SRO GT Academy winner Gaspard Simon will take a decisive step in his career this season as he graduates from Championnat de France FFSA GT to the 2026 GTWC Europe Sprint Cup with Walkenhorst Motorsport.
The 19-year-old begins his 2026 campaign at Brands Hatch on 2/3 May before racing at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, Circuit Zandvoort and Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
Simon earned this opportunity after a standout FFSA GT season, claiming two victories and five additional podium finishes. He secured the inaugural SRO GT Academy prize, which included a €150,000 contribution from SRO Motorsports Group and its partners towards a GT World programme, along with comprehensive training from the SRO GT Academy and the FFSA GT Academy.
Simon on choosing Walkenhorst Motorsport for 2026 GTWC campaign
Simon attracted significant interest from across the paddock following his academy triumph. He evaluated several options before committing to the German squad.
“I learnt a lot from these discussions,” said the youngster, who dovetails his racing ambitions with a law degree. “Having assessed possibilities with other teams and brands, I am delighted to announce my partnership with Walkenhorst Motorsport. Thanks to the support of the SRO GT Academy and the FFSA Academy, I will be ideally prepared. I am highly motivated to take advantage of this unique opportunity.”
Walkenhorst Motorsport has competed on the GT World grid since 2017 and has built a reputation for nurturing young talent. The team achieved its most notable result by winning the 24 Hours of Spa outright in 2018. After a long-standing association with BMW, the Melle-based outfit joined forces with Aston Martin in 2024 to run the new Vantage GT3. In 2025, it added Silver Cup victory at the 24 Hours of Spa to its list of achievements.
A Silver Cup opportunity
Simon will compete in the Silver Cup in 2026, a category reserved for FIA Silver-graded drivers. The class has consistently launched the careers of emerging stars, many of whom now serve as factory drivers for major manufacturers. His teammate has yet to be confirmed, but expectations remain high as he prepares for his first full season of GT3 competition.
Walkenhorst Motorsport Managing Director Jörg Breuer expressed his confidence in the French driver.
“We are delighted to welcome Gaspard to our team,” said Breuer. “Walkenhorst Motorsport has proven that it can develop young talents and accompany them on their way into professional motorsport. Gaspard has impressed with his pure speed, and I am convinced that he will also demonstrate his skills in the GT World Sprint Cup.”
A new era for the SRO pyramid
Laurent Gaudin, General Manager of Championnat de France FFSA GT and GT World, highlighted the importance of the academy structure in Simon’s progression.
“We are thrilled that Gaspard will move up to GT World in 2026, especially in such a strong programme,” said Gaudin. “The creation of the SRO GT Academy played a decisive role in his career, giving him the impetus he needed to take the next step. I am also very pleased to see the importance of Championnat de France FFSA GT in the development of new talent. The SRO pyramid is now entering a new era: its rapid evolution allows promising drivers to gain more effective access to the world’s most competitive GT series. Very soon, we will unveil the preparation programme that Gaspard will follow within the FFSA Academy and the SRO GT Academy. Everything has been thought out in detail to give him the best chance to shine in his first season of GT3 racing.”
SRO Motorsports Group Founder and CEO Stéphane Ratel confirmed that the academy will expand significantly in 2026.
“We have received such enthusiastic feedback regarding the SRO GT Academy that we have decided to extend the concept to most of our championships,” added Ratel. “Given the number of manufacturers involved, GT racing now offers the greatest opportunities for young drivers who want to turn professional. SRO is very proud to be able to offer different stages leading from GT4 to GT World, via the GT2 European Series. I am also very pleased to see our continental series – Asia, America and Australia – offering a place at the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa in 2027. More than just words, we’re offering real-world opportunities for talented young drivers.”
Building towards GT3 success: Simon at the forefront of a new development pathway as he joins Walkenhorst Motorsport for 2026 GTWC campaign
Launched in 2025, the SRO GT Academy will broaden its reach this season. In addition to its continued support of Championnat de France FFSA GT, it will introduce new initiatives to reward leading drivers from the GT2 European Series powered by Pirelli, British GT and the GT World continental series in Asia, America and Australia.
Simon now stands at the forefront of this new development pathway. He moves into GT World Sprint Cup with strong backing, proven pace and a clear objective: to convert potential into professional success at the highest level of GT racing.
