Porsche Ready to Conquer the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps
- Porsche Blog
- Jun 25
- 3 min read
Porsche Gears Up for the Ultimate GT3 Challenge at Spa-Francorchamps
Eleven Porsche 911 GT3 R cars are set to compete in the world's largest GT3 event, the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, on June 28-29. Following intense preparations and recent endurance races, Porsche customer teams, supported by factory drivers and a strong motorsport squad, are poised for a fierce battle against 75 GT3 cars from ten different brands on the iconic Ardennes circuit.
The Ultimate GT3 Challenge
The 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps is a cornerstone event in the GT3 racing calendar, drawing a massive grid of 75 cars. Porsche's strong presence, with eleven 911 GT3 R entries, underscores their commitment to this demanding race. Sebastian Golz, Project Manager Porsche 911 GT3 R, emphasized the meticulous preparation of the customer teams and the expertise of the 911 drivers, anticipating a close and intense competition.
Porsche's Strong Contenders
Porsche boasts a formidable lineup across various classes, featuring both seasoned factory drivers and rising talents from the Porsche Junior ranks. Key entries in the top Pro class include:
Seven additional 911 GT3 R cars will compete in the Pro-Am, Gold, Silver, and Bronze categories, aiming for class victories.
The Historic Spa-Francorchamps Circuit
The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, often dubbed the "Ardennes rollercoaster," is renowned for its challenging layout and unpredictable weather. Established in 1924, the 7.004-kilometer track has undergone significant upgrades, including new gravel traps and grandstands, while retaining its fundamental character. Its location in the Ardennes region means teams and drivers must be prepared for rapidly changing conditions, adding another layer of complexity to the 24-hour endurance race.
Driver Insights
Drivers expressed their anticipation and readiness for the grueling event:
Mathieu Jaminet (#18): "Our goal, and indeed our ambition, must be to finish on the podium at the very least. We’ll give everything we have to be standing on the top step.
Klaus Bachler (#22): "The Spa-Francorchamps circuit is both spectacular and demanding. The 24-hour race here is undoubtedly one of the toughest in the world – for both man and machine."
Sven Müller (#96): "Alongside a powerful Porsche 911 GT3 R, a great team and very fast drivers, we’ll also need that little bit of luck."
Thomas Preining (#911): "The 24 Hours of Spa is one of the coolest races of the year. It’s also one of the most demanding, both physically and mentally."
Key Takeaways
Event Scale: The 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps is the world's largest single GT3 event, featuring 75 cars from ten brands.
Porsche's Presence: Eleven Porsche 911 GT3 R cars are entered by highly professional customer teams.
Driver Lineup: Porsche fields a strong mix of factory drivers and rising talents across all classes.
Circuit Challenges: The historic Spa-Francorchamps circuit is known for its demanding layout and unpredictable Ardennes weather.
Race Importance: The event is a key round for both the Intercontinental GT Challenge and the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup.
Race Schedule
Thursday, June 26
11:20 – 12:50 hrs: Free practice
17:40 – 18:40 hrs: Pre-Qualifying
21:15 – 22:36 hrs: Qualifying (four sessions)
23:05 – 00:35 hrs: Night practice
Friday, June 27
16:10 – 16:40 hrs: Superpole
20:05 – 20:35 hrs: Warmup
Saturday, June 28
16:30 hrs: Start 24-hour race
Sunday, June 29
16:30 hrs: Chequered flag 24-hour race
Fans can follow the entire event live via the official GT World Challenge app and website, which offers live streaming and timing.
Comments