The inaugural TRB-GT season looks set to be a thriller, with the grid nearly full for the first race of the season at the Red Bull Ring.

Before the season gets started, here's a quick look at five things you need to know about the Gran Turismo series that's exclusive to DriveTribe.

1. Race Distance

The aim of the TRB-GT was to start a semi-endurance multiclass championship that was accessible for any player of GT Sport.

As a result the races have a length of approximately 150km, or as close to, which means races have a total time of around 50 minutes.

Each race gives plenty of time for strategy to play out, but also for the G2 class to negotiate the slower G3 class, placing traffic management as a crucial part of the race.

2. Tyre selection

During each race drivers must use a minimum of two of the available three tyre compounds. This choice is completely to the discretion of the drivers.

With drivers starting the race on the tyres they qualified on, strategic calls must be made before heading out on track for the 15 minute session.

Not only does this test a drivers ability to generate optimum pace from each tyre set, but they must maximise the distance on each compound to minimise time lost in the pitlane.

3. Car classes

One of the fundamental parts of the TRB-GT is it's multiclass nature, and with two classes on track drama is never far away.

The faster G2 Class utilises the 2016 Super GT cars available on GT Sport from Honda, Lexus and Nissan. Some of the fastest silouhette cars in the world, the G2 Class drivers must maximise the high-downforce produced to make their way through traffic cleanly.

The G3 Class welcomes entries from a select few GT3 cars, including Mercedes, Porsche, and Aston Martin. Despite a Balance of Performance system in place to ensure there is a level playing field, each car has strengths and weaknesses, so different drivers may be stronger at different circuits.

4. Points system

Unlike other racing series, the TRB-GT offers points for drivers qualifying performances (much like the DTM). This adds another element of strategy to the event as drivers must evaluate whether getting a good spot on the grid outweighs starting on an optimum tyre.

Come the end of the season, points mean prizes, and stringing together strong qualifying performances could help towards a championship challenge.

5. Circuits

At the heard of the inaugural TRB-GT season is a collection of some of the greatest race circuits of all time.

In the hope that it encourages brilliant racing, the drivers will have to adapt to multiple classes on track whilst hammering round iconic real-world locations.

Drivers will battle on the tarmac of Monza and Spa, as well as Suzuka and Laguna Seca. If you're interested in what other circuits make up the calendar then visit the link below:

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