The announcement follows Pirelli's agreement to extend its supply contract to the Blancpain GT Series, which Pirelli called the world's “premier GT championship” for race versions of road-going supercars. It is contested by 10-plus manufacturers over a variety of legendary circuits within Europe.
The Avon Tyres British GT Series averaged more than 30 cars per race this past season.
The championship format calls for an obligatory pit stop for a driver change at each race. Pirelli said it will equip the competitors with Pirelli P Zero competition tires similar to those used on the Blancpain series.
Pirelli claims the P Zero race tires have common traits with P Zero road tires, leading to direct technology transfer that ultimately benefits the everyday motorist.
Pirelli Motorsport Director Paul Hembery said, "Supplying the British GT Championship is very important for Pirelli as it represents perfectly our target market: premium and prestige manufacturers.
“The tires that we supply for these cars on the road are made to measure for each model, using many of the same design processes and production techniques as are utilized in motorsport. As a result, there is a direct technology transfer between GT racing and the road.”
The series includes GT3 and GT4 category cars. GT3 cars are designed to be close to their road-going equivalents to keep maintenance costs to a minimum. Modifications allowed include limited alterations to suspension, engine and bodywork. Among cars in the GT3 category are the Audi R8 LMS ultra, Ferrari 458 Italia GT3, Porsche 997 GT3 R, BMW Z4 GT3, McLaren MP4-12C, Mercedes AMG SLS GT3, Ginetta GT3, Nissan NISMO GT-R GT3, Aston Martin's V12 Vantage and Bentley Continental GT3.
The GT4 categories are even closer to stock and include: Toyota GT86 GT4, Lotus Evora GT4, Nissan 370Z, BMW M3 GT4, Aston Martin GT4 Challenge, Porsche Cup GT4 car and Ginetta G55 and G50.
