The 2026 season of the International GT Open is set to begin next weekend at the iconic Autódromo Internacional do Algarve. As tradition dictates, the challenging Portuguese circuit will host the opening round on 18–19 April, offering drivers a demanding 4.684-kilometre layout defined by elevation changes and technical complexity.
Following a landmark 20th anniversary season, the championship now enters its third decade with renewed confidence. Importantly, the 2026 campaign promises both depth and quality, with a competitive grid and strong manufacturer representation setting the stage for another closely fought season.
Strong grid and diverse calendar signal healthy growth for International GT Open in 2026
This year, the championship features eight rounds, including endurance highlights at Spa and Monza, where the GT Open 500 format will once again test teams over a single 500-kilometre race. Meanwhile, Misano joins the calendar as a fresh addition, adding further variety to the schedule.
At Portimão, 29 cars will take to the grid, with the potential for even greater numbers later in the season. Notably, eight major manufacturers—Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche—will compete throughout the season.
Crucially, the field appears more evenly distributed across the Pro, Pro-Am, and Am classes. This balance not only enhances competitiveness but also ensures that each category delivers meaningful battles throughout the year.
Reflecting on the championship’s growth, GT Sport CEO Jesús Pareja said: “We are happy to see that GT3 racing stays healthy and that the upward trend that the International GT Open has experienced over some years remains solid. It proves that our fundamentals are strong, but we need to continue working in the right direction.
“The international situation reminds us that market conditions can change rapidly. We are particularly happy to see that this year we have an interesting turnover of contenders, and that teams and drivers are getting more international, with an increased presence of South American drivers and with new countries like Poland joining the club of ‘motor racing powers’.
“It is also rewarding to see that the three classes, Pro, Pro-Am and Am, are more balanced in numbers and level, which will make the show and the fights even more intense and attractive for fans.”
Pro Class: Motopark faces strong opposition
The Pro class enters the new season with nine cars and a highly competitive line-up. Reigning champions Team Motopark return with three Mercedes-AMG entries, all competing in the top category.
One of the headline pairings features Maxi Götz alongside Christian Mansell, who makes his GT debut after success in single-seaters. Meanwhile, Marcelo Ramírez teams up with Dominik Baumann in another entry.
Ferrari’s challenge looks equally strong. AF Corse fields two 296 GT3 EVOs, with Tommaso Mosca partnering Rafael Durán, while Yaroslav Veselaho joins forces with Thomas Neubauer.
Elsewhere, Elite Motorsport continues with Tom Emson and Tom Lebbon, while Greystone GT represents McLaren with Zak Meakin and Dean Macdonald.
Additionally, Villorba Corse fields a Lamborghini for Leonardo Moncini and local favourite Rodrigo Testa, while ZRS Motorsport debuts in Pro with a Porsche driven by Alex Fontana and Pietro Armanni.
Pro-Am Class: Depth and variety define the field
The Pro-Am category once again stands as the largest and arguably most competitive class, featuring 12 entries from six different manufacturers.
Ferrari leads the numbers, with AF Corse entering two cars, alongside Olimp Racing and Into Africa Racing by Dragon. Meanwhile, Audi remains competitive through ISR Racing and Saintéloc Racing.
McLaren also features strongly, thanks to Greystone GT and Track Focused, while Porsche entries from Fach Auto Tech and Dinamic GT add further depth.
Additionally, CBRX by SPS fields a Mercedes-AMG, and Blackthorn Racing enters an Aston Martin for Henrique Chaves and Charles Bateman, giving local fans another driver to support.
Am Class: Experience meets emerging talent
The Am class features eight entries and a diverse mix of experience and new talent. Ferrari leads the category with three cars, including entries from AF Corse and Baron Motorsport.
Among the notable names, Marcelo Hahn returns to the series, while Andrzej Lewandowski competes alongside his son. Meanwhile, Stanislaw Jedlinski and Krystian Korzeniowski continue their established partnership.
Porsche entries from Fach Auto Tech and AF Motorsport strengthen the grid, while Sendom Racing Team introduces a Lamborghini entry.
Furthermore, Good Speed Racing Team brings an Aston Martin, and Grupo Prom Racing Team fields a Mercedes for Alfredo Hernández.
All set for a competitive 2026 International GT Open season
As the 2026 season begins, the International GT Open once again demonstrates its strength as a leading GT3 championship. With a balanced grid, a diverse mix of teams and drivers, and a calendar that blends sprint and endurance racing, the series appears well positioned for another thrilling campaign.
Therefore, as the lights go out at Portimão, attention will immediately turn to which teams can convert early promise into consistent results. If the entry list offers any indication, fans can expect intense battles across all three classes from the very first race weekend.
