GT World Challenge Europe - Round 1

Round 1 of the GT World Challenge Europe takes place at Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet, France. This opening race is a 6-hour endurance contest that marks the start of the Endurance Cup season. The circuit sits near Marseille in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, approximately 8 kilometers from the medieval village of Le Castellet.

Circuit Paul Ricard opened in 1970 after construction in 1969. Paul Ricard, a pastis magnate, financed the project. The track measures 5.842 kilometers in length and features 15 turns. The famous Mistral Straight extends 1.8 kilometers and allows cars to reach top speeds. The circuit sits on a plateau, which creates a flat racing surface. Circuit Paul Ricard offers 247 different track configurations that range from 0.828 kilometers to 5.858 kilometers. The venue can accommodate over 90,000 spectators. Blue and red run-off areas with abrasive surfaces help maximize braking and add visual distinction to the circuit.

The GT World Challenge Europe features FIA GT3-homologated race cars from multiple manufacturers. Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Ferrari, Ford, Lamborghini, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG, Porsche, and Corvette all compete in the series. Manufacturers must produce at least 300 road cars annually before they can convert a model into a race car. GT3 cars use turbocharged V6 engines or naturally aspirated V8, V10, and V12 engines. Balance of Performance regulations limit power output to between 500 and 600 horsepower. Cars weigh between 1,200 and 1,350 kilograms depending on the model and adjustments. Top speeds reach 280 to 300 kilometers per hour depending on the circuit layout.

Teams competing at Circuit Paul Ricard include 2 Seas Motorsport, Comtoyou Racing, Walkenhorst Motorsport, Saintéloc Racing, Tresor Attempto Racing, Dinamic GT, Herberth Motorsport, Lionspeed GP, Pure Rxcing, Rutronik Racing, Schumacher CLRT, AF Corse, Garage 59, and Optimum Motorsport. The championship divides drivers into Pro, Gold, Silver, and Bronze classes. Each class has specific requirements for driver pairings.

GT3 cars feature ABS and traction control systems. Active aerodynamics are prohibited. Pirelli serves as the official tire supplier and provides P Zero slicks for dry conditions and Cinturato wets for rain. All teams use the same 102 RON racing fuel. The SRO manages the Balance of Performance system to ensure fair competition by adjusting engine power, aerodynamic elements, and weight data across different car models.

Circuit Paul Ricard hosted the French Grand Prix on 14 occasions between 1971 and 1990. The facility was considered one of the safest circuits in the world when it opened. Bernie Ecclestone purchased the circuit in 1999 and redeveloped it into a high-speed test track. Racing returned to the venue in 2009. The circuit earned FIA 3-star sustainability accreditation. The track features a watering system that simulates rainy conditions for testing purposes.

The 6-hour endurance format at Circuit Paul Ricard tests both driver stamina and mechanical reliability. Teams must manage tire wear, fuel consumption, and driver changes throughout the race. The long Mistral Straight creates opportunities for overtaking and strategic battles. The flat layout and multiple configurations make Circuit Paul Ricard a versatile venue. Round 1 of the GT World Challenge Europe at Circuit Paul Ricard brings together top GT3 teams and drivers for the first major endurance race of the season.