Saintéloc Racing has confirmed its return to the International GT Open for the 2026 season, marking the squad’s third consecutive campaign in the series.
The French outfit will once again compete with the Audi R8 LMS Evo II, maintaining its long-standing relationship with the Audi GT3 platform. For the upcoming season, the team will enter the Pro-Am category with a driver pairing consisting of Michaël Blanchemain and Jim Pla.
Saintéloc Racing has built a strong reputation across multiple international GT championships and endurance racing programmes. Its continued presence in the GT Open reflects the team’s commitment to the series as it continues to grow in competitiveness and global appeal.
Blanchemain and Pla reunite for 2026 International GT Open campaign with Saintéloc Racing
The pairing of Blanchemain and Pla brings together two drivers who already share experience in the International GT Open. The duo previously competed together in the 2024 season, driving a Mercedes for a different team.
They reunited later in the year when Blanchemain made his debut with Saintéloc Racing’s Audi at the season-ending endurance race at Monza. The pair delivered an impressive performance at the Monza 500, finishing on the podium with third place.
Their strong result immediately demonstrated the potential of the partnership within the Saintéloc Racing structure and helped shape the decision to continue with the same line-up for a full campaign.
Consistent results in 2025
Blanchemain also produced several competitive results throughout the previous season. While racing alongside Marcus Påverud for part of the campaign, he secured two additional podium finishes, highlighting his consistency in the Pro-Am category.
These performances, combined with the promising Monza result alongside Pla, have given the team confidence in the driver pairing heading into the 2026 season.
With both drivers already familiar with the championship and with Saintéloc’s Audi GT3 package, the team expects to start the new season on a strong footing.
Ambition to challenge at the front
The team’s leadership believes the experience gained during the previous season will play a key role in improving results in 2026.
In a statement, the team led by Sébastien Chetail emphasised its ambitions for the upcoming campaign.
“We aim at capitalizing upon our proven package and on the experience gained last year in order to fight at the forefront in a Pro-Am class and in a series that have become more and more competitive.”
The Pro-Am category has grown increasingly competitive in recent seasons, with experienced driver pairings and factory-supported teams regularly battling for podium positions.
Possible second entry in the works
In addition to the confirmed Pro-Am entry, Saintéloc Racing has indicated that it may expand its programme during the season. The team is currently evaluating the possibility of entering a second car for selected rounds.
Further details regarding the potential additional entry, including drivers and class, are expected to be announced in the near future.
With a proven GT3 platform, an experienced driver pairing and ambitions to fight at the front of the Pro-Am field, Saintéloc Racing heads into the 2026 International GT Open season aiming to build on its growing momentum in the championship.
