GT World Challenge Valencia: Sprint Cup Preview

VALENCIA Gears Up for Thrilling Sprint Cup Finale

VALENCIA – the Ricardo Tormo Circuit is set to host the climactic showdown of the Sprint Cup season,with a robust grid of 40 cars battling it out across four distinct classes. The weekend of September 19-21 promises high-octane action as drivers vie for supremacy in this prestigious GT racing series.

With an unparalleled level of competition witnessed throughout the 2025 season, the Valencia event is poised to deliver intense battles. Seven different winners have emerged from eight races, representing six different manufacturers, all vying for the overall title. The Gold, Silver, and Bronze Cup categories also remain fiercely contested, with multiple teams in contention for each class crown.

Valencia marks the penultimate event in the GT World Challenge calendar, leading up to the Endurance Cup finale at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in October. However, all eyes are currently focused on Valencia and the Sprint Cup decider.

Pro Class: Six Teams in Pursuit of Glory

Six world-class teams enter the final race weekend with a legitimate shot at securing the overall Sprint Cup title. Charles Weerts and Kelvin van der Linde,piloting the #32 Team WRT BMW,currently lead the standings with 72 points. Their season has been highlighted by a win at zandvoort and consistent podium finishes.

Hot on their heels are Marvin Kirchhöfer and Benjamin Goethe in the #59 Garage 59 McLaren, boasting 70.5 points after securing victories at Misano and Magny-Cours. As the only multiple race winners this season, they are considered strong contenders for the title.

sven Müller and Patric Niederhauser (#96 Rutronik Racing Porsche) are close behind with 63.5 points, while defending champions Maro Engel and Lucas Auer (#48 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG) trail by a single point. Jordan Pepper and Luca Engstler (#63 Grasser Racing Lamborghini), along with Alessio Rovera and Vincent Abril (#51 AF Corse – Francorchamps Motors Ferrari), remain in contention, though they face a significant points deficit.

Additional Pro teams, including AF Corse – Francorchamps Motors, Emil Frey Racing, Barwell Motorsport, Boutsen VDS, CSA Racing, and Walkenhorst motorsport, will also compete for top honors at Valencia.

Gold Cup: Pressure Mounts on Vermeulen/Lulham

Thierry Vermeulen and Chris Lulham (#69 Emil Frey Racing Ferrari) lead the Gold Cup standings with 90 points, but their advantage has been reduced to a mere 2.5 points following a challenging weekend in France.

Gilles Magnus and paul Evrard (#25 Saintéloc Racing Audi) have emerged as their closest rivals, while louis Prette (#58 Garage 59 McLaren), joined by Tom Fleming, is also in the hunt after a stellar performance in France. Sebastian Øgaard and Leonardo Moncini (#88 Tresor Attempto racing Audi),along with Jens Klingmann and Al Faisal Al Zubair (#777 AlManar Racing by WRT BMW),also remain in contention.

Silver Cup: Pauwels/Day Gain momentum

Jamie Day and Kobe Pauwels (#21 Comtoyou Racing Aston Martin) have seized the Silver Cup advantage, with three consecutive wins giving them a six-point lead. Though, Aurélien Panis and Cesar gazeau (#10 Boutsen VDS Mercedes-AMG) pose a significant threat, having secured six podiums this season. Alex Aka (#99 tresor attempto Racing Audi), joined by Alexey Nesov, and Ivan Klymenko and Lorens Lecertua (#26 Saintéloc Racing Audi) are also in close pursuit.

Mex Jansen and Maxime Oosten (#992 Paradine Competition BMW), along with Jef Machiels and Marcos Siebert (#52 AF Corse – Francorchamps Motors Ferrari), remain mathematically eligible for the title. Additional Silver Cup entries include the #19 Grasser Racing Lamborghini, the #97 Rutronik Racing Porsche, the #30 Team WRT BMW, and the #11 Comtoyou Racing Aston Martin.

Bronze Cup: Kessel vs Lionspeed Heats up

Dustin Blattner and Dennis Marschall (#74 Kessel Racing Ferrari) lead the Bronze Cup standings, closely followed by Bashar Mardini and Bastian Buus, trailing by just 6.5 points. Rinat Salikhov (#81 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG) sits third, while Dmitry Gvazava and Loris Spinelli (#85 imperiale Racing Lamborghini) also remain in the fight.

Darren Leung (#991 Paradine Competition BMW), joined by Jake dennis, has an outside shot at retaining his class crown. Additional bronze Cup entries include the #1 Grasser Racing Lamborghini, Audi squads from Tresor Attempto racing and QMMF By Saintéloc Racing, a second Lionspeed GP Porsche, UNX Racing, ziggo Sport Tempesta (#93 Ferrari), and Comtoyou Racing (#270 Aston Martin).

Weekend Schedule (CEST)

THURSDAY 18 SEPTEMBER

Paid Test Session: 13:00-16:00

FRIDAY 19 SEPTEMBER

Free Practice: 09:40-11:20

Pre-Qualifying: 15:00-16:00

SATURDAY 20 SEPTEMBER

Qualifying 1: 09:00-09:25 LIVE TV

race 1: 14:15-15:15 LIVE TV

SUNDAY 21 SEPTEMBER

Qualifying 2: 09:00-09:25 LIVE TV

Race 2: 14:45-15:45 LIVE TV

Additional Racing Series

• GT2 European Series powered by Pirelli (2x 60-minute races)
• Porsche Carrera Cup France (2x 30-minute +1 lap races)
• Clio Cup series (2x 25-minute +1 lap races)

Fan Zone Activities

The Valencia weekend will offer a range of fan activities,including drifting,track shows,car and motorcycle exhibitions,and live music. For more information, please click here.

A pit walk will take place during the lunch break on Saturday (from 13:05) and Sunday (from 12:30), allowing fans to observe teams working in their garages. The paddock will feature food stalls,a children’s play area,merchandise shops,and even a barber.

Along with these activities, fans can enjoy support races, including the GT2 European Series powered by Pirelli, Porsche Carrera Cup France, and the Clio Cup series.

Weekend tickets are priced at 30€, with single-day tickets available for 20€. Children up to 12 years old can attend for free with a paying adult. for ticket information, please click here.