Seven Ferraris Head to Nürburgring for GT World Challenge Europe Return
The roar of GT racing engines returns to the legendary Nürburgring this weekend as the GT World Challenge Europe – Endurance Cup resumes after its mid-season summer break. From 29 to 31 August, the fourth round of the championship will unfold on the historic German track, where no fewer than 61 cars will battle across multiple categories. Among them, seven Ferrari 296 GT3 entries will represent the Maranello marque, adding a strong Italian presence to the grid at the track famously known as the “Green Hell.”
Ferrari arrives with four of its official drivers ready to compete—Arthur Leclerc, Antonio Fuoco, Alessio Rovera, and Alessandro Pier Guidi—each determined to carve out a result that cements the brand’s fight for honors in both the Pro and class categories.
Pro Class: Ferrari Chasing a Breakthrough
In the Pro class, Ferrari continues its pursuit of a first outright win of the season. Despite flashes of speed and resilience, victory has proven elusive so far. The Nürburgring presents an opportunity for redemption, though history weighs heavy—Ferrari has yet to secure an overall triumph at this track in the Endurance Cup series.
Two entries from AF Corse – Francorchamps Motors, one of Ferrari’s most experienced GT racing squads, will be spearheading the attack.
- Car #51, shared by Alessandro Pier Guidi, Alessio Rovera, and Vincent Abril, arrives buoyed by its recent third-place finish at the prestigious 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps. Their podium finish in Belgium underlined the team’s ability to deliver over long distances and against elite competition.
- Car #50, meanwhile, brings together Arthur Leclerc, Antonio Fuoco, and Eliseo Donno. The trio narrowly missed the podium at Spa, crossing the line in fourth. Their consistency and developing chemistry suggest they may be ready to step up and deliver Ferrari’s long-awaited breakthrough win of the season.
Bronze Cup: Kessel Racing Eyes Early Title
Ferrari’s biggest storyline this weekend could emerge in the Bronze Cup, where Kessel Racing’s #74 Ferrari 296 GT3 stands on the cusp of clinching the title with a round to spare. Drivers Dustin Blattner, Conrad Laursen, and Dennis Marschall have amassed 81 points, a healthy margin over their nearest challengers on 60.
Their campaign has been a standout in the 2025 season, marked by victories at both Paul Ricard and the 24 Hours of Spa. A win at the Nürburgring would seal the championship early, showcasing the strength of Ferrari’s customer racing program as much as its factory-backed efforts.
The team also fields the #8 Ferrari, piloted by Nicolò Rosi, Niccolò Schirò, and David Fumanelli. Though less consistent, the crew managed a top-ten finish—eighth place—at Spa, proving they have the potential to upset the order on their day.
Adding to Ferrari’s Bronze Cup representation is the #52 AF Corse – Francorchamps Motors entry, crewed by Jef and Louis Machiels alongside Tommaso Mosca. They secured ninth at Spa and continue to build momentum. Meanwhile, the #93 Ziggo Sport Tempesta Ferrari, shared by Chris Froggatt, Eddie Cheever III, and Jonathan Hui, rounds out Maranello’s line-up in the category.
Silver Cup: Fresh Faces for Rinaldi Racing
In the Silver Cup, Ferrari’s hopes rest on Rinaldi Racing’s #12 Ferrari 296 GT3, which features a refreshed driver line-up for the Nürburgring. Regular driver David Perel remains at the wheel, joined by newcomers Rafael Duran and Fabrizio Crestani. With new energy and determination, the squad aims to make an impact against seasoned Silver Cup rivals.
Championship Picture
This weekend marks the fourth and penultimate round of the GT World Challenge Europe – Endurance Cup. The journey so far has spanned:
- 6 Hours of Paul Ricard in France
- 3 Hours of Monza in Italy
- 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium
The campaign will conclude in Barcelona, Spain (10–12 October), where class titles and the overall championship will be decided. Ferrari, with entries across multiple categories, is aiming to finish the season strongly and perhaps rewrite its Nürburgring history.
Weekend Programme
The schedule for the Nürburgring round is as follows (all times local):
- Friday, 29 August: Bronze Test from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Saturday, 30 August: Free Practice from 9:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.; Pre-Qualifying from 2:25 p.m. to 3:25 p.m.
- Sunday, 31 August: Qualifying from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.; Race from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
With seven Ferrari 296 GT3s on the grid and championship stakes intensifying, the Nürburgring promises to deliver another dramatic chapter in the 2025 GT World Challenge Europe season. For Ferrari, it represents both a chance to finally conquer German soil in the Pro class and potentially secure early glory in the Bronze Cup.
