GT World Challenge Europe - Round 4

Round 4 of the GT World Challenge Europe takes place at Autodromo Nazionale Monza in Italy. This Endurance Cup race brings together GT3 machinery from leading manufacturers in a three-hour competition. The circuit near Milan hosts one of the most significant rounds in the series, featuring cars from Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Ferrari, Ford, Lamborghini, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG, Porsche, and Corvette.

The Autodromo Nazionale Monza Circuit

Autodromo Nazionale Monza stands as the third oldest purpose-built motor racing circuit in the world. Built in 1922 in just 110 days, the track measures 5.793 kilometers and features only six significant corner complexes. The circuit is known as "The Temple of Speed" because drivers spend approximately 80% of each lap at full throttle. The long straights and high-speed corners create a unique challenge for GT3 teams.

The track configuration demands specific setup choices from teams. The high-speed nature of Monza means fuel consumption runs higher than at other circuits. This affects strategy and pit stop planning during the three-hour race.

Race Format and Technical Details

The GT World Challenge Europe round at Monza follows the Endurance Cup format. Teams must complete three mandatory pit stops during the race. The minimum pit stop time between pit entry and exit is set at 77.0 seconds. Refueling time is restricted to a minimum of 43.0 seconds for all cars, with a maximum of 3.0 seconds for short refueling stops.

The race features four classes: PRO, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. Balance of Performance regulations equalize the capabilities of different GT3 models. Teams must follow the FIA International Sporting Code and GT World Challenge Europe Sporting Regulations. Drive-through penalties convert to 40 seconds added to race time, while stop-and-go penalties add 45 seconds plus the prescribed stop time.

Entry List and Participants

The Endurance Cup at Autodromo Nazionale Monza includes 59 GT3 cars. Teams competing include 2 Seas Motorsport, Comtoyou Racing, and Walkenhorst Motorsport with Aston Martin. Saintéloc Racing and Tresor Attempto Racing represent Audi. BMW entries come from AlManar Racing by WRT, BMW Italia Ceccato Racing, Century Motorsport, Paradine Competition, ROWE Racing, and Team WRT.

Ferrari teams include AF Corse, AF Corse Francorchamps Motors, Kessel Racing, Rinaldi Racing, Ziggo Sport Tempesta, and Emil Frey Racing. Porsche representation comes from Dinamic GT, Herberth Motorsport, Lionspeed GP, Pure Rxcing, Rutronik Racing, and Schumacher CLRT. The driver lineup features notable names including Valentino Rossi and Kevin Magnussen.

Circuit History and Characteristics

The original Autodromo Nazionale Monza design included a 4.5-kilometer oval and a 5.5-kilometer road course. Racing stopped during World War II when the track sustained damage. Renovations in 1948 brought the circuit back to operation. The track has undergone several modifications over the decades to improve safety and adapt to modern racing requirements.

Monza has hosted the Italian Grand Prix almost continuously since 1950. The circuit held its first race on September 3, 1922, with the second Italian Grand Prix following one week later. The track represents a key venue in European motorsport history and continues to challenge drivers with its unique high-speed layout.

What Makes This Round Special

The combination of high speeds and fuel management creates strategic depth at Monza. Teams must balance performance with efficiency. The three mandatory pit stops add another layer of tactical decision-making. Weather conditions can shift race strategies quickly on this fast circuit.

Access to the paddock and grandstands allows fans to observe team operations closely. Friday offers free admission, while Saturday and Sunday tickets range from €20 to €35 with discounts available. The gt-world-challenge-europe series at this venue provides close competition across all four classes as teams fight for championship points in the Endurance Cup.