The FIA and ACO, meanwhile, has outlined three main targets for the proposed merger: to retain the technical credibility of GTE; to achieve the reduced costs of GT3 and to allow manufacturers to build and develop one car instead of two.

Currently, Porsche, BMW, Ferrari and Aston Martin all offer models for both platforms, with Corvette, Lotus and SRT focusing entirely on GTE. On the other hand, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Lamborghini, McLaren and Nissan each have a heavy presence in GT3 but presently do not have cars built to GTE regulations.

The GT3 formula has reached new heights in Europe, with more than 50 full-season entries in the Blancpain Endurance Series. (Photo: Markus Berns/SRO)

According to the FIA and ACO, the potential for all manufacturers to develop cars under a single set of regulations currently exists, although WEC CEO Gerard Neveu has stressed that it won’t happen overnight.

“What we said is the FIA and ACO and the manufacturers and constructors and partners will [sit] around the table to think about the future of GT,” Neveu said. “Regarding GT, it costs a lot of money if some team or constructor has to provide a GT3 model and GTE model. In the end, it also starts to be confusing for the fans.

“Why can't we imagine to have a unique GT model considering all the technical best from GT3 or GTE, or a compromise, to make sure the cars can run in sprint and endurance?

“This is the discussion we'll have. The working group is just to have a reflection together, to provide the best answer. After that, you make sure you can have a final proposition, which is then next step.

“The target now for this working group is to provide a book of propositions in a couple of months regarding the future of GT. And if we have a general agreement around that, a calendar [will be created] to start the application of this modification.

“It means for the next one or two years, nothing will happen in GT for sure. I think this is what the GT teams are looking for."

Many questions still remain, including what impact, if any, discussions could have on the soon-to-be-announced class structure of the unified American sports car championship, which is due out by years' end.

And while a definitive direction will not likely come from the first meeting later this month, there appears to be optimism within some camps that a decision could eventually be reached that could transform the worldwide GT platform.

“I think both the FIA and ACO understand how important the role of the manufacturers play in the future of this business,” Fehan added. “To operate in a vacuum would place everything in jeopardy.

“But working together, I think we can come up with some sort of compromise that will work very well. At the end of the day, if we can do that, then it takes GT racing forward in quantum leaps.”

John Dagys is SPEED.com’s Sportscar Racing Reporter, focusing on all major domestic and international championships. You can follow him on Twitter @johndagys or email him at