For 1997, although power was pegged at around 600 bhp, radical weight saving and significant increases in downforce meant that the cars were up to five seconds a lap faster.

Despite starting from the lightweight F1 road car, small weight reductions had been made in both 1995 and 1996. However for 1997, a massive 85kg weight reduction was achieved, for a final weight of 915kg.

The huge increase in downforce was achieved by using the longer nose and tail section from the F1 GT road car together with a much larger and more efficient rear wing.

In what was to be its final year in front line GT racing, the F1 GTR achieved second place in the European Championship. However, the reliability of the car was demonstrated yet again at Le Mans, where the F1 won the GT category and secured 2nd place overall.