After a long debate about the start of the 2021 Intercontinental GT Challenge at the Bathurst 12 Hour, it was decided that the traditional Australian GT endurance race will not be held, meaning that the GT3s will return to the mountain only in 2022.
The Bathurst 12 Hour was expected to retain its original date in February, but discussions were opened to possible changes, and SRO’s Stéphane Ratel had the idea of transporting the cars that will compete at the Kyalami 9 Hours straight to Australia depending of time constraints.
But time wasn’t proven to be the biggest issue to deal with, as the Australian government was adamant into keeping their borders closed to international arrival as a measure to combat the COVID-19 outbreak, and if the current situation wasn’t complicated enough, it’s understood that these control measures may be extended to the end of 2021, making the Bathurst 12 Hour practically impossible to be held next year.
Ratel kept his optimism in the 12 Hour, as he said that while he understands why the race couldn’t be held, he mentioned the 12 Hour’s international appeal and said he cannot wait for it to return in 2022, which means that Bentley Team M-SPORT will keep for another year the title of reigning 12 Hour winner.
Without the Australian round in the schedule, the 2021 Intercontinental GT Challenge will start with the TOTAL 24 Hours of Spa, which is exactly the next round to be held in the 2020 calendar.
PHOTO: SRO/Vier Communication/Kevin Pecks
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