GT World Challenge Europe - Round 7

Round 7 of the GT World Challenge Europe takes place at Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours in central France. This Sprint Cup weekend features two 60-minute races with GT3 machinery from leading manufacturers. The circuit offers a technical challenge with its 4.411-kilometer layout that combines fast straights, sweeping corners, and tight chicanes. Teams and drivers compete for championship points across both races at this FIA Grade 1 facility.

Sprint Cup Format at Magny-Cours

The GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup format places two drivers in each car. Each race lasts 60 minutes and awards equal points to the championship standings. Teams must complete a mandatory pit stop with a driver change between the 25th and 35th minute of each race. The minimum pit stop time stands at 77 seconds from pit entry to pit exit. Driver combinations fall into Pro, Silver, and Bronze categories based on the series categorization system.

Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours Layout

Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours sits near the towns of Magny-Cours and Nevers, approximately 250 kilometers from Paris and 240 kilometers from Lyon. The 4.411-kilometer track features 17 turns across a relatively flat surface with 30 meters of elevation change. Track width varies from 10 to 18 meters at different sections. The layout tests both high-speed stability and technical precision through its mix of corner types.

Track Characteristics

The circuit maintains FIA Grade 1 status. Many corners take inspiration from famous turns at other circuits around the globe. The track surface provides good grip levels for the GT3 cars. Overtaking opportunities exist at several points on the circuit. The facility can accommodate over 139,000 spectators.

GT3 Cars and Manufacturers

The 2025 entry list includes GT3 cars from major manufacturers. Expected marques include Mercedes-AMG with the AMG GT3 EVO, Audi with the R8 LMS GT3 EVO II, and BMW with the M4 GT3 EVO. Ferrari brings the 296 GT3 while Porsche campaigns the 911 GT3 R (992). Lamborghini enters the Huracan GT3 EVO2 and McLaren fields the 720S GT3 EVO. Additional manufacturers include Aston Martin with the Vantage AMR GT3 EVO, Chevrolet with the Corvette Z06 GT3.R, and Ford with the Mustang GT3.

Teams and Drivers

Top-tier teams bring factory-supported drivers and skilled professionals to Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours. The competitive field represents the pinnacle of GT3 racing in Europe. Each team prepares their cars to match the specific demands of this circuit.

Technical Regulations

The GT World Challenge Europe uses Balance of Performance (BoP) to ensure competitive racing between different car models. Pirelli supplies the tires for all competitors. Refueling times have minimum durations of 43.0 seconds and maximum durations of 3.0 seconds for short stops. Cars must carry official television on-board cameras when requested by series organizers. All vehicles comply with GT3 homologation standards.

Circuit History

Jean Bernigaud built Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours in 1960. The venue originally carried the name Circuit Jean Behra. The Winfield racing school operated at the facility and produced many successful drivers. After falling into disrepair during the 1980s, the Conseil Départemental de la Nièvre purchased the circuit in 1986. A major redesign occurred in 2003. The track hosted Formula One's French Grand Prix from 1991 to 2008. The Bol d'Or motorcycle endurance race took place at Magny-Cours from 2000 to 2014. GT World Challenge Europe has competed at this venue since 2020.

What to Expect

Round 7 at Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours offers close competition between multiple manufacturers and driver lineups. The Sprint Cup format produces two distinct races with different strategies and outcomes. Support categories including FFSA GT, FFSA F4, Alpine Elf Cup, Clio Cup, and FFSA Tourisme provide additional racing action throughout the weekend. The technical nature of the circuit rewards precise driving and well-executed pit stops. Championship positions often shift based on results from both races at this venue.