Round three of the 2026 Michelin 24H Series European Series heads to southern France next week, with Circuit Paul Ricard preparing to host a crucial stage in the championship battle. As the season reaches its halfway point, the Michelin 12H Paul Ricard promises another highly competitive grid across every class.
Moreover, the fight for overall honours could hardly be closer. Three Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO entries arrive in France tied on 42 points at the top of the standings, while several rivals remain within striking distance heading into the sixth edition of the event.
Mercedes-AMG squads lead intense GT3 battle
GetSpeed enters Paul Ricard with both of its Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO entries firmly in contention for the championship lead. The GetSpeed Team PCX Racing car, which currently tops the GT3 PRO-AM standings, will feature Patrick Charlaix, Jordan Boisson, Benjamin Paque and factory ace Maro Engel.
At the same time, the GetSpeed Team JR286 machine returns with a strong line-up of Spa-Francorchamps podium finishers Steve Jans, Tanner Harvey, Patrick Liddy and Adam Osieka.
Meanwhile, Ajith RedAnt Racing continues to impress through consistency. The team shares the GT3 and GT3 PRO-AM championship lead after two rounds and retains its established quartet of Tamil actor Ajith Kumar, Kobe de Breucker and brothers Ayrton and Yannick Redant aboard the No.93 Mercedes-AMG.
Elsewhere in the Mercedes-AMG camp, HOFOR Racing and Viper Niza Racing remain locked together at the top of the GT3-AM standings. HOFOR Racing fields Alexander Prinz, Michael Kroll, Torsten Kratz and Maximilian Partl, while Viper Niza Racing enters Douglas Khoo, Dominic Ang and Melvin Moh.
In addition, MP Racing returns with its family-centred line-up featuring siblings Manuela, Corinna and David Gostner alongside their father Thomas Gostner.
Sainteloc returns as Audi strengthens GT3 field
After missing the Spa round in April, Sainteloc Junior Team returns for its home event carrying strong momentum from its Michelin 12H Mugello victory earlier this season. The Audi R8 LMS GT3 EVO II squad sits only two points behind the championship leaders and brings Michael Doppelmayr, Elia Erhart, Stephane Tribaudini and Pierre Kaffer to France.
Audi’s challenge does not stop there. HAAS RT enters two cars, including the No.2 Audi that claimed GT3-AM victory at Spa. Simon Balcaen and Steven Palette will pilot that entry, while Peter Guelinckx joins Pierre and Mathieu Castelein in the No.21 machine.
Furthermore, Continental Racing by Simpson Motorsport continues its campaign with Vasily Vladykin and Paul Scheuschner, while Juta Racing makes its season debut with a pair of Audi R8 entries.
The Lithuanian squad’s No.71 car features Arunas Geciauskas, Nicola Michelon and Zois Skrimpias. Meanwhile, brothers Marc and Tyler Sharrin share the No.72 Audi with Andres Latorre and Domas Raudonis.
Porsche, Ferrari and Aston Martin complete stacked GT3 grid
Proton Competition arrives at Paul Ricard after securing GT3 PRO-AM victory at Spa-Francorchamps. The Porsche 911 GT3 R (992) will be driven by Jörg Dreisow, Constantin Dressler, Manuel Lauck and Joel Sturm.
At the same time, Era Motorsport returns with its Ferrari 296 GT3 and another experienced driver line-up. Jake Hill, Ryan Dalziel, Oliver Bryant and Dwight Merriman once again combine forces for the American squad.
Completing the top-class field, E2P Racing enters its Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 EVO for Pablo Burguera, Antonio Sainero and Oliver Campos.
Strong Porsche presence headlines 992 category
Away from GT3, the 992 category once again delivers one of the largest and most competitive entries of the weekend. More than a dozen Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (992) cars will contest the class at Paul Ricard.
Mühlner Motorsport arrives as the benchmark after dominating the opening two rounds. The No.921 Porsche, shared by Martin Rump, Joshua Bednarski and Conrad Tox Leveau, seeks a third consecutive class victory.
However, QMMF by HRT Performance remains unbeaten in 992-AM and currently sits second overall in the standings. Ahmed Al-Emadi, Faesal Al Yafei and Ghanim Al Ali will represent the squad in France.
HRT Performance also fields two additional entries. Steven Gambrell, Igor Sorokin and Jonathan Kearney race the No.928 Porsche, while Akhil Agarwal, Seth Gilmore and Eurico Da Cunha drive the No.930 machine.
Elsewhere, Red Camel-Jordans.nl continues its title challenge with Ivo Brukers, Luc Breukers, Rik Breukers and Fabian Danz. The Driving Experiences squad also remains firmly in contention through Valerio Presezzi, Francesco Fenici and Ivan Jacoma.
French representation remains strong throughout the class. SebLajoux Racing enters two cars, while Chazel Technologie Course also fields a pair of Porsche entries for its home event.
In addition, RPM Racing, Orchid Racing Team and Van Berlo Motorsport complete an impressive 992 field.
Competitive support classes add further depth
The GTX category sees the successful No.701 Vortex aiming to continue its unbeaten run after victories in both Mugello and Spa. Philippe Bonnel joins Julien Boillot and Alexandre De Bernardinis for the French squad’s home race.
Meanwhile, Circuit Toys represents GT4 with its Toyota GR Supra GT4 EVO2, driven by Olivier Huez and Johan de Rouw.
TCE-TCX also brings proven winners to the grid. Not Only Motorsport returns with its Spa-winning Ligier JS2 R for Filippo Tornaghi and Gino Rocchio, while asBest Racing fields its Mugello-winning Seat Leon Cup Racer with Pia Ohlsson already confirmed in the line-up.
Busy weekend schedule awaits at Paul Ricard
Track action begins with CR Track Days on 3 and 4 June before official sessions commence on Friday, 5 June. Qualifying will feature separate sessions for GT3 and the remaining classes.
The opening six hours of the Michelin 12H Paul Ricard begin at 11:45 local time on Saturday, 6 June. The final six-hour segment follows at 11:30 on Sunday, 7 June.
Additionally, fans at Circuit Paul Ricard will enjoy support action from TCR Europe and Radical Cup Europe throughout the weekend.
As a result, the stage is set for another decisive chapter in the 2026 Michelin 24H Series European Series season. With the GT3 standings tighter than ever and class battles developing across the field, Paul Ricard could prove pivotal in shaping the championship fight.
