GT World Challenge Europe - Round 1 Bronze Test

The Round 1 Bronze Test takes place at Circuit Paul Ricard as part of the GT World Challenge Europe Powered by AWS Endurance Cup. This opening race features the Bronze Cup class, where teams compete in a six-hour endurance format at the French circuit. Circuit Paul Ricard serves as the season opener for the Endurance Cup series, bringing together manufacturers and teams from across Europe.

Circuit Paul Ricard sits near Le Castellet, close to Marseille in southern France. The circuit opened in 1970 after Paul Ricard financed its construction on a flat plateau. The track measures 5.842 kilometers and features 15 turns. The famous Mistral Straight stretches across the circuit, originally spanning 1.8 kilometers before modifications were made for safety. The circuit elevation ranges from 408 to 441 meters above sea level.

The Bronze Cup class at this GT World Challenge Europe race brings together amateur drivers who compete in GT3 machinery. The Bronze Test represents an important opportunity for these drivers to showcase their skills over a six-hour distance. Multiple manufacturers participate in the series, including Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Ferrari, Ford, Lamborghini, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG, Porsche, and Corvette. Teams such as Comtoyou Racing, Walkenhorst Motorsport, Saintéloc Racing, Tresor Attempto Racing, BMW Italia Ceccato Racing, AF Corse, Kessel Racing, Dinamic GT, and many others field entries across the Pro, Gold Cup, Silver Cup, and Bronze Cup classes.

Circuit Paul Ricard offers 247 possible configurations, ranging from 0.828 kilometers to the full 5.858 kilometers. This flexibility makes the venue unique among European circuits. The track features distinctive blue and red runoff areas that provide different levels of grip to slow down cars safely. The red zone offers more abrasive surface than the blue zone. These color-coded safety features have become a signature element of Circuit Paul Ricard.

The circuit includes advanced safety systems and technology for race management. Medical and rescue teams utilize a sophisticated control and information system during events. The facility features a watering system that can simulate rainy conditions, Tecpro high-speed barriers, and ACO Monoblock racing drains. These innovations contribute to the circuit's reputation as a modern motorsport facility. The venue holds FIA 3-star sustainability accreditation.

Circuit Paul Ricard has hosted major racing events since opening in 1970. The French Grand Prix took place at the circuit intermittently from 1971 to 2022, with 14 races between 1971 and 1990. Bernie Ecclestone purchased the track in 1999, and it became a prominent testing venue. Racing events returned in 2009 with FIA GT and GT3 series competitions. The circuit has maintained its status as a testing and racing facility.

The GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup includes races of varying lengths throughout the season. Events range from three-hour races at venues like Monza, Nürburgring, and Barcelona, to the six-hour race at Circuit Paul Ricard, culminating in the 24-hour race at Spa-Francorchamps. This Round 1 Bronze Test offers teams their first points-scoring opportunity of the season.

The Bronze Cup category features drivers who bring different levels of experience to the gt-world-challenge-europe series. These competitors drive the same GT3 cars as their Pro-class counterparts but compete within their own classification. The six-hour format at Circuit Paul Ricard tests both driver endurance and team strategy. Pit stop timing, fuel management, and tire selection all play crucial roles in the final results.

Circuit Paul Ricard's flat layout and long straights create specific challenges for GT3 cars. The Signes corner, a high-speed right-hand turn following the Mistral Straight, demands precision from drivers. Teams must balance aerodynamic efficiency for the straights with mechanical grip for the slower sections. The track surface provides good grip levels, and the runoff areas allow drivers to push limits while maintaining safety margins.

Paul Ricard built the circuit after making his fortune from pastis liquor production. His vision was to create a modern facility that could serve multiple purposes. The flat plateau location provided space for the various track configurations. This design philosophy continues to benefit the circuit, allowing it to host everything from GT races to testing sessions for Formula One teams.

The Round 1 Bronze Test at Circuit Paul Ricard offers fans their first look at the Bronze Cup competitors for the season. The race format allows multiple drivers per car, with mandatory pit stops and driver changes throughout the six hours. Strategy varies significantly across teams, with some opting for aggressive early pace while others focus on consistency and reliability. The gt-world-challenge-europe series provides close racing across all classes, with the Bronze Cup often delivering tight battles throughout the field.