Boutsen VDS to Transition to Porsche for 2026 GT World Challenge Europe Season
Belgian team Boutsen VDS has announced a significant shift in its racing strategy, confirming a switch to Porsche machinery starting in the 2026 season. This move coincides with the team’s anticipated return to the GT World Challenge Europe, further establishing its competitive presence in the series.
Founded in early 2023 through a collaboration between Boutsen Racing and Marc VDS, the team initially fielded Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo IIs before transitioning to the Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO. Their racing pedigree includes clinching the Gold Cup teams’ title in 2023, followed by victories in both the Silver Cup drivers’ and teams’ championships in 2024 and 2025, spearheaded by drivers Aurelien Panis and Cesar Gazeau. However, the team’s Pro class entry faced challenges, managing only two podium finishes since its introduction in 2024.
The transition to Porsche marks Boutsen VDS as the first confirmed customer for the new 992.2-spec Porsche 911 GT3 R in the GT World Challenge Europe. This strategic move is also a response to the departure of Rutronik Racing from Porsche’s lineup, paving the way for Boutsen VDS to strengthen Porsche’s presence in the series.
For its upcoming campaign, the team has secured 2025 Endurance Cup drivers’ champion Alessio Picariello, who will race alongside two additional official Porsche drivers in a Pro class entry. Details regarding the second car’s drivers and class remain unannounced.
Team Principal Olivier Lainé expressed gratitude towards past partners while emphasizing excitement for the new challenges the Porsche collaboration presents. “We are taking on a new challenge which we hope will allow us to aim even higher,” Lainé stated. Marc van der Straten, co-founder of the team, echoed this ambition, highlighting the firm’s track record of success and its aspirations to compete at the highest levels.
The 2026 GT World Challenge Europe season is set to commence at Circuit Paul Ricard on April 11-12.
