GT World Challenge Europe - Round 5 Bronze Test

The Round 5 Bronze Test at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps represents a significant component of the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup. This test session provides Bronze-rated drivers with valuable track time at one of Europe's most challenging racing facilities. Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps stretches 7.004 kilometers through the Belgian countryside near Stavelot. The circuit features 19 corners that combine high-speed sections with technical challenges.

The GT World Challenge Europe brings together leading manufacturers and professional racing teams. The 2025 season includes entries from Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Ferrari, Ford, Lamborghini, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG, and Porsche. Corvette returns to the series for the first time since 2014. Teams like AF Corse, Comtoyou Racing, Sainteloc Racing, Treor Attempto Racing, ROWE Racing, and Winward Racing compete across multiple classes.

Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps presents unique demands for Bronze Cup drivers. The track climbs and descends 102.2 meters from its highest to lowest points. Eau Rouge and Raidillon form an uphill esses section that tests driver skill. The Kemmel Straight allows cars to reach maximum velocity before heavy braking. Les Combes offers a series of fast bends while La Source provides the circuit's slowest corner. Blanchimont challenges drivers with a high-speed left-hand sweep.

The Bronze Test at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps allows Bronze-rated drivers to familiarize themselves with the circuit before the main endurance race. This session serves as preparation for the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa. Bronze Cup teams compete with the same GT3 machinery used in other classes but field drivers with Bronze FIA ratings. The 2024 season saw a Bronze Cup car achieve overall victory at Monza, demonstrating the competitive nature of this category.

Technical setup at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps requires careful balance. Sectors 1 and 3 favor lower downforce configurations for better straight-line speed. Sector 2 contains high-speed corners that benefit from increased downforce. Teams must find the optimal compromise between qualifying pace and race performance. Multiple heavy braking zones, including the Bus Stop chicane and the approach to Les Combes, place demands on brake systems throughout extended sessions.

Weather conditions at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps add complexity to any track session. The circuit's length means different sections can experience different conditions simultaneously. Rain can fall on one part of the track while other sections remain dry. This variability affects tire selection and strategy decisions during the Bronze Test and throughout the race weekend.

The gt-world-challenge-europe series features GT3-specification cars from major manufacturers. Current models include the Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 EVO, Audi R8 LMS GT3 EVO II, BMW M4 GT3 EVO, Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R, Ferrari 296 GT3, Ford Mustang GT3, Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO2, McLaren 720S GT3 EVO, Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO, and Porsche 911 GT3 R. These cars share similar performance levels through Balance of Performance regulations.

Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps opened in 1922 and has hosted racing for over a century. The original layout used public roads connecting local towns. The circuit underwent major modifications in 1979 when it was shortened from 14.1 kilometers to its current length. The 1939 addition of Raidillon replaced a slower uphill hairpin and created one of motorsport's most famous corner sequences.

The Round 5 Bronze Test offers Bronze-rated drivers essential preparation time at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. The session allows drivers to learn the circuit's elevation changes, corner combinations, and braking points. Teams use this time to refine car setup and develop race strategy. The knowledge gained during the Bronze Test proves valuable for the full 24-hour endurance race. This event showcases the depth of talent within the gt-world-challenge-europe Bronze Cup category and highlights the series' commitment to driver development across all rating levels.