24h Le Mans
Photo : DR -
The composition of driver line-ups in LM P1 and GTE Pro is unrestricted, but it is controlled for LM P2 and GTE Am. Thus, according to multiple criteria (performance, consistency, experience, etc..) Drivers are classified into one of four divisions: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. In short, the first two classes include those considered "amateurs" and the second two "professionals".
The regulation states:
- An LM P2 crew must include at least one amateur (Bronze or Silver).
- A GTE Am crew must include only one professional (Gold or Platinum).
For some drivers, the promotion may be less beneficial than it seems, especially the talented amateurs. These include the case of Lucas Ordoñez who has benefitted so far from "Silver"status. In 2013, the former winner of the GT Academy will be "Gold" and can no longer join two professional drivers in an LM P2 prototype.
2013 FIA WEC - Driver classification (pdf)
Photo : In endurance racing, silver and bronze can often be valued more highly than gold.
