Round 4

Round 4 of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup takes place at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium. This race serves as a support event for the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix. The 2026 season features eight races across seven weekends, all held alongside European Formula 1 events. This championship stands as one of the longest-running one-make cup series in global motorsport.

About the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup

The Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup began in 1993. The series runs identical Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars, which places strong emphasis on driver skill and team strategy. A typical race weekend includes practice sessions, qualifying, and a single sprint race that lasts around 30 minutes. The series features overall, rookie, and team classifications.

Since 2021, all cars have run on renewable biofuel. The 2024 season introduced a new e-fuel from the Haru Oni project in Chile. This fuel aims for an estimated 85% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Porsche awards approximately €700,000 in prize money across each season.

Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps Overview

Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is located in Francorchamps, Stavelot, in the Ardennes region of Belgium. The circuit stands as one of the most revered and challenging tracks in international motorsport. The current layout measures 7.004 kilometers (4.352 miles) and features 19 turns, with nine left-hand corners and ten right-hand corners.

Track Characteristics

The circuit features significant elevation changes. The difference between the highest point at Les Combes and the lowest point at Stavelot measures approximately 100 meters. This creates a unique challenge for drivers and teams. The track holds the distinction of being the longest circuit on the current Formula 1 calendar.

Key Circuit Sections

La Source is a tight hairpin that usually serves as Turn 1. Eau Rouge and Raidillon form a famous corner sequence, featuring a challenging uphill left-right-left combination that drivers often take at full throttle. The Kemmel Straight follows, leading to Les Combes, a high-speed chicane.

Pouhon is a demanding, fast double-left-hander that tests car balance and driver precision. Blanchimont is a fast, sweeping left-hand turn that requires commitment and courage. Each section of Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps demands different skills from drivers.

Weather Conditions

The circuit's location in the Ardennes forest creates unpredictable weather patterns. Rain can fall on one part of the track while other sections remain dry. This microclimate makes race strategy challenging and can dramatically affect race outcomes.

The 2026 Race Car

The 2026 season marks the debut of the new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 992.2). This car is based on the latest 911 GT3 road car. The power output increases from 510 to 520 bhp (380 to 388 kW; 517 to 527 PS).

Engine and Performance

The car uses a water-cooled, six-cylinder boxer engine with 3,996 cm³ displacement. The naturally aspirated 4.0-liter engine produces around 520 bhp at 8,400 rpm. Torque reaches 470 Nm at 6,150 rpm. The engine delivers power through a Porsche six-speed sequential dog-type gearbox with paddle shifts and a mechanical limited-slip differential.

Chassis and Aerodynamics

The chassis uses a lightweight aluminum-steel composite design. An integrated, FIA-compliant roll-cage provides driver safety. The car features a wide turbo-spec body with widened front wheel arches. A front splitter, rear diffuser, and adjustable rear wing with swan-neck mounting (11 positions) manage aerodynamic performance.

Brakes and Tires

Two independent brake circuits feature front and rear axle brake pressure sensors. Drivers can adjust brake force distribution. Six-piston aluminum monobloc calipers handle braking at the front. Michelin supplies all tires for the series as the exclusive tire partner.

Expected Participants

The Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup typically features a grid of around 24 to 32 identical Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars. The series attracts professional and semi-professional drivers. Many participants have developed their skills in national Porsche Carrera Cups. The championship serves as a vital platform for driver development within Porsche Motorsport.

Famous drivers have participated in the series throughout its history, including Formula 1 World Champions and other motorsport legends. The competitive nature of the series, combined with identical machinery, creates close racing where driver talent makes the difference.

History of the Supercup at Spa

The Porsche Supercup has served as an international support series for the FIA Formula One World Championship since 1993. Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps has been a frequent venue for the championship. Various generations of Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars have competed at this Belgian circuit many times over the years.

Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps itself has a long history that traces back to 1921. The original layout was a 14.982-kilometer (9.309-mile) public road circuit connecting the towns of Francorchamps, Malmedy, and Stavelot. Safety concerns and extreme speeds led to a major redesign in 1979. This created the permanent 7.004-kilometer (4.352-mile) circuit that remains in use today.

What Makes This Event Special

Round 4 of the porsche-supercup at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps combines one of motorsport's most challenging circuits with highly competitive racing. The high-speed characteristics of Spa require extreme driving skills. The unpredictable weather adds another layer of complexity to race strategy and execution.

The identical cars ensure that driver talent and team strategy determine the results. Every position matters, as does every decision made in the garage or on the track. The combination of the demanding circuit and close competition creates compelling racing action.

This event promises engaging battles throughout the field. The new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Type 992.2 makes its appearance in the 2026 season, adding fresh interest to the championship. Fans can follow how drivers adapt to the increased power and how teams optimize their strategies for this legendary circuit.