If you have not yet discovered GT World Challenge Europe, you are missing one of the most entertaining motorsport series currently running. Production-based GT3 cars from Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Aston Martin, BMW, Mercedes-AMG, Audi, and McLaren compete together on some of Europe’s greatest circuits. The racing is close, the cars are spectacular, and the series is surprisingly easy to follow - even for newcomers.
What is GT3 Racing?
GT3 cars are high-performance road car derivatives built to a common set of regulations that ensure close competition between different manufacturers. The base cars are recognisable road cars - the Ferrari 296 GT3 is built from the same platform as the road-legal 296 GTB, the Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo2 closely resembles the road car you can see in a showroom.
Crucially, a Balance of Performance (BoP) system adjusts power output and minimum weight for each car type to ensure no single manufacturer has a decisive advantage. This means Ferrari versus Lamborghini versus Porsche is a genuine contest rather than a foregone conclusion.
Sprint vs Endurance
GT World Challenge Europe runs two parallel championships within the same overall series:
Sprint Cup: Short, intense races of around 60 minutes with a mandatory pit stop and driver change. Held at circuits across Europe from April to September.
Endurance Cup: Longer races including the legendary Spa 24 Hours and rounds at Nurburgring, Barcelona, and Paul Ricard. The Spa 24 Hours in late July is the flagship event.
The Drivers
GT racing has a tiered classification system based on driver experience and speed: Platinum (the fastest professionals), Gold (experienced pros), Silver (semi-pros), and Bronze (gentlemen drivers). All four categories race together in the Pro-Am and Am-class classifications.
This mix of professional racers, touring car graduates, and high-net-worth enthusiasts in the same race is unique in motorsport and creates fascinating dynamics both on and off the track.
Why Formula 1 Fans Should Watch
If you only follow Formula 1, GT World Challenge offers several things F1 cannot:
- Genuine door-to-door racing between recognisable cars
- Multiple simultaneous battles throughout the field
- Strategy that anyone can follow
- Drivers from all over the motorsport ladder racing together
Many major F1 names - including Fernando Alonso, who has raced at Le Mans - have competed in GT racing during off-season periods. The crossover is growing.
How to Watch
The Sprint Cup is broadcast on SRO’s own platform, GT World Challenge TV, and selected terrestrial broadcasters in European markets. The Spa 24 Hours typically attracts free-to-air coverage in Belgium and selected European markets. The Racing Line app lists all available streams and broadcast options.
Our 2025 Standout Pick
Watch the Spa 24 Hours. It is 24 hours of GT3 racing on the greatest circuit in the world. Set a reminder in The Racing Line app and start watching at midnight - the racing in the dark is extraordinary.
