GT World Challenge Europe - Round 3

Round 3 of the GT World Challenge Europe arrives at Circuit Park Zandvoort in the Netherlands. This Sprint Cup race takes place at one of Europe's most distinctive racing venues. The circuit sits in the dunes north of Zandvoort, just 35 kilometers west of Amsterdam and mere hundreds of meters from the North Sea coast.

Circuit Park Zandvoort stretches 4.259 kilometers and features 14 turns. The layout challenges drivers with significant elevation changes throughout. The track winds through sand dunes, combining fast straights with technical corners. This old school circuit demands precision from every competitor. Two corners feature dramatic 18-degree banking: the Arie Luyendykbocht at Turn 14 and the Hugenholtzbocht at Turn 3. These banked sections add unique character to the racing line.

The GT World Challenge Europe brings together GT3 cars from ten major manufacturers. Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Corvette, Ferrari, Ford, Lamborghini, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG, and Porsche all compete in this series. Teams include 2 Seas Motorsport, AF Corse, AlManar Racing by WRT, and Garage 59. Drivers compete across four classes: Pro, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. The series uses FIA GT3 regulations with a Balance of Performance system to ensure fair competition among different car models.

Circuit Park Zandvoort presents specific challenges for GT racing. Over 2,500 meters of gravel beds line the track, penalizing even small mistakes. Wind from the nearby North Sea can affect car handling and driver decisions. The surface uses an asphalt layer called Flying Dutch. The pit lane enforces a 50 kilometer per hour speed limit. Teams must manage refueling regulations and minimum pit stop times during their race strategy.

The circuit has hosted motorsport since 1948, with its first race on August 7 of that year. Racing in Zandvoort actually dates back to 1939 with street races. The venue hosted the Dutch Grand Prix from 1952 to 1985, then again from 2021. The track has also welcomed DTM, WTCC, and the Masters of Formula 3. The famous Tarzan corner earned its name from a local character and remains one of the most recognizable sections. The venue can accommodate 105,000 spectators.

Round 3 at Circuit Park Zandvoort offers compelling GT3 racing on a demanding circuit. The combination of elevation changes, banked corners, and technical sections tests both driver skill and car setup. Pirelli supplies tires for all competitors. Many cars carry onboard cameras to capture the action. The proximity to both the beach and Zandvoort town center makes this circuit accessible for fans. This race promises close competition as teams and drivers push their GT3 machines through the Dutch dunes.