Entries representing 17 countries are already preparing to commit to the inaugural FIA GT Nations Cup later this year.

A statement released by the SRO Motorsports Group on Wednesday revealed that ten nations: Australia, Belarus, Denmark, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Taiwan and Thailand, have formally committed to the event.

Furthermore, applications have been made to the ASNs of Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, France, Belgium, New Zealand and Indonesia, which are all preparing possible entries.

AF Corse, Kessel Racing and Black Falcon will be amongst the teams providing technical support.

The event, which was confirmed in June, will be held at Bahrain International Circuit on Nov. 30 – Dec. 1, and is open to Silver and Bronze-rated drivers.

Each country’s ASN is entitled to nominate one driver pairing, holding the same nationality passports, to share one GT3 car for the event.

It will feature a pair of 60-minute qualifying races followed by a 60-minute main race that will crown the winning drivers and their country.

The race headlines the first ever Bahrain GT Festival, which will also include a GT4 ‘World Final’, which is expected to run as the SRO GT4 International Cup, amongst other races.

“The FIA GT Nations Cup has quickly developed into a very attractive proposition,” commented SRO Founder and CEO Stephane Ratel.

“The country-based concept is proving especially popular and we are pleased to have already received firm commitments from a number of competitors.

“With national pride being disputed at the world-renowned Bahrain International Circuit, I believe that this will be a fantastic way to close the racing season.”

The event will run in addition to the FIA GT World Cup, which will be held as part of the Macau Grand Prix two weeks prior, and is aimed at professional drivers.

“The GT3 category is popular around the world, with strong competitions organised nationally in addition to the hugely successful FIA GT World Cup,” added FIA President Jean Todt.

“The format for this exciting new FIA GT Nations Cup, with ASNs selecting two drivers to compete for their country, is very unusual in motor sport, and it will provide an engaging spectacle for the fans.”