GT World Challenge Europe - Round 9

Round 9 of the GT World Challenge Europe takes place at Circuit de la Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo in Cheste, near Valencia, Spain. This race serves as the final round of the Sprint Cup, bringing together the fastest GT3 cars and drivers for intense competition on Spanish soil. The event features eight sprint races across multiple categories, including GT, GT2, Porsche Carrera Cup, and Clio Cup Series.

Circuit de la Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo opened in 1999 and carries the name of Ricardo Tormo, a Spanish Grand Prix motorcycle racer and two-time world champion who passed away from leukemia in 1998. The track measures 4.005 kilometers in length and runs anti-clockwise through 14 turns, with nine left-handed corners and five right-handed ones. The longest straight stretches 876 meters, while the track width spans 12 meters throughout. The circuit can accommodate up to 165,000 spectators, and its unique stadium-style design allows fans to see 100 percent of the track from the grandstands.

The GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup field includes 41 cars competing across multiple classes. The Pro class features 13 entries from elite professional driver pairings. Ten manufacturers participate in the 2025 season: Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Ferrari, Ford, Lamborghini, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG, and Porsche. Each manufacturer fields multiple teams and entries, creating a diverse grid of GT3 machinery.

Notable teams competing include Comtoyou Racing and Walkenhorst Motorsport with Aston Martin, Saintéloc Racing and Tresor Attempto Racing with Audi, ROWE Racing and Team WRT with BMW, AF Corse and Emil Frey Racing with Ferrari, GRT Grasser Racing Team with Lamborghini, and multiple Porsche entries from Rutronik Racing, Schumacher CLRT, Pure Rxcing, Dinamic GT, Herberth Motorsport, and Lionspeed GP. Mercedes-AMG representation comes from Boutsen VDS, Winward Racing, and GetSpeed, while McLaren runs with Garage 59 and CSA Racing.

All cars competing in GT World Challenge Europe receive FIA GT3 homologation. Manufacturers must produce at least 300 road cars annually to qualify a model for GT3 competition. The FIA and SRO conduct tests on each car model, evaluating engine performance, aerodynamics, and weight. Power output typically ranges between 500 and 600 horsepower, with exact figures managed through Balance of Performance regulations. Cars weigh between 1,200 and 1,350 kilograms depending on the model and BoP adjustments. Top speeds reach 280 to 300 kilometers per hour based on circuit characteristics.

The GT3 technical regulations permit ABS and traction control systems, but active aerodynamics remain prohibited. Pirelli serves as the exclusive tire supplier, providing P Zero slicks for dry conditions and Cinturato wets for rain. The 2025 season sees the introduction of Pirelli's new P Zero DHG tires across all GT World Challenge Europe events. All teams use identical 102 RON racing fuel to ensure equal conditions.

SRO Motorsports Group manages the Balance of Performance system, collecting data from every session to maintain competitive parity among different manufacturers. This system adjusts parameters like weight, power output, and fuel capacity to ensure fair racing between various GT3 models. The goal is to allow driver skill and team strategy to determine race outcomes rather than pure car performance advantages.

Circuit de la Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo presents specific challenges for GT3 cars. Turns 1 and 2 offer good overtaking opportunities, while Turn 13 poses the most difficult challenge on the lap. The track layout and characteristics differ from other circuits on the calendar, requiring teams to adapt their setups specifically for this venue. The combination of tight corners and the long straight demands a careful balance between mechanical grip and aerodynamic efficiency.

The circuit sits within a 1.5 million square meter area and features a circuit-within-a-stadium design concept. This layout provides exceptional viewing experiences for spectators while maintaining modern safety standards. The facility has hosted various international racing series including Formula 1 testing, Formula E, FIA GT Championship, and World Touring Car Championship. The circuit has received the IRTA Best Grand Prix Award multiple times for its facilities and organization.

The GT World Challenge Europe series began in 2011 as the Blancpain Endurance Series before adding a Sprint Series in 2014. The championship has grown into one of premier GT3 racing series globally, attracting factory-backed teams and professional drivers from around motorsport. The series splits into two distinct competitions: the Endurance Cup featuring longer races and the Sprint Cup with shorter, more intense battles.

Fans can reach Circuit de la Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo through multiple transport options. Valencia Airport serves as the closest air travel hub. Drivers can take the A3 motorway direction Madrid and exit at junction 334 marked for Urbanizaciones and Circuito. Train access comes via Cercanias Renfe line C-3 running to Utiel. The circuit location near Valencia makes it accessible for both local and international visitors.

Round 9 at Circuit de la Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo determines the final Sprint Cup championship standings. The points accumulated throughout the season come down to these final races, where drivers and teams compete for titles in various classes. The Sprint Cup format produces close, competitive racing with two races providing multiple opportunities for championship positions to change. This finale atmosphere creates intense competition as teams push for every available point.

The event also includes the ROOW entertainment festival, which adds concerts, exhibitions, and additional activities beyond the racing action. This combination of motorsport competition and entertainment programming creates a festival atmosphere at the circuit. The full visibility from spectator areas and the variety of racing categories ensure continuous action throughout the event schedule.

GT World Challenge Europe at Circuit de la Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo showcases the pinnacle of GT3 racing on a circuit that tests both driver skill and car performance. The Sprint Cup finale format, diverse manufacturer participation, and the unique characteristics of the Spanish circuit combine to produce compelling competition across all classes.