Round 5 - Hockenheim GT OPEN

The Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg hosts Round 5 - Hockenheim GT OPEN for the Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux in 2026. This race weekend takes place at one of Germany's most respected circuits, located near Hockenheim in the Rhine valley region. The porsche-carrera-cup-benelux series runs as a support category for the GT Open championship at this venue, providing competitors with a prestigious platform to showcase their racing abilities.

The Hockenheimring Circuit

The Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg measures 4.574 kilometers and holds an FIA Grade 1 license, the highest certification available for racing circuits. This qualification makes the track suitable for the most demanding forms of motorsport competition. The circuit features 17 turns in total, consisting of 6 left-hand corners and 11 right-hand turns, connected by 6 straights. Track width varies from 12 meters at its narrowest points to 18 meters at its widest sections.

The asphalt surface remains largely flat throughout the circuit layout. The facility can accommodate between 70,000 and 120,000 spectators, with the famous Motodrom section offering stadium-style grandstands that provide views of multiple track sections simultaneously. The venue sits approximately 85 kilometers south of Frankfurt Airport, making it accessible for international visitors.

Race Weekend Format

A standard Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux race weekend includes two 40-minute free practice sessions where drivers familiarize themselves with the circuit and refine their car setups. A single 35-minute qualifying session determines the starting grid for both races. The weekend features two 30-minute races, each running one additional lap beyond the time limit. This format tests driver consistency and car performance across multiple sessions.

Participants and Competition Classes

The porsche-carrera-cup-benelux operates as a one-make series where all competitors drive identical machinery. This format emphasizes driver skill and team strategy over equipment advantages. The championship divides entries into three classes: Pro, Pro-Am, and Am. Young drivers seeking to advance their careers compete alongside experienced gentleman racers, creating diverse competition within each race. The series serves as a development platform within Porsche Motorsport, with successful drivers potentially progressing to series like the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.

Technical Specifications

The Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

All competitors race the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 992.1). The car uses a 4.0-liter, 6-cylinder engine that produces 510 horsepower. Power transfers through a Porsche six-speed sequential gearbox. For the 2026 season, these vehicles feature ABS braking systems for all drivers according to specific regulations.

The cockpit includes a large color display, illuminated controls, and a carbon-fiber reinforced plastic motorsport steering wheel. Cars must maintain their factory specifications unless the series regulations explicitly permit modifications. Technical regulations follow Appendix J of the International Sporting Code (FIA ISC) and specific PCCB technical rules.

Championship Background

The Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux launched in 2013 as the 20th Porsche one-make series worldwide. The 2026 season represents the 14th iteration of this championship. The series quickly established itself as the fastest one-make championship in the Benelux region, attracting teams and drivers from across Europe. Running alongside major international motorsport events provides valuable exposure for participants.

The Hockenheimring first opened on May 29, 1932, with an original 12-kilometer triangular layout. The circuit underwent major modifications in 1938, 1965, 1992, and 2002. The current 4.574-kilometer configuration was created to meet Formula 1 requirements. The track hosted the German Grand Prix intermittently from 1970 to 2019. The International GT Open series first visited this venue in 2019.

What Makes This Event Notable

The combination of the Hockenheimring's Grade 1 status and the competitive nature of the porsche-carrera-cup-benelux creates compelling racing action. The one-make format ensures close competition where small margins determine race outcomes. The Motodrom section at Hockenheimring provides spectators with an excellent vantage point to observe overtaking maneuvers and race strategy unfolding.

Round 5 - Hockenheim GT OPEN offers drivers the opportunity to race on a circuit that has hosted decades of motorsport history. The support race format alongside GT Open means fans experience multiple categories of racing at a single venue. The three-class structure within the Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux ensures multiple battles occur throughout the field during each race, providing continuous action for those following the series.