GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS heads to Brands Hatch on 2–3 May, where the 2026 Sprint Cup season gets underway with two 60-minute races at one of the most demanding circuits on the calendar.
The historic venue marks 100 years since its first race in 1926, and the centenary celebrations set the tone for a weekend that combines high-level GT racing with a packed programme of entertainment. With a full grid and a passionate crowd expected, the stage is set for a strong start to the Sprint Cup campaign.
A competitive field from the outset
Eight manufacturers arrive with realistic ambitions of fighting at the front, as Audi, Aston Martin, BMW, Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG and Porsche all field competitive entries. Teams such as Team WRT, AF Corse and Garage 59 bring proven experience, while the driver line-up blends established names with rising talent.
Among them, Valentino Rossi continues his GT programme, while Arthur Leclerc and Nicki Thiim add further depth to the front-running contenders. British interest remains high, with drivers like Ben Green and Dean MacDonald aiming to deliver on home soil. At a circuit like Brands Hatch, where narrow sections and constant elevation changes leave little room for error, precision and confidence will be just as important as outright pace.
Champions and challenges
Reigning champions Charles Weerts and Kelvin van der Linde arrive as the benchmark after a title-winning campaign built on consistency, and they will once again spearhead Team WRT’s effort.
However, the competition remains close. Maro Engel and Lucas Auer return as proven contenders with a strong record at this circuit, while Ferrari fields Arthur Leclerc alongside Thomas Neubauer in a line-up capable of challenging immediately. Porsche also enters the fight with Dorian Boccolacci and Morris Schuring, while Aston Martin builds momentum following its recent success at Circuit Paul Ricard, where Nicki Thiim secured a late victory.
Strong home representation at Brands Hatch for the first GTWC Europe Sprint weekend in 2026
There is a realistic chance for a home result this weekend, with several British teams and drivers well-placed to challenge at the front.
Garage 59 fields a competitive McLaren line-up featuring Dean MacDonald alongside Marvin Kirchhöfer, while Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing enters with Chris Lulham and Dani Juncadella.
Elsewhere, Ben Green joins Thierry Vermeulen in a Ferrari effort, further strengthening the domestic presence. A British driver last claimed overall victory at Brands Hatch in 2018, but the depth of the 2026 GTWC Europe field suggests that statistic could come under pressure.
Battles across every class
Beyond the fight for overall victory, the class battles add another layer of competition across the weekend.
In the Gold Cup, Garage 59’s McLaren enters as a strong contender following its late-2025 form, although it faces pressure from CSA Racing, AF Corse and Boutsen VDS. The Silver Cup also looks closely matched, with reigning champion Jamie Day returning to defend his title, while a mix of young drivers and emerging talents ensures a highly competitive field.
With strategy and pit execution often proving decisive in Sprint Cup racing, even small margins are likely to shape the outcome.
A full weekend experience
The on-track action forms only part of the weekend, as a strong support programme adds further racing across both days.
Fans will also have access to the paddock, while the Sunday pit walk and autograph session offers a chance to meet drivers up close. A supercar display, merchandise stalls and family attractions contribute to a busy atmosphere, alongside a special parade marking 30 years since the BPR Global GT Series raced at Brands Hatch in 1996.
Combined with the Bank Holiday setting, the event is expected to draw a large and engaged crowd.
All to play for at the first Sprint race of the 2026 GTWC Europe season at Brands Hatch
As the 2026 Sprint Cup season begins in GTWC Europe, Brands Hatch provides a demanding and unforgiving backdrop that often rewards precision as much as outright speed. With a deep field, multiple contenders and a circuit that leaves little margin for error, the opening round is set to deliver a clear early indication of who will shape the 2026 title fight.
