Eastalent Racing Set for Full-Season GT World Challenge Europe Entry in 2026
Eastalent Racing has confirmed its intent to compete full-time in the GT World Challenge Europe Pro class starting in 2026, utilizing the Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo II. The Austria-based team has showcased strong performance in the International GT Open over the past three seasons, consistently placing its driver duo, Christopher Haase and Simon Reicher, in the top tier of the championship.
Haase and Reicher, who have partnered successfully—never finishing outside the top three in the Pro drivers’ championship—recently secured the 2023 teams’ and 2024 drivers’ titles. The pair will continue their collaboration as Eastalent steps into a full-season campaign.
Previously, Eastalent made a modest foray into the GT World Challenge Europe in 2024, achieving a best finish of ninth place at Magny-Cours across three competitive outings in the Endurance and Sprint Cups. For 2026, Reicher will be making his first full-season appearance, while the veteran Haase will return after a one-year hiatus from the series.
The driving roster for the Endurance Cup will be bolstered by Markus Winkelhock, the 2017 Intercontinental GT Challenge champion, who last raced in the GT World Challenge Europe in 2022 and competed in GT World Challenge Asia and at the Nürburgring in 2025.
This announcement signifies Audi Sport’s return to the Pro class of the GT World Challenge Europe, following a notable absence from the series’ premier category last year.
As Eastalent Racing prepares for its debut season, the motorsports community will be watching closely to see how the team capitalizes on its strong foundation in GT racing.
