GT World Challenge Europe - Round 3

Round 3 of the GT World Challenge Europe brings the Endurance Cup to Autodromo Nazionale Monza for a three-hour race in 2026. This event features approximately 60 GT3 cars from ten manufacturers competing on one of Europe's most famous circuits. The weekend at Autodromo Nazionale Monza includes practice sessions, qualifying, and the main endurance race, along with support series racing.

Race Format and Weekend Schedule

The Monza 3 Hours represents a key round in the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup championship. The weekend begins with free practice sessions that offer public access at no charge. Teams use this time to set up their cars for the demanding circuit conditions. The main race runs for three hours and tests both driver skill and team strategy across multiple pit stops.

Support categories share the weekend schedule, including the GT2 European Series Powered by Pirelli, GT4 European Series, and McLaren Trophy Europe. These additional races provide more than eight hours of total track action across the weekend. Spectators can access the paddock area, attend autograph sessions, and visit the Fan Zone. The venue includes food trucks, DJ entertainment, supercar displays, and big screens for viewing the races.

The Circuit: Autodromo Nazionale Monza

Autodromo Nazionale Monza sits north of Milan in the Lombardy region of Italy. Built in 1922, this circuit is the oldest purpose-built motor racing facility in mainland Europe and the third oldest worldwide. The track measures 5.793 kilometers in length and runs in a clockwise direction.

Track Layout and Characteristics

The circuit combines long straights with tight chicanes, creating one of the fastest racing venues globally. Cars run at full throttle for approximately 80 percent of each lap. The track width varies from 10 to 12 meters across different sections.

Key corners include the Variante del Rettifilo, which is the first chicane after the start-finish straight. Drivers then navigate Curva Grande before approaching the two Lesmo corners. The Variante Ascari follows, leading to the final corner known as Curva Alboreto. This layout demands minimal downforce settings to maximize straight-line speed while maintaining enough grip through the corners.

Speed and Performance

Monza earns its nickname "The Temple of Speed" through its emphasis on high-velocity racing. GT3 cars reach top speeds between 280 and 300 km/h on the long straights. The circuit's minimal aerodynamic requirements create unique setup challenges for engineering teams.

Competing Manufacturers and Teams

The 2026 GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup grid includes 59 cars from ten manufacturers. Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Ferrari, Ford, Lamborghini, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG, and Porsche all field entries. Lamborghini showcases its new Temerario GT3 model in competition this season.

Confirmed Teams

Multiple professional racing teams participate across the Pro, Gold, Silver, and Bronze categories. The entry list includes 2 Seas Motorsport, AF Corse, AlManar Racing by Kessel, Boutsen VDS, Century Motorsport, Comtoyou Racing, Dinamic GT, Emil Frey Racing, Garage 59, GetSpeed, Herberth Motorsport, HRT Ford Racing, JMW Motorsport, Kessel Racing, KPX Motorsport, Lionspeed GP, M-AMG Team GetSpeed, M-AMG Team MANN-FILTER, M-AMG Team Verstappen Racing, Oman Racing by Century Motorsport, Optimum Motorsport, Pure Rxcing, Razoon - more than racing, Rinaldi Racing, Rowe Racing, Rutronik Racing, and Team WRT.

Notable Drivers

AF Corse fields two Pro-class Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo entries. The #50 car lineup consists of Arthur Leclerc, Sean Gelael, and Lilou Wadoux. The #51 Ferrari features Alessio Rovera, Nicklas Nielsen, and Tommaso Mosca. Lilou Wadoux becomes the first woman to compete in the Pro category for a full Endurance Cup campaign. Valentino Rossi returns to the GT World Challenge Europe, driving the BMW #46 for Team WRT.

Technical Regulations

All cars in the GT World Challenge Europe follow FIA GT3 regulations. Manufacturers must produce at least 300 road cars annually before developing a racing version. The FIA and SRO Motorsports Group test each model on dynamometers, in wind tunnels, and on track. Testing examines engine performance, aerodynamic properties, and weight distribution. Once approved, each model remains largely unchanged, with only minor updates through Evolution kits.

Engine Specifications

GT3 cars use various engine configurations. Teams employ turbocharged V6 engines, naturally aspirated V8s, V10s, and V12s. Power output ranges from 500 to 600 horsepower, controlled through Balance of Performance regulations. SRO Motorsports Group manages BoP to maintain competitive parity across different manufacturers. The organization collects data from every session to adjust performance parameters.

Vehicle Specifications

Car weights vary between 1,200 and 1,350 kilograms depending on the model and BoP adjustments. Electronic systems such as ABS and traction control are permitted. Active aerodynamics remain banned under the regulations. Pirelli supplies all tires for the series, providing P Zero slicks for dry conditions and Cinturato wets for rain. All teams use the same 102 RON racing fuel.

History at Autodromo Nazionale Monza

Monza has hosted GT World Challenge Europe races since the series began as the Blancpain Endurance Series in 2011. The circuit has appeared on the calendar almost every season since then. BMW holds the record for the most Endurance Cup victories at this venue with 12 wins. Lamborghini achieved overall wins in 2015 and 2017, both with the Huracán GT3.

The current GT3 lap record at Monza stands at 1 minute 44.593 seconds, set by Alessandro Pier Guidi in a Ferrari. The 2026 season continues the established format of five Sprint Cup rounds and five Endurance Cup rounds, all contributing to the overall drivers' and teams' championships.

Venue Features and Facilities

The Autodromo Nazionale Monza sits within the Royal Villa of Monza park, one of the largest walled parks in Europe. The facility was constructed in just 110 days in 1922. The original layout included a 5.5-kilometer road track and a 4.5-kilometer high-speed oval section with banked curves. Some portions of the old banking remain visible today.

The track underwent significant modifications in 1972 when chicanes were added to reduce speeds. These changes improved safety while maintaining the circuit's high-speed character. Beyond motorsport, Monza Park hosts cycling marathons and half marathons throughout the year.

Technical Innovations

Monza has served as a testing ground for various motorsport innovations. The Telepass system, modern guardrails, and draining asphalt were all studied and developed at this facility. The circuit continues to balance its historical significance with modern safety standards.

What to Expect

Round 3 at Autodromo Nazionale Monza promises close racing among the 60-car GT3 field. The circuit's high-speed nature creates multiple overtaking opportunities on the long straights. Strategy plays a key role in the three-hour race format, with teams managing fuel consumption, tire wear, and driver changes. The combination of professional drivers in the Pro class and talented amateurs in the other categories creates varied competition throughout the field.

The 2026 GT World Challenge Europe season maintains the balance between sprint and endurance racing that defines the championship. Each round awards points for both individual race results and overall championship standings. The Monza round offers teams an opportunity to gain crucial points in the Endurance Cup classification.