the DMSB involve supplying “extreme” tire compounds, also known as “experimental” compounds. All tire compounds must be registered with the DMSB before any event. This might bring a small delay in the development of tires following racetrack expertise, but the decision is, again, made for the public’s safety.

Thanks to road work on the famous Nordschleife, speed limits imposed in April 2015 after the horrible GT-R crash that killed one and injured four will be eliminated for 2016.