Porsche Motorsport chief Thomas Laudenbach has echoed SRO boss Stephane Ratel’s warning that GT3 racing is veering off its original path, urging all parties—especially newcomers—to return to the category’s street‑car roots.
Porsche Chief Endorses Ratel’s Call
Speaking at the latest IMSA event on Road America, Laudenbach confirmed his alignment with Ratel’s assessment that rising costs and a shift toward prototype‑derived cars threaten the essence of GT3 competition. “I share his view in almost all aspects,” he noted, adding that Porsche’s pricing model still reflects the affordable spirit of the class.
Dire Stakes of GT3 Outlook
Laudenbach stressed that the proliferation of “garage‑grade” machines could erode the diversity that has defined GT3 for decades. He warned against allowing too many factory‑only models to dominate, arguing that this would undermine the balance and could lead to the collapse of the series if unchecked.
New Entrants and the Prototype Threat
The next generation of GT3 entries is set to arrive from 2028, with manufacturers such as Genesis, Mercedes‑Benz and Toyota announcing plans to introduce new programmes. Laudenbach argued that these cars appear engineered primarily for the track before being adapted into limited road‑law models, a departure from the original parity between road‑legal cars and their race derivatives.
The Customer Card and Factory Implications
While acknowledging Porsche’s continued success with long‑standing models like the 911, Laudenbach warned that other manufacturers might be forced to follow a similar track‑first approach if they wish to remain competitive. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a robust system of customer racing support, citing successful examples such as Manthey Motorsport’s factory‑supported entry in IMSA’s GT classes.
A Call for Balanced Progress
Laudenbach called for clear measures and criteria to safeguard the GT3 ecosystem, suggesting that a minimum of 30 customer‑marketable cars could be required to preserve the sport’s integrity. He warned that a future dominated by prototype‑based entries would erode the rich tapestry of manufacturers that has benefited the series.
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