British GT - Round 9

Round 9 of the British GT Championship takes place at Donington Park in Leicestershire, England. This season finale serves as the championship decider across multiple categories, with both GT3 and GT4 classes competing for their respective titles. The two-hour race features mandatory pit stops with driver changes, and success penalties apply to the top finishers from the previous round. Teams and drivers push their limits on the historic Donington Park Grand Prix Circuit to claim championship honors.

Circuit Layout and Key Features

The Donington Park Grand Prix Circuit measures 4.020 kilometers with 12 turns. The track challenges drivers with a variety of corner types. Coppice at Turn 8 requires drivers to maintain momentum through its double-apex layout, setting up speed down the Dunlop Straight. The Esses Chicane at Turns 9 and 10 demands a compromised entry for a strong exit onto the Melbourne Loop. Melbourne Hairpin at Turn 11 tests patience with its slow, late-apex approach. Goddards closes the lap as a left-handed hairpin where early power application determines lap times.

The circuit opened in 1931 and holds the distinction of being the oldest motor racing circuit in the UK still in operation. The Melbourne Loop was added in 1985 to extend the lap distance. MotorSport Vision operates the facility, which includes a new grandstand overlooking Hollywood corner and Garage 39, a bar and restaurant in the paddock area.

Racing Classes and Competition Format

British GT features two classes that race simultaneously on track. GT3 cars represent high-performance racing versions of production supercars, while GT4 cars are production-based sports cars modified for competition. Each class runs its own championship, with separate podiums and points awarded.

Technical Regulations

The series uses balanced GT3 and GT4 regulations to ensure competitive racing. All entries must complete at least one pit stop during the race. Minimum pit stop times are enforced, and additional time penalties are applied to the top three finishers in each class from the previous round. These success penalties add strategic elements to the championship battle.

Teams and Manufacturers

The 2025 season features a full-season entry list of 27 cars. Multiple manufacturers compete in both classes. Aston Martin, Lamborghini, McLaren, and Mercedes-AMG provide GT3 machinery to various teams. Barwell Motorsport campaigns the Lamborghini Huracán GT3 Evo2, while Optimum Motorsport runs the McLaren 720S GT3 Evo. Blackthorn fields the Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 Evo, and 2 Seas Motorsport operates the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo. Team Parker Racing brings the Porsche 911 GT3 R (992), and Bridger Motorsport competes with the Honda NSX GT3 Evo II.

Drivers Charles Dawson and Kiern Jewiss represent 2 Seas Motorsport in their championship campaign. The entry list demonstrates the depth of competition in British GT.

Championship Significance

Round 9 at Donington Park determines the champions in both GT3 and GT4 classes. The two-hour race format and mandatory pit stops create opportunities for strategic variation. Success penalties impact the leading contenders, potentially opening doors for challengers. The race has earned the nickname "Donington Decider" due to its role as the championship finale.

British GT has raced at Donington Park since 1993, creating a long association between the series and the circuit. The venue provides multiple vantage points for spectators, with Starkey's Parking offering views of the famous Craner Curves section.

What to Expect

The race weekend includes practice sessions, qualifying, and the main two-hour race. Both classes compete on track at the same time, creating a varied field of different car specifications and performance levels. The championship battle reaches its conclusion as teams execute their final strategies of the season. Donington Park's mix of high-speed sections and technical corners tests every aspect of car performance and driver skill.

The circuit's capacity of 120,000 allows fans to witness the season finale in person. The facility provides modern amenities alongside its historic racing heritage. This combination makes Donington Park a fitting venue for the British GT Championship finale.