GT World Challenge (GTWC) Europe powered by AWS teams have continued to unveil their 2026 programmes ahead of the official entry list announcement later on Thursday. As anticipation builds, several leading squads have confirmed driver line-ups and class changes across both Sprint and Endurance competition.
Kessel Racing targets Bronze Cup defence in 2026 GTWC Europe; Century switches to Bronze Cup
Kessel Racing, arguably the standout squad of 2025, will return determined to defend its Bronze Cup success after dominating the category with its #74 Ferrari last season. Accordingly, Dustin Blattner and Dennis Marschall will both return to defend their titles, while Lorenzo Patrese rejoins the series as the Swiss outfit’s Endurance driver.
In addition, the team has confirmed a second Ferrari entry focused on a Sprint Cup campaign in the Bronze category. Marco Pulcini makes the switch from rival Tempesta Racing, partnering long-time Kessel Racing driver David Fumanelli as the team expands its presence on the grid.
Meanwhile, reigning Silver Cup Endurance champions Century Motorsport will move into the Bronze Cup class for 2026. The British squad will field its #42 BMW under the Oman Racing by Century Motorsport banner.
Ahmad Al Harthy returns to lead the line-up after making history in 2024 as part of the first Bronze Cup crew to secure an overall victory, achieved during a remarkable race at Monza. He will race alongside Calan Williams, a two-time Sprint class champion, and newcomer Javier Sagrera. Notably, Sagrera arrives from a single-seater background, having finished runner-up in Eurocup-3 in 2024.
Walkenhorst expands Aston Martin Programme
Walkenhorst Motorsport, which claimed Silver Cup honours at last year’s CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa to add to its 2018 overall victory, will field two full-season Aston Martin entries in 2026.
For Endurance competition, the team will run a Pro-class car featuring AMR factory drivers Christian Krognes and Henrique Chaves alongside rising talent Jamie Day. A second Endurance entry will compete in the Silver Cup, with Mateo Villagomez and Ethan Ischer already confirmed.
Furthermore, both cars will contest the Sprint Cup in the Silver category. Villagomez and Day will participate in this programme alongside Maxime Robin and inaugural SRO GT Academy winner Gaspard Simon, with final driver pairings set to be announced later.
Steller Motorsport signs Dennis Lind
Finally, Steller Motorsport has confirmed the first element of its Gold Cup Endurance programme. The British team will again field a Corvette and has announced the signing of Dennis Lind.
A series veteran and former Lamborghini factory driver, Lind returns to GT World Challenge competition after sitting out the 2025 season. The team will reveal his teammates at a later date, with regulations requiring at least one Silver-graded driver in the line-up.
2026 GTWC grid continues to take shape
As more announcements emerge ahead of the official entry list release, the 2026 GT World Challenge (GTWC) Europe powered by AWS season continues to gather momentum. With established champions returning, new partnerships forming, and class battles evolving, the championship appears set for another highly competitive year.
