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Blancpain Endurance Series gets set for 2013

Europe's most subscribed GT competition, the Blancpain Endurance Series, is back for a third season of exciting, multi-class racing in 2013. The key ingredients of passion, commitment and professionalism have been consistently associated with the series and these core values are set to continue and prosper further this season.

Upwards of 40-car grids are again expected, with some of the world's iconic brands to be represented in the five-event series. Aston-Martin, Audi, BMW, Mercedes, McLaren, Ferrari, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Nissan and Porsche will do battle on legendary F1-standard circuits like Monza, Silverstone and Paul Ricard to fight for the series crown, which again is supported by prestigious watchmaker, Blancpain.

As well as the above-mentioned events, the jewel in the global GT crown will again take place over the final weekend of July, as the 24 Hours of Spa continues to be a key fixture in the motorsport calendar.

Last season, the 24 Hours of Spa saw 70,000 spectators flock to the beautiful Belgian circuit to watch an enthralling race, but also to savour the festival of entertainment off the track too. This approach to making it one of the favourite sporting events in mainland Europe will continue in 2013 with yet more variety and spectacle.

The final race of the year takes place in Germany, with the historic Nürburgring 1000kms fixture. This will be the first time that the Blancpain Endurance Series races under the famous 1000kms billing and it is set to be a fantastic finale to another spectacular season of competition.

Established fan favourites and series regular entrants will be joined by some new faces and new cars in 2013. The majority of these will be announced in the coming weeks in the build-up to the first round of the series at Monza. The entry list currently sees 27 cars already registered for the full Blancpain Endurance Series. Among those that have committed so far are: ART Grand Prix, Auto Sport Promotion/SOFREV, Beechdean Motorsport, Flex Box (formerly Insight Racing), Haribo Racing, Hexis Racing, Gulf Racing, Preci-Spark and TDS Racing.

Another noticeable change for the 2013 season will be the welcome addition of Pirelli to the Blancpain Endurance Series. One of the most prominent technical suppliers in world motorsport, the tyre manufacturer will add more excitement and competitiveness both on and off the track in 2013.

Consolidating upon the hugely successful 2012 season, the Blancpain Endurance Series will again set the benchmark in multi-class GT racing. Last year saw average grids of 54 cars, with 12 major automotive brands represented and an astonishing 66 cars lined up to take the start of the famous 24 Hour race at Spa. 2013 indicates already that these figures are likely to be beaten this season enabling further important steps in the growth of the Blancpain Endurance Series.

SRO Motorsport CEO and Founder, Stephane Ratel, commented: "Large grids, close racing and multiple winners is a very sound basis for any series but especially so, for one that has just single class of car - GT3. That is why the Blancpain Endurance Series continues to attract the best GT teams and drivers to race on some of the best tracks and at some of the most iconic events in motorsport. 2013 promises to be another excellent year of competition. I would like to thank our friends at Blancpain for their continuing commitment to the series concept and also to welcome Pirelli. They wanted to be part of the Blancpain Endurance Series action which indicates a very healthy championship going forward in to a third exciting year."

About Blancpain: Over 275 years of tradition in motion

Founded in 1735 by Jehan-Jacques Blancpain, the watch brand bearing his name is the oldest in the world. Blancpain is currently engaged in a long-term commitment to the renewal of mechanical watchmaking and to passing on exceptional expertise from one generation to the next through constant investment in human resources, production facilities and research.

From the creation of components through to watch design, Blancpain is distinguished by its ability to develop exceptional movements. Over the past seven years, the Manufacture in Le Brassus has indeed developed no less than 22 new calibres.

Through its various models, Blancpain preserves its heritage of precision and elegance, while also displaying an innovative and occasionally provocative spirit. Its range encompasses the daring L-evolution line, the high complication from Le Brassus, the legendary Fifty Fathoms diver's watch, as well as the classic Villeret collection and the Blancpain Women models.