Preview: Sprint cup at Brands Hatch

Text: Rick Kiewiet

Images: SRO

The upcoming weekend marks the kick-off of the 2024 GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup at Brands Hatch. This iconic British circuit will host the first round of the Sprint campaign, following the Endurance opener at Circuit Paul Ricard four weeks ago. Here's a quick rundown of what to look forward to this weekend. Remember, you can catch all the action live on the GT World Challenge YouTube channel.

Schedule

The two-day event will see the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe drivers face the 2.43 miles Brands Hatch Grand Prix layout, renowned for its challenging and unforgiving nature. The schedule begins with Free Practice at 09:00, followed by Pre-Qualifying at 11:55, and Qualifying at 16:10 on Saturday. The real action kicks off on Sunday with Race 1 at 11:00 and Race 2 at 16:00.

The Grid

This year, the Sprint Cup features a 25-car grid across the Pro, Gold Cup, and Silver Cup classes. The Bronze Cup will make its first appearance of the season later in May at Misano due to space limitations at Brands Hatch.

In the Pro class, Tresor Attempto Racing aims to defend their Sprint Cup crown with two strong Audi crews. Ricardo Feller teams up with Alex Aka in the #99, while Christopher Haase and Lorenzo Ferrari pilot the #88. Boutsen VDS eyes their maiden overall victory with the #9 Mercedes-AMG driven by Jules Gounon and Maxi Götz. Winward Racing Team features Maro Engel and Lucas Auer in the #48 Mercedes-AMG. Aston Martin returns with the Vantage AMR GT3 EVO, featuring Nicolas Baert and Mattia Drudi, who comes over from Audi, in the #007 car. Emil Frey Racing fields two Ferrari Pro cars, with new addition Ben Green joining Konsta Lappalainen in the #14, and Giacomo Altoè pairing with Max Verstappen's friend Thierry Vermeulen in the #69. Rutronik Racing Porsche signed a strong line-up with Patric Niederhauser (transfering from Audi) and Sven Müller. Team WRT's BMW duo of Dries Vanthoor and Charles Weerts aim to reclaim their crown, while Valentino Rossi and Maxime Martin drive the #46 BMW, with Rossi looking to build on his maiden series podium from last year.

The Gold Cup and Silver Cup categories promise exciting battles with 14 cars spread across both classes. In the Gold Cup, Comtoyou Racing features James Jakes in the #21 Aston Martin, joined by Matisse Lismont. Racing Team Turkey, supported by AF Corse, fields Salih Yoluc and Charlie Eastwood in their Ferrari. Saintéloc Racing aims to continue their form with Paul Evrard and Gilles Magnus in the #25 Audi. LIQUI MOLY Team Engstler brings Luca Engstler and Max Hofer in their Audi.

The Silver Cup category will see Boutsen VDS's #10 Mercedes-AMG, driven by Aurélien Panis and César Gazeau, as a strong contender. Winward Racing debuts with Magnus Gustavsen and Reece Barr in the #57 Mercedes-AMG. Madpanda Motorsport returns with Ezequiel Perez Companc and a to-be-confirmed teammate in the #90. AF Corse fields two Ferraris, with Sean Hudspeth and Jef Machiels in the #52, and Eliseo Donno and Thomas Fleming in the #71. Team WRT's #30 BMW, driven by Sam De Haan and Calan Williams, is another to watch.