GT World heads for spectacular season launch event at Circuit Paul Ricard

GT World heads for spectacular season launch event at Circuit Paul Ricard

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• GT World Challenge powered by AWS headlines opener with six-hour sunset race
• Support from GT4 European Series, Lamborghini Super Trofeo, GT3 Revival Series
• Open paddock, fan zone, supercar displays and much more for fans to experience

The waiting is nearly over. Six months after the engines fell silent, the new GT World season is upon us. Another year of unforgettable action is on the horizon – and it all begins at Circuit Paul Ricard.

GT World Challenge powered by AWS headlines the event with its traditional six-hour race, whch gets underway at 18:00 on Saturday 11 April. Three other high-level GT series will also feature, including a brand-new addition that celebrates the remarkable legacy of the GT3 category.

And as ever the public will be at the very heart of the programme, with a dedicated fan zone, open paddock, pit walks, grid walks, and autograph sessions among the many activities they can expect.

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Six-hour sunset showdown opens new season

The weekend's headline event will see a 60-car grid featuring 10 manufacturers split across four classes. Among those to look out for, defending series champions Charles Weerts and Kelvin van der Linde will share the #32 Team WRT BMW with new recruit Jordan Pepper, while last year's Endurance Cup champion Rutronik Racing begins a new chapter by giving the Lamborghini Temerario GT3 its European debut.

Verstappen Racing should also be a major factor this year. The team created by the four-time Formula 1 world champion has added two GT superstars – Jules Gounon and Dani Juncadella – alongside Max's young protégée Chris Lulham. Speaking of champions, MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi returns full-time at the wheel of the #46 Team WRT BMW.

Fans at the track will also recognise international teams such as AF Corse (Ferrari), whose line-up includes Arthur Leclerc, as well as recent CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa winners TGI Team by GRT (Lamborghini) and Comtoyou Racing (Aston Martin).

We also have more than 30 series rookies on the grid, including the impressive trio of Lance Stroll, Roberto Merhi and Mari Boya aboard the #18 Comtoyou Racing Aston Martin.

VIEW THE FULL ENTRY LIST

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Trio of high-level GT series add even more on-track action

This isn't just one race: Circuit Paul Ricard hosts a GT festival with action across Saturday and Sunday. Alongside the main event, three high-level support series will raise the intensity.

The popular GT4 European Series opens its season, while Lamborghini Super Trofeo launches with a grid of ferocious V10 supercars. New for 2026 is the GT3 Revival Series. Marking 20 years of GT3, this retro championship showcases iconic cars from 2006-2013, including the Lamborghini Gallardo, BMW Z4 and Ford GT.

FULL EVENT SCHEDULE

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 Fan activations

GT World events are built on accessibility, with an open paddock allowing everyone to get close to the action through pit walks, grid walks, and autograph sessions. At the heart of the paddock, a fan zone offers a DJ stage, photo booth, bars, food trucks, and a giant screen.

Special car exhibits include a selection of Lamborghini machinery celebrating 30 years since the Super Trofeo was first launched. Away from the main venue, Circuit Paul Ricard’s kart circuit and Xtrem Park – featuring quad biking, simulators, and mini golf – provide even more entertainment.

FULL STORY: LAMBORGHINI DISPLAY

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How to watch

GT World Challenge races are streamed live around the world on the GT World YouTube channel. This is entirely free, allowing fans to experience every second of the action no matter where they are. Free practice and qualifying sessions – as well as some support races – also air on GT World.

WATCH LIVE

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 Get your tickets

A Saturday ticket – which includes access to the popular sunset party – costs just 25€, while a weekend pass costs 35€. Sunday-only tickets cost 20€ and will allow you to enjoy a trio of spectacular races. All options include paddock access as standard, while under 12s can attend free when accompanied by a paying adult.

PURCHASE TICKETS

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