GT4 Series

GT4 Series

Definition and Core Positioning
The GT4 Series is a global GT4-category racing platform managed by SRO Motorsports Group, built on a "regional operations, global brand" framework as an entry-level competition platform positioned directly below GT3 in the GT racing pyramid. GT4 originally refers to the GT4 European Series, which has evolved into an amateur touring car championship since its inception in 2007; unlike premier FIA-sanctioned GT championships such as GT1, GT2, and GT3, GT4 sits at an accessible entry-level tier in terms of both sporting regulations and vehicle specifications. Its core philosophy centres on "production DNA"—participating race cars must be derived from road-going production models, with only strictly regulated race modifications permitted.

Technical Specifications
GT4 technical regulations are built strictly around production car foundations. Taking the Lotus Emira GT4 as an example, it is powered by a track-tuned 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine producing 455 hp, mated to a six-speed sequential gearbox, keeping total vehicle weight under 1,300 kg. The Ginetta G56 GT4 Evo features a 6.2-litre V8 engine with a maximum output of 500 hp and a vehicle weight of 1,400 kg. Body panel dimensions and profiles must strictly retain original factory specifications, front and rear overhangs must maintain stock settings, and both the bonnet and boot lid must be fitted with at least two safety locking pins. Furthermore, GT4 race cars must run an SRO-mandated data logging system, while live telemetry remains strictly prohibited.

Competition Classification System
The GT4 European Series features three competition categories: Silver (all-Silver driver line-up), Pro-Am (Professional and Amateur driver pairing), and Am (all-Amateur drivers). Each class features independent standings and podium awards, ensuring drivers across varying skill levels compete on a level playing field. Under the sporting regulations, only Am drivers are permitted to drive solo, whereas Pro drivers must share the cockpit with an Am co-driver. Driver gradings are based on official FIA categorisation: Bronze and Silver drivers are classified under the Amateur (Am) category, while Gold and Platinum drivers fall under the Professional (Pro) category.

Race Format Structure
Each race weekend of the GT4 European Series comprises two races, each lasting a maximum of one hour. The series enforces a mandatory pit stop window, requiring a minimum pit stop time of 95 seconds, which is extended to 165 seconds if tyre changes are involved. Points are awarded using a top-10 scoring system: 25 points for 1st place, 20 points for 2nd, 16 points for 3rd, scaling down to 1 point for 10th place. If a race is red-flagged and the leader has completed fewer than two laps, no points are awarded; half points are awarded if more than two laps but under 75% of the total race distance is completed; full points are awarded if 75% or more is covered.

Global Regional Layout
The GT4 platform is divided into multiple independent championships by geographic region. The SRO-operated GT4 European Series runs alongside GT World Challenge Europe, featuring participating manufacturers such as Aston Martin, BMW, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG, and Porsche. Pirelli GT4 America comprises seven rounds, kicking off its 2026 season at Sonoma Raceway, followed by COTA, Sebring, Road Atlanta, Road America, Barber, and Indianapolis. The SRO GT Cup serves as the Asian regional championship, opening its 2026 campaign at the Shanghai International Circuit as a support race for the F1 Chinese Grand Prix, featuring a total of five stops and nine rounds.

2026 Season SRO GT Cup China Round
In March 2026, the SRO GT Cup opened its new season at the Shanghai International Circuit, featuring GT4 race cars from seven major manufacturers. Mercedes-AMG fielded the largest contingent with six cars, followed closely by Toyota with five entries, Lotus, Porsche, Audi, and BMW with two cars each, and Ginetta with one car. Defending champion Han Lichao returned to the grid piloting the Toyota GR Supra GT4 EVO II, while Am class defending champion Moritz Berrenberg continued his campaign in a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS CS. Celebrity driver Timmy Xu made his SRO GT Cup debut representing Team Star Speed behind the wheel of a Lotus Emira GT4. Following the Shanghai opener, the championship heads to Pingtan and Beijing, before concluding with the season finale in the Greater Bay Area.