New Title Rino’s GT Series adopts main sponsor's name

After five years of use the FIA has requested the Euro GT Series to change itsname.

The title might suggest that it concerns an FIA-controlled competition. TheSeries is re-badged into Rhino’s GT Series. Rhino’s is an emerging energy drinkbrand and has closed a multi-year sponsoring contract with the GT Series.The roots of the Rhino’s GT Series go back as far as 1989, when a new DutchNational competition for Porsche and Ferrari cars was founded with the nameFerrari – Porsche Challenge. To allow a more exciting starting grid the name waschanged into Euro GT Series in 2001 and the new name received the FIAapproval.

As every year Regulations and Calendar 2006 were submitted for approval to theFIA World Motorsport Council under the chairmanship of Max Mosley. With theincreased popularity of the Euro GT Series the Council now has the opinion thatthe Series name may be confusing and may suggest the FIA status, whereas anFIA-sanctioned status has been granted.

The Euro GT Series organisation has re-named the competition into Rhino’s GTSeries. The organisation has been able to close a long-term contract with theemerging energy drink brand Rhino’s, which aims to achieve a major market sharein Europe within the next couple of years. The contract includes the sponsorship forseveral years next to the distribution rights for some European countries.

Co-organizer Pierre von Mentlen, who takes care of the commercial issues, says:“It is a big disappointment that the FIA has blocked the name now the Series isreally taking off. The Euro GT Series name was synonymous with good quality andexciting GT racing. On the other hand we are very happy that we have been ableto close a long term deal with Rhino’s. Rhino’s is a perfect partner for us and it willoffer the required financial security for the years to come. Organisation and teamscan continue to invest into the new event concept which offers teams and visitorsexciting race weekends."