Italian outfit ZRS Motorsport has confirmed its debut in the 2026 International GT Open Championship, marking a significant step forward for the Rovigo-based team. The squad will enter a Porsche 911 GT3 R EVO in the championship’s top-tier Pro class as it graduates from GT Cup Europe.
The move represents a natural progression for the team, which has steadily built its presence in GT racing over the past several seasons. Known as a loyal Porsche customer, ZRS Motorsport has developed strong experience with the German manufacturer’s GT machinery while competing in Italian GT competitions and the GT Cup Europe series.
With its GT Open entry, the team aims to test itself against some of the strongest GT3 teams and drivers in international competition.
Young Talent Armanni joins experienced Fontana for 2026 International GT Open campaign with ZRS Motorspot
ZRS Motorsport will field a promising driver pairing for its first International GT Open campaign in 2026, combining rising talent with seasoned GT experience.
Twenty-year-old Italian driver Pietro Armanni will take one of the seats in the Porsche. Armanni competed for ZRS Motorsport last season and delivered an impressive campaign, finishing as runner-up in the GT Cup Europe championship.
Before moving into GT racing, Armanni developed his skills in single-seater categories. His earlier career included appearances in Formula 4 and the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine (FRECA), where he gained valuable experience in highly competitive junior series.
Alongside him will be Swiss-Greek driver Alex Fontana, a well-established name in GT racing. The 33-year-old racer built his early career in single-seaters, progressing as far as Formula 2 and claiming the Euroformula Open championship title in 2011.
Since transitioning to GT racing, Fontana has enjoyed considerable success, securing five class titles in GT World Challenge championships. He has also become a familiar presence in the International GT Open paddock, having raced Porsche machinery in the series over the past two seasons.
The pairing provides ZRS Motorsport with a balanced line-up that blends youthful speed with extensive GT racing expertise.
Strong progress in GT Cup Europe
ZRS Motorsport’s entry into the GT Open follows several strong seasons in GT Cup Europe. The team demonstrated consistent competitiveness in the series and steadily improved its results year after year.
In 2023, the squad finished third in both the Drivers’ and Teams’ standings. The following season proved even more successful, as the team secured runner-up honours in the Drivers’ championship.
These results helped establish ZRS Motorsport as one of the more competitive outfits in the GT Cup Europe paddock and encouraged the team to pursue a higher-level programme.
Despite its step up to GT Open, the team will continue competing in the GT Cup Europe championship, maintaining its involvement in the GT Sport junior racing platform.
Team ready for a new challenge
Team owner and principal Niccolò Zambon emphasised that the move to the International GT Open has been part of the team’s long-term plan.
“We are delighted to debut in the GT Open. This has been in our plans for a while and it’s a nice step up in the growth of our team. It will be a challenge but we have put together a competitive package and feel ready and determined to do well.”
With a proven Porsche platform, a promising young driver and a highly experienced GT racer in its line-up, ZRS Motorsport will enter the 2026 International GT Open season aiming to make a strong first impression in the Pro class.
