GT World Challenge Europe - Round 3

Round 3 of the GT World Challenge Europe takes place at Circuit Park Zandvoort in the Netherlands. This Sprint Cup race brings together top GT3 manufacturers and professional drivers on one of Europe's most distinctive racing venues. The circuit sits among the coastal dunes near the North Sea, creating a unique environment that challenges teams and drivers alike.

Sprint Cup Race Format

The GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup format features two 60-minute races. Each race requires a mandatory pit stop for driver changes and tire replacements. Teams must complete this stop within a specified time window during the race. The series divides competitors into multiple classes: Pro, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. This structure allows drivers at different career stages to compete for class honors.

The Pro class has no driver restrictions. The Gold class requires Gold-rated drivers and permits one Silver driver per car. Silver class entries consist entirely of Silver-rated drivers. Bronze class pairs a Platinum driver with a Bronze driver for Sprint Cup rounds.

Circuit Park Zandvoort Features

Circuit Park Zandvoort measures 4.259 kilometers in length and contains 14 turns. The track location in the dunes north of Zandvoort creates natural elevation changes throughout the lap. Two corners feature 18 percent banking at 32 degrees, making Circuit Park Zandvoort unique among European racing circuits.

Notable Circuit Corners

Tarzanbocht serves as Turn 1, a hairpin at the end of the main straight where overtaking opportunities frequently appear. Hugenholtzbocht at Turn 3 features banking designed with a Fibonacci sequence. Scheivlak at Turn 7 is a fast, sweeping corner with significant elevation changes. Arie Luyendykbocht at Turn 14 provides another banked section before the start-finish straight.

Track Characteristics

The circuit's proximity to the North Sea influences track conditions. Sea breezes can bring sand onto the racing surface, affecting grip levels. The track features over 2,500 meters of gravel runoff areas for safety. Marram grass grows around the circuit to help retain the sand in the dunes. The natural terrain provides excellent viewing positions for spectators.

GT3 Competition at Circuit Park Zandvoort

The 2025 GT World Challenge Europe season includes manufacturers such as Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Ferrari, Ford, Lamborghini, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG, Porsche, and Corvette. Teams competing this season include 2 Seas Motorsport, AF Corse, AlManar Racing by WRT, Garage 59, Comtoyou Racing, Saintéloc Racing, Tresor Attempto Racing, Dinamic GT, and Herberth Motorsport. The Sprint Cup grid features 41 cars competing across the multiple classes.

GT3 Technical Specifications

All cars comply with FIA GT3 regulations. Manufacturers must produce at least 300 road cars annually before converting a model into a race car. The series uses Balance of Performance to ensure fair competition by managing engine output, aerodynamics, and weight across different manufacturers.

GT3 cars use various engine configurations, including turbocharged V6 units and naturally aspirated V8, V10, or V12 engines. Power output ranges from 500 to 600 horsepower. Car weight ranges from 1,200 to 1,350 kilograms, subject to Balance of Performance adjustments. Cars can reach top speeds around 305 kilometers per hour at Circuit Park Zandvoort. ABS and traction control are permitted, while active aerodynamics remain banned. Pirelli supplies tires for all competitors, and teams use identical 102 RON racing fuel.

Circuit History and Heritage

Circuit Park Zandvoort opened in 1948, with the first race held on August 7 of that year. The circuit originated from plans for a street race in 1939, though World War II delayed construction. The facility hosted Formula 1 races from 1952 to 1985 and returned to the Formula 1 calendar starting in 2021.

The track has undergone multiple modifications throughout its history. Major renovations occurred in the late 1990s and again in 2019 to meet modern racing standards. The circuit also became known for hosting the Marlboro Masters of Formula 3, which launched in 1990 and attracted rising single-seater talent.

What Makes This Event Special

Circuit Park Zandvoort offers a distinctive challenge for GT3 racing. The banked corners at Turns 3 and 14 create unique racing lines compared to other circuits on the GT World Challenge Europe calendar. The elevation changes and flowing layout reward drivers who can maintain momentum through the fast sections.

The coastal location adds an unpredictable element. Weather can change quickly, and wind direction affects car behavior through the faster corners. Teams must adapt their setups to handle the specific demands of this circuit. The relatively short lap time means traffic management becomes crucial during the races.

Round 3 at Circuit Park Zandvoort represents an important early-season test for GT World Challenge Europe competitors. The Sprint Cup format emphasizes qualifying performance and race craft during the intense 60-minute sprints. Close racing across all classes typically develops as drivers push to maximize points in both races. The combination of circuit characteristics and GT3 competition creates compelling racing action throughout the weekend.