Motodrom Insight // Fanatec GT World Challenge
With packed grids and an intense level of competition, Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Powered by AWS sets the global standard in multi-class GT racing.
Organised by SRO Motorsports Group, the series traces its roots back to 2011 and today comprises a 10-round calendar split equally between the Sprint Cup and Endurance Cup formats. Each awards separate titles, while also scoring points towards a combined championship as well as a global classification that includes Asia, America and Australia.
Mixed grids are a fundamental aspect of the series. Fully professional crews compete for overall honours, while further interest comes from the Silver Cup, Gold Cup and Pro-Am classes. As such the on-track action is guaranteed, with drivers competing in high-performance machinery from leading automotive manufacturers.
In the Endurance Cup more than 50 cars tackle long-distance contests ranging from three to 24 hours, while the Sprint Cup sees fields of up to 30 compete in one-hour sprint races. Virtual competition is also part of the championship, with the Fanatec Esports GT Pro Series featuring at each Endurance round. Entrants contending for overall honours and those in the Silver Cup nominate one driver to contest a 60-minute Assetto Corsa Competizione race, with points up for grabs in the real-world teams’ championships.
For its marque event the series undertakes the TotalEnergies 24 Hours of Spa, which brings together the best competitors on the planet to chase the biggest prize in long-distance GT racing. With a history that stretches back to 1924, the annual trip to the Belgian Ardennes stands among the toughest and most prestigious races in global motorsport.
In 2022 Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Powered by AWS will make its first-ever appearance at the Hockenheimring where the list of competing manufacturers will include German marques Audi, BMW, Mercedes-AMG and Porsche all vying for overall victory. The event will be the penultimate round of the Endurance Cup championship, with track action running from 2-4 September and culminating with Sunday’s three-hour race.
Picture copyright: SRO / Dirk Bogaerts Photography
