The CrowdStrike 24h of Spa has always been a race that blends sporting excellence with deep emotional connection, and for 2026, Comtoyou Racing ensured both were present in abundance. The team confirmed an entry that immediately stood out, fielding an all-Belgian line-up in its #700 Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 EVO. In a field often defined by international combinations and factory-backed stars, this entry leaned fully into national identity. With four Belgian drivers representing a Belgian team at one of the country’s most iconic events, the project carried a sense of pride that went beyond pure results. The presence of Sarah Bovy, one of the most recognisable and popular figures in the paddock, only strengthened the appeal and ensured that the car would attract significant attention throughout the race weekend.
Bovy’s return adds experience and emotion
Bovy’s comeback to the 24h of Spa marked a significant moment both for her and for the event itself. Having first raced at Spa as a teenager in 2007, she built a long-standing relationship with the circuit and the race, steadily developing into one of the most respected GT drivers in the field. Her career included experience across several major manufacturers, and she achieved a notable milestone in 2022 when she secured victory in the Gold Cup class. That success reinforced her reputation as a driver capable of delivering under pressure at one of the most demanding endurance races in the world.
After missing the 2024 and 2025 editions, her return naturally carried added anticipation. Joining forces with Comtoyou Racing, a team Bovy already knows well, provided both familiarity and confidence as she prepared to tackle the 24h of Spa in 2026 once again.
“I wasn’t on the grid in 2024 or 2025, so I’m all the more delighted to have reached an agreement with Comtoyou Racing. I’ve known the team for many years, especially Jean-Michel Baert and François Verbist, and I’m really happy to be part of it. I was able to do a short test with the Aston Martin Vantage and I think I should feel quite comfortable behind the wheel.
“The project is fantastic since we’ll be an all-Belgian quartet. As I get along so well with my three teammates, I know we’re going to have a great time. What’s more, I think we’ll be a force to be reckoned with in our class.”
A cohesive Belgian quartet with clear potential
Comtoyou Racing assembled a line-up that balanced experience with strong internal chemistry, an essential ingredient for endurance racing success. Nicolas Baert joined Bovy in the professional ranks, bringing with him valuable experience from previous Spa appearances. As he continued himself in GT racing, his familiarity with the demands of the event added further strength to the team.
Alongside them, Xavier Knauf and Grégory Servais completed the quartet as Bronze drivers. The pair already shared experience from the previous edition of the race, where they competed together and secured a solid result in the Pro-Am class. That existing partnership created a sense of continuity within the team, allowing them to build on what they had alreadye learned rather than starting from scratch.
While many rival entries relied on factory drivers to boost their chances, the #700 Aston Martin took a different approach. The all-Belgian crew instead leaned on cohesion, communication, and shared understanding, factors that often prove just as important over the course of a 24-hour race.
Preparation and ambition for Comtoyou Racing ahead of the 2026 24h of Spa
In the lead-up to the event, preparation plays a central role in shaping the team’s expectations. Knauf and Servais already gained valuable mileage with the Aston Martin in a preparatory outing, helping them adapt to the characteristics of the car. The team also plans to take part in the official Prologue, using the sessions to refine their setup and further strengthen their understanding of the package.
Comtoyou Racing’s own pedigree added another layer of confidence. The team had already demonstrated its ability to perform on the biggest stage, and that experience provided a strong operational foundation heading into the race. Combined with a motivated and well-balanced driver line-up, the #700 entry emerged as a serious contender within the Pro-Am category.
The CrowdStrike 24h of Spa remains a race where consistency, teamwork, and resilience often outweigh outright speed. In that context, the all-Belgian crew appeared well-equipped to fight for a strong result. With home support behind them and a clear sense of unity within the team, the #700 Aston Martin enters the event not only as a competitive force but also as one of the standout stories on the grid.
