German outfit Granpay Team by up2race will make its International GT Open debut in 2027, entering a Porsche 911 GT3 R for Oleksii Kikireshko and Tim Heinemann in the Pro-Am category. The Nerdlen-based team will expand into the European championship following a successful 2026 campaign, highlighted by an outright victory at the 24 Hours of Barcelona.
The programme represents another significant step in the team’s development as it prepares to compete against established GT3 operations across Europe. Furthermore, the entry forms part of a wider multi-series initiative, with Granpay planning to contest the GT Winter Series during the off-season to prepare for its maiden International GT Open campaign.
Granpay Team by up2race builds on successful 2026 campaign
Granpay Team by up2race spent much of 2026 developing its GT3 programme, undertaking extensive testing and selected race appearances with its Porsche 911 GT3 R Evo.
The team nicknamed the car ‘Goldy’ because of its distinctive gold-chrome livery, which has become a recognisable feature of the German outfit’s racing operations. Throughout the season, Granpay focused on familiarising itself with the machinery while developing the technical expertise required for international GT3 competition.
Those preparations eventually delivered a significant breakthrough at the 24 Hours of Barcelona in September, where the team claimed a commanding outright victory.
The Barcelona triumph marked Granpay’s first victory in the Michelin 24H Series, providing an important foundation for its continued expansion.
Consequently, the move into International GT Open represents the next stage of a programme that has already demonstrated its competitiveness in endurance racing.
Heinemann and Kikireshko form Pro-Am partnership
Granpay will field an experienced driver pairing in 2027, combining former DTM championship leader Heinemann with Ukrainian racer Kikireshko.
Heinemann brings considerable experience in Porsche GT3 machinery, having previously competed in the DTM with Toksport WRT. The German enjoyed an impressive start to his rookie campaign in 2023, claiming consecutive runner-up finishes at Oschersleben to take the early championship lead.
Meanwhile, Kikireshko has developed his motorsport career following his previous involvement in professional football. The Ukrainian has gained valuable experience behind the wheel of the Porsche 911 GT3 R, working closely with Heinemann, who also serves as his driver coach.
Their established relationship should provide an important advantage as they enter the Pro-Am category. Furthermore, both drivers contributed to Granpay’s Barcelona endurance victory alongside Fabio Grosse and Alfred Renauer, demonstrating their ability to compete successfully together.
Schneider outlines ambitions for international GT3 expansion
Team Principal Patrick Schneider welcomed the opportunity to compete in International GT Open, highlighting the championship’s reputation and the strength of Granpay’s driver pairing.
The German outfit intends to build on its recent success while continuing to develop its operations across multiple racing categories. Furthermore, Schneider believes the GT Winter Series will provide valuable preparation before the European campaign begins.
“The International GT Open is one of the best-known international GT3 racing series, so we are delighted that we will be competing in the series with a Porsche next year. With Kika and Tim, we have a formidable driver duo in the Pro-Am class. We want to carry the momentum from last year’s strong results into the season and fight for strong results there. Over the winter months, we will use the GT Winter Series to prepare for the season. The starting grid will see significant growth in the coming season, so this will be the perfect preparation for us ahead of the summer season.”
GT Winter Series to provide preparation for 2027 debut
Before making its International GT Open debut, Granpay will contest the GT Winter Series as part of its preparations for the new campaign.
The winter programme will allow the team to continue developing its understanding of the Porsche while refining its race operations ahead of the more demanding European championship.
Furthermore, the additional track time should prove particularly valuable for Kikireshko, who continues gaining experience alongside Heinemann. Their existing relationship provides a useful foundation as Granpay works towards becoming a consistent Pro-Am contender.
The team’s recent endurance racing experience should also help it adapt to the different sporting requirements of International GT Open, which features both sprint races and longer endurance contests.
Consequently, Granpay intends to use its winter appearances to strengthen its competitiveness before the main European season begins in April.
Granpay joins growing 2027 International GT Open grid
Granpay’s arrival adds another Porsche entry to an International GT Open field that continues attracting new teams ahead of 2027.
The announcement follows several other programmes targeting the forthcoming season, including Förch Racing by Atlas Ward’s renewed GT3 initiative and FAEMS Team by Nova Race’s evaluation of a full-time entry.
Meanwhile, GT Sport has confirmed an eight-round calendar for 2027, beginning at Portimão on 11 April. The championship will subsequently visit Spa-Francorchamps, Silverstone, Misano, the Hungaroring and Circuit Paul Ricard before concluding with Monza and Barcelona.
The revised calendar also includes Silverstone’s return after a nine-year absence, providing another major European venue for the championship’s competitors.
For Granpay, the expanded programme offers an opportunity to establish itself against experienced international GT3 teams while building on its successful debut season with the Porsche.
Granpay targets competitive first International GT Open season
Granpay Team by up2race enters its 2027 preparations with encouraging momentum following its maiden 24-hour victory at Barcelona.
The team’s extensive testing programme, growing experience with the Porsche 911 GT3 R and established driver partnership provide a foundation for its transition into International GT Open competition.
However, the move will introduce new challenges as Granpay faces experienced Pro-Am competitors across eight European rounds. Consistency, race strategy and adapting to the championship’s different race formats will therefore play important roles in determining its competitiveness.
Nevertheless, Schneider remains confident that the partnership between Heinemann and Kikireshko can deliver strong results. With further preparation planned through the GT Winter Series, Granpay aims to carry its 2026 momentum into its first full international GT3 championship campaign.
The team’s debut at Portimão in April will provide its first opportunity to measure that progress against the established International GT Open field.
