The roar of first-generation grand tourers is returning to the track, marking a nostalgic yet competitive pivot for European endurance racing. The SRO Motorsports Group and Peter Auto have officially launched the GT3 Revival Series, a new format dedicated exclusively to the vehicles that defined the dawn of the GT3 era. The series is set to make its debut on April 11 and 12, 2026, at the Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet, France.
This initiative targets a specific window of automotive history, welcoming cars homologated between 2006 and 2013. For many fans and drivers, these vehicles represent the “golden age” of the category, before the advent of the more homogenized, high-downforce machines seen in modern sprint racing. By bringing these cars back into a structured competitive environment, organizers are bridging the gap between historic exhibition and contemporary sport.
Thirty-one vehicles have already registered for the opening round, which will run as a supporting program for the GT World Challenge Europe. The entry list reflects a diverse cross-section of the manufacturers that built the GT3 platform’s reputation for variety and accessibility, ensuring a grid that is as visually varied as it is sonically distinct.
A Grid Defined by the First Generation
The machinery arriving at Paul Ricard highlights the dominance of a few key models from the late 2000s. The Audi R8 LMS GT3 enters as the most represented manufacturer with seven vehicles—a fitting tribute to a car that secured four overall victories at the 24 Hours of Spa during its tenure. Following closely are the Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 and the Porsche 997 GT3 R, each fielding five entries.
Ferrari’s presence is split between four 458s and a single F430, while BMW is represented by three Z4 GT3s. The field is rounded out by two Ford GTs and individual entries from Corvette, Lamborghini, and Mercedes-Benz. This mix of naturally aspirated V8s, V10s, and flat-sixes underscores the original intent of the GT3 category: to provide a platform where vastly different engineering philosophies could compete on equal footing.
The Human Element: From Families to Pro-Am Pairs
Beyond the carbon fiber and engines, the series emphasizes the human stories that drive motorsport. The driver list features a blend of seasoned professionals and passionate amateurs. One of the most notable entries is the BMW Z4 GT3, which will see Pierre Hirschi racing alongside his son, bringing a multi-generational family dynamic to the grid.
Other veteran GT figures, including Jean-Luc Beaubelique—partnering with Jim Pla in a Ferrari 458—Adam Balon, Pascal Huteau, and Hughes Ripert, bring a wealth of experience to the series. On the professional side, the presence of Álvaro Parente and Phil Keen adds a layer of high-level intensity to the Pro-Am class. The series is highlighting inclusivity with an all-female duo, Lindsay Brewer and Célia Martin, who are among the competitors for the opening round.
To ensure fair competition across varying skill levels, the field is divided into specific classifications:
- Pro-Am: Primarily consisting of a professional driver (FIA Gold or Silver status) paired with an amateur (Bronze status). This class also allows for a solo “Bronze+” starter.
- Am: Open to two-driver teams as well as solo amateur entrants.
- Iron Cup: A specialized award dedicated to the veterans of the sport, available to solo riders aged 60 and over or teams with a combined age of at least 100 years.
Race Format and Season Roadmap
The weekend at Le Castellet follows a traditional racing structure designed to test both consistency and speed. Friday begins with a 45-minute free practice session. Saturday is dedicated to a two-part qualifying process; in two-driver teams, each pilot must complete their own qualifying session to determine the starting grid.
The main event takes place on Sunday with two 50-minute races. A mandatory pit stop for a driver change must occur between the 20th and 30th minutes of the race, with strict minimum downtime requirements to prevent tactical gaming. To keep the championship tight, the top three finishers of the first race will carry a success penalty into the second.
| Date | Venue | Event Context |
|---|---|---|
| April 11–12 | Circuit Paul Ricard | GT World Challenge Europe Support |
| May 22–24 | Spa Classic | Standalone Historic Event |
| July 3–5 | Le Mans Classic | Standalone Historic Event |
| August 29–30 | Nürburgring | GT World Challenge Europe Support |
| October 3–4 | Circuit de Barcelona | GT World Challenge Europe Support |
The series is designed for maximum accessibility, with all qualifying sessions and races broadcast live and free of charge via the GT World YouTube channel. This digital strategy ensures that the GT3 Revival Series reaches a global audience of enthusiasts who remember these cars from their prime.
The next confirmed milestone for the series is the opening practice session on April 11, 2026, at Circuit Paul Ricard, where the 31 registered vehicles will finally move from the paddock to the pavement.
Do you have a favorite car from the first GT3 era? Let us know in the comments or share this story with a fellow racing enthusiast.
