Group RGT

Group RGT (or sometimes Group R-GT), is a FIA specification for GT cars in rallying, as described in Appendix J, article 256 of the FIA sporting regulations.^[1] The RGT regulations were first introduced in 2011, but since 2014 homologation of car models is no longer required. Instead, technical passports for individual vehicles can be obtained, which should promote entries of RGT cars in FIA rallies.^[2]

During the 2015 season, R-GT cars can compete in the FIA R-GT Cup, which is contested on five tarmac rounds of the ERC and WRC, starting with the Monte Carlo Rally.^[3]

Technical regulations

The category is for series production GT cars, that must be two-wheel driven. A car with four-wheel drive cars can be used as basis, but must be transformed into a 2WD version. All cars must be fitted with a restrictor whose diameter is determined by the FIA in order to achieve a weight/power ratio of 3.4 kg/hp (4.6kg/kw).^[1]

History

Lotus Exige R-GT homologation

Lotus presented an RGT version of the Exige S at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2011, but it wasn't until July 2012 before they finally got the FIA homologation for this first car to compete in the RGT category.^[4] The competition debut took place at the end of July at Rally Vinho da Madeira, with Portuguese driver Bernardo Sousa. After posting stage times in the top ten for the first two special stages, they had to retire in the third stage because of an accident caused by an electronics glitch.^[5] After that, there were no further appearances of the Exige R-GT in international rallies.

Technical passports for individual cars

Since 2014, the FIA issues technical passports for individual cars that are prepared to comply with the RGT regulations.^[2] The first such appearance was Marc Duez who entered a Porsche 996 GT3 for the 2014 Monte Carlo Rally. He achieved some respectable stage times, but was forced to retire on the last day.^[6] At the 2014 Rallye Deutschland, Richard Tuthill entered with a modified Porsche 997 and finished as 27th (of 63 classified), thus realizing the first finish of a Porsche at a WRC event since 1986.^[7]

FIA R-GT Cup

Starting in 2015, there is an international cup for RGT cars, organized by the FIA. In the first season, it is competed on five tarmac events of the WRC and ERC: Rallye Monte-Carlo, Ypres Rally, Rallye Deutschland, Rallye International du Valais and Tour de Corse.^[3]

Results

2015 R-GT Cup

Standings

Pos.	Driver	MON	BEL	GER	FIN	FRA	SUI	Points
1	François Delecour	1						25
2	Romain Dumas	2						18
3	Marc Duez	3						15

Other starts in international rallies

Starts in R-GT Cup events are covered by the corresponding R-GT Cup season article and not listed below.

Season	Event	Series	Car model	Driver	Result
2012	Rally Vinho da Madeira	ERC	Lotus Exige R-GT	Bernardo Sousa	retired (accident)[8]
2014	Monte Carlo Rally	WRC	Porsche 996 GT3	Marc Duez	retired (mechanical)[9]
2014	Rally Finland	WRC	Porsche 997 GT3	Jani Ylipahkala	retired (mechanical)[10]
2014	Rallye Deutschland	WRC	Porsche 997 GT3	Richard Tuthill	27th[11]
2014	Rallye de France—Alsace	WRC	Porsche 997 GT3 RS 4.0	Romain Dumas	19th[12]
			Porsche 997 GT3	François Delecour	37th[13]
2014	Tour de Corse	ERC	Porsche 997 GT3 RS 4.0	Romain Dumas	5th[14]
2015	Monte Carlo Rally	WRC	3 starters in the R-GT cup
2015	Circuit of Ireland	ERC	Porsche 997 GT3	Robert Woodside	retired[15]

References