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Majority of GT3 manufacturers set for FIA's Macau GT World Cup

All but one of the major manufacturers involved in GT3 racing have expressed an interest in competing in the inaugural FIA GT World Cup in Macau later this year

Blancpain GT Series boss Stephane Ratel, who has been contracted to put together the grid for the November event, explained that so far only Ferrari had said no to taking part in an event that the FIA is billing as a "showcase for GT manufacturers".

Asked by AUTOSPORT who had committed to the event, Ratel said: "I can tell you hasn't, which at the moment is Ferrari.

"But there are Ferrari teams interested, so we will have to see what happens."

Ratel also expressed doubts that Lamborghini would be involved in the event, because the world finals for its European, US and Asian Super Trofeo one-make series are set for Sebring on the same weekend.

He underlined that the interest from the other manufacturers could not be turned into firm commitments until key details of the event had been worked out.

These include choosing the control tyre on which the cars will run, setting the Balance of Performance and the confirming the points-scoring system for the manufacturers competing in the event.

"When we have all the answers to these questions, then we can start getting commitments from the manufacturers and the teams," Ratel continued.

"All I can say at the moment is that it is a work in progress and that I am confident that the concept is right."

The FIA wants seven manufacturers, each represented by three cars driven by professional racers, to take part in the event on the Macau Formula 3 Grand Prix bill on November 19-22.

Entries must be posted by the manufacturer, which is being asked for €30,000 to take part.

The deadline for entries was extended last week to September 6.

Audi is among the manufacturers to have expressed interest in the event.

Head of Audi Sport Wolfgang Ullrich said when asked if Audi would be represented: "I hope so and it is planned, because Macau is always a good event.

"It will be good if we can make it happen."

BMW Motorsport boss Jens Marquardt said he would support customer teams wanting to compete in the World Cup.

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