I don’t exactly understand the difference between the Works and Privateers designation. It looks like the Works drivers should be the faster guys but how do I assume my ability? I think I’d be just between the two (GPLRank = -9.6). And is it the case that when there are not enough drivers for two servers, we all race together?
As Cookie and Pepe have said, the Works category is for the faster drivers. There is an expectation that the faster drivers will register for the Works. If there was a complete mismatch, the moderators can step in and reallocate a driver but this rarely happens. Inevitably there will be a few drivers who are very competitive in the Privateers but struggle to get anywhere near the podium in the Works. Once drivers accumulate a UKGPL race history it becomes obvious who these drivers are. We have another unwritten convention in that if a driver wins the Privateers championship they step up to the Works for the next season.
Bob, if you look at the UKGPL race history for some of the faster drivers in the Privateers (
Dulima,
Cookie and
Ricardo Valim da Silva) you will see what their previous results were (and in the case of Dulima what his results were when he stepped up the the Works). You can also check the racing history of the drivers who have recently moved up to the Works (
Pete Bennett and
Philippe Girard). If you click on the hyperlinked races in their results tables you will be able to check their lap times against your PBs and get an idea how you compare. I appreciate you can use GPL Rank for comparison but not all drivers keep it up to date (I don't) and sometimes drivers get out of practice and don't drive to the standard of their current GPL Rank. The race results show their speed under race conditions, rather than hot lapping which might be the case with GPL Rank.
If you don't mind me commenting, I think the Privateers (for which you are currently registered) is the right division for you. I expect you will be challenging for the podium at every round. The main thing is to have fun racing against drivers of equal ability. If you find you are winning every race and it gets boring, you can always step up to the Works at any time during the season. However, if you do I'm afraid you can't keep your points and you would have to start the Works with zero.
For the record, I'm happy the drivers have made the right choices between the Works and Privateers. There is no need to the moderating team to interfere. I'm sure both championships will be very competitive.