2025 International GT Open: Round 2 Preview at Spa-Francorchamps
The 2025 International GT Open moves to Spa-Francorchamps this weekend, marking the second round of the season and the first of two GT Open 500 races. This endurance format, introduced last season, consists of a single 500 km race, showcasing a competitive field of 31 cars.
Key Teams and Drivers
PRO Class:
Levente Révész and Matteo Cairoli in the Team Motopark Mercedes lead the standings by a narrow margin of just three points over James Kell and Dean Macdonald of Greystone GT, who previously shared victories at Portimão. Reigning champions Simon Reicher and Christopher Haase are in third, just five points adrift, having secured a second-place finish.
The PRO class features 12 entrants, including promising young talents such as Michael Porter and Zac Meakin (Optimum Motorsport McLaren), as well as Tom Emson and Tom Lebbon (Elite Motorsport Ferrari). The competition is further heightened by Anthony Bartone and Fabian Schiller in the GetSpeed outfit, alongside multiple entries from Team Motopark and Lamborghini squads aiming to rebound from a slow start.
PRO-AM Class:
The PRO-AM grid is the most populated with 15 cars and is expected to be fiercely contested. Notable entries include a Corvette Z06 R fielded by Johor Motorsport, marking its inaugural appearance, and a returning Rinaldi Racing team with a Ferrari 296. Both Valentin Pierburg/Dominik Baumann (SPS Automotive Mercedes) and ‘Hash’-Alex Fontana (Car Collection Porsche) currently sit atop the class standings, each boasting a victory and a second-place finish.
AM Class:
Miguel Ramos, who recently returned to competition, leads the AM class alongside teammate Mark Sansom in a Garage 59 McLaren. They hold only a two-point advantage over Gino Forgione and Michele Rugolo in an AF Corse Ferrari 296.
Race Format and Rules
The GT Open 500 will feature unique regulations:
- Race Duration: 2 hours and 55 minutes, plus one additional lap.
- Qualifying: Two sessions will determine the grid based on the average of the best lap times. Each driver will participate in one session.
- Pit Stops: Teams must perform three mandatory pit stops, with no double stints allowed. Pit windows are set between minutes 37-51, 81-95, and 125-139.
- Points Awarding: The race will award double points based on the final standings.
As teams prepare for this challenging endurance event, all eyes will be on Spa-Francorchamps as they vie for crucial championship points.
