Opinion: Is WEC's 'GT3 Premium' The Right Move?

John Dagys weighs in on ACO's recent announcement on GT class direction beginning in 2024...

Announced last week at Le Mans, the FIA and ACO’s new GT category for the World Endurance Championship has been a topic of conversation between GT3 manufacturers, teams, drivers as well as the fans.

While many were expecting the WEC to adopt the same exact set of technical regulations seen in the global FIA GT3 formula, it has instead opted to mandate the use of a ‘GT3 Premium Kit’ for all cars competing in the Pro-Am class beginning in 2024.

Precise details on what the Premium Kit entails beyond a so-called “bodywork conversion kit”, leader lights system and luminescent number panels have not been disclosed, with FIA Endurance Commission President Richard Mille estimating the cost-capped package will be made available to teams in the range of €50,000 to €100,000.

An FIA spokesperson told Sportscar365 that the kit will be designed to comprise of a “limited number” of elements that can be easily reversible, so teams can “seamlessly” revert to GT3 spec at any time. Yet it still comes at an increased cost to competitors, at a time where cost reduction has been the key word from the sanctioning bodies.

ACO President Pierre Fillon, meanwhile stressed that the kit will not enhance the car’s performance, with it instead aimed to “let you know the car is made for endurance racing” and because drivers want to have a “premium” product.

But what’s exactly wrong with the current GT3 product today? Is it not ‘premium’ enough?