GT World Challenge Europe - Round 10

Round 10 of the GT World Challenge Europe brings the Endurance Cup to Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Montmeló, Spain. This three-hour race features a record 60-car grid competing across four classes: Pro, Gold Cup, Silver Cup, and Bronze Cup. The event follows Format A with two mandatory pit stops and serves as a major round in the championship battle.

Race Format and Structure

The race at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya runs for three hours with two mandatory pit stops. Each team must manage refueling restrictions during these stops, adding strategic complexity to the competition. Pirelli supplies tires for all competitors. The grid includes entries from ten manufacturers, marking the largest and most diverse field in recent series history.

Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya Details

Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya measures 4.657 kilometers and contains 14 turns. The track combines long straights with various corner types, creating an all-rounder circuit that tests every aspect of GT3 car performance. Built in 1991, the facility holds FIA Grade 1 status and can accommodate 140,700 spectators. The circuit restored its original configuration without the final chicane before the 2023 season, maintaining this layout for the 2025 event.

Track Characteristics

The layout demands strong aerodynamic efficiency for the long straights while requiring mechanical grip through the technical sections. Teams must balance setup choices between straight-line speed and corner performance. The resurfacing completed in 2018 provides consistent grip levels throughout the race distance.

Manufacturers and Teams

Ten manufacturers compete in Round 10: Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Ferrari, Ford, Lamborghini, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG, and Porsche. Chevrolet returns to the series for the first time since 2014, joining nine established manufacturers from previous seasons.

Team Entries by Manufacturer

Comtoyou Racing represents Aston Martin in the field. Audi entries come from Saintéloc Racing and Tresor Attempto Racing. BMW competes through Team WRT and ROWE Racing. Steller Motorsport campaigns the Chevrolet Corvette. Ferrari teams include AF Corse and Emil Frey Racing. HRT Ford Performance fields Ford Mustang entries. Lamborghini participation features GRT Grasser Racing Team and VSR. McLaren teams include Garage 59 and CSA Racing. Mercedes-AMG representation comes from GetSpeed, Boutsen VDS, Winward Racing, and Mann-Filter. Porsche entries include Pure Rxcing, Schumacher CLRT, and Rutronik Racing.

Class Competition

The Pro class features manufacturer works teams and professional driver lineups competing for overall victory. Verstappen.com Racing leads Gold Cup points with their Aston Martin entry. Century Motorsport holds the Silver Cup points advantage with BMW machinery. Kessel Racing campaigns in Bronze Cup with Ferrari equipment.

GT3 Technical Regulations

All cars follow FIA GT3 regulations using modified grand touring cars based on production models. Manufacturers must produce at least 300 road cars annually before homologating a racing version. The FIA and SRO test each model on dynos, in wind tunnels, and on track before approval.

Balance of Performance System

The Balance of Performance system ensures competitive equity across different manufacturers. Power output ranges from 500 to 600 horsepower depending on BoP adjustments. Officials can add or remove weight, alter turbo boost levels or air restrictors, and modify ride height settings to balance aerodynamic efficiency. Once a model receives homologation, it remains locked with only small updates allowed through Evolution kits.

Car Specifications

Teams submit engine, aerodynamic, and weight data for approval. The regulations govern chassis modifications, safety equipment, and mechanical components. All competitors use Pirelli control tires specified for the Endurance Cup. Sequential gearboxes and carbon brakes are standard across the field.

Series Background

GT World Challenge Europe evolved from the Blancpain Endurance Series that began in 2011. The Sprint Series launched in 2014, creating separate Endurance and Sprint Cup competitions. The series adopted its current GT World Challenge Europe name in 2019. Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has hosted championship rounds since 2017, establishing itself as a regular venue for the series.

Barcelona Speed Festival

The Barcelona Speed Festival celebrates its tenth anniversary in 2025. The event creates a comprehensive motorsport celebration around Round 10, offering fans multiple activities beyond the main race. Various support races and demonstrations complement the GT World Challenge Europe competition. The festival format brings fans closer to teams and cars through paddock access and display areas.

Championship Implications

Round 10 carries significant weight in all four championship categories. Teams earn points in both the teams' and drivers' championships within their respective classes. The three-hour race distance and two mandatory stops create opportunities for strategic variation and position changes. Weather conditions and tire management often play decisive roles in final results at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.