37,892 spectators flocked to Circuit Paul Ricard this weekend (11/12 April) to experience the first GT World event of 2026. Two days of elite racing and fan entertainment brought the Var venue to life, setting the scene for a spectacular year ahead.
Organised by SRO Motorsports Group, the event has firmly established its place at the start of the European season. Well over 150 GT cars competed across four high-level series, complemented by an expanded public offering that catered for everyone from first-time visitors to committed race fans.
Saturday brought azure-blue skies and perfect temperatures, ensuring the biggest single-day crowd ever seen at this long-running event. The grandstands along the pit straight were packed as GT World Challenge powered by AWS began its headline six-hour race, which finished in spectacular fashion with Comtoyou Racing star Nicki Thiim snatching victory just 10 minutes from the chequered flag.
Drivers representing Aston Martin, Mercedes-AMG and McLaren sprayed the champagne on the new podium, while Porsche had reason to celebrate thanks to a pair of class wins. The race also marked the series debut of Lance Stroll, who fully embraced the GT World experience at Circuit Paul Ricard, while Max Verstappen was trackside on Saturday keeping a close eye on his team’s progress. Without doubt, a fascinating season lies ahead.
This was just one aspect of what drew such a big crowd. Expanded for 2026, the Fan Village at the heart of the paddock was a resounding success, offering entertainment, food and drinks, merchandise stalls, and a giant screen for fans to follow the race. To set it off, a live performance from DJ Sibe and fireworks lighting up the skies over the track added to the sunset party atmosphere. Spectators also got up close with drivers and cars in the paddock, during an autograph session, and with a pit walk following Saturday’s race.
There was even more to see thanks to a special Lamborghini display that ran throughout the weekend. Featuring exceptional cars from the Italian marque’s storied history, it included the astonishing Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole, the stylish Miura SV, and several of the brand’s modern supercars.
The headline endurance competition was accompanied by six action-packed sprint races from the Lamborghini Super Trofeo, GT4 European Series, and the new GT3 Revival Series, bringing the total number of brands competing at Circuit Paul Ricard to 13. This delivered a packed day of action on Sunday, with more than 10 hours of racing staged across the full weekend.
« What a way to start the season! » commented Stéphane Ratel, Founder and CEO of SRO Motorsports Group. « The crowds on-site this weekend were testament to what GT World is building. The continued involvement of 10 major manufacturers and the growing interest we have seen from world-class drivers such as Max Verstappen and Lance Stroll is further proof of the concept. Be it the racing on the track or what the public could experience around the venue, this really was the perfect way to start the season – and I firmly believe it’s just the beginning. »
Anthony Peacock & Emma Spearing,