FIA GT1 Championship goes global for 2010

After a meeting of the FIA World Motor Sport Council earlier this month, the FIA GT Championship has announced the expansion of the racing series for next year that includes more races and international locations. The 2010 schedule features four additional races and venues on five different continents, making the battle for the GT1 title a true world championship. United Arab Emirates, South Africa, China, Brazil, and Canada will all host races along withtraditional locations like Silverstone, Paul Ricard, Brno, and Spa.

In addition to the new schedule, the racing series also announced a change in direction for the GT1 category that will now focus more on privateer teams to encourage competition and reduce costs. The GT2 and GT3 classes will remain European-only series with an emphasis on semi-pro or amateur drivers and teams. Follow the jump for the full 2010 FIA GT schedule.

[Source: FIA GT]
2010 FIA GT1 World Championship

4/4 UAE Yas Marina**
18/4 ZA South Africa*
2/5 GB Silverstone Supercar 2010
16/5 CZ Brno
30/5 F Paul Ricard
4/7 CDN Canada*
1/8 B Total 24H of Spa-Francorchamps*
29/8 D Nürburgring
12/9 P Circuito Algarve
3/10 H Budapest*
14/11 CN China*
28/11 BR Brazil*

*Subject to the ASN's confirmation
**Subject to the homologation of the circuit.

2010 FIA GT2 European Championship

2/5 GB Silverstone Supercar 2010
16/5 CZ Brno
30/5 F Paul Ricard
20/6 D Oschersleben
1/8 B Total 24H of Spa-Francorchamps
29/8 D Nürburgring
12/9 P Circuito Algarve
3/10 H Budapest*
17/10 B Zolder

*Subject to the ASN's confirmation

2010 FIA GT3 European Championship

2/5 GB Silverstone Supercar 2010
16/5 CZ Brno
30/5 F Paul Ricard
20/6 D Oschersleben
12/9 P Circuito Algarve
3/10 H Budapest*

*Subject to the ASN's confirmation