Walkenhorst Motorsport Withdraws Pro Car; Notable Driver Changes Ahead of GT World Challenge
Circuit Paul Ricard, France — Walkenhorst Motorsport has officially withdrawn its #34 Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 Evo due to an accident involving Jamie Day during the final session of the Prologue test. The reigning Sprint Cup silver drivers’ champion was slated to partner with Henrique Chaves and Christian Krognes in a Pro class debut. The team will redirect its focus to the #35 Aston Martin, competing in the Silver Cup, leaving the field at 58 cars with 17 in Pro.
Separately, Razoon – more than racing has announced the addition of 2026 Dubai 24 Hours pole sitter Benjamin Paque to drive the #914 Porsche 911 GT3 R (992.2), joining Dominik Olbert and Gerhard Tweraser. The team has moved from Silver to Bronze class for its Endurance Cup debut.
In another significant lineup change, four-time British Touring Car champion Ashley Sutton is set to make his second GT3 appearance with Paradine Competition. The 32-year-old driver faces a steep learning curve at Circuit Paul Ricard, particularly as he has missed part of the Prologue due to BTCC commitments. Sutton stated, “I’m straight back in the deep end… we love a challenge.”
Aston Martin F1 Academy driver Mari Boya will make his GT debut with Comtoyou Racing alongside Lance Stroll and Roberto Merhi. The Spaniard expressed both excitement and uncertainty: “I don’t know what to expect… Go and drive. That is the thing that I love the most.”
In this morning’s hour-long Bronze Test, Giacomo Petrobelli from Ecurie Ecosse Blackthorn set the fastest lap with a time of 1:55.065. He was closely followed by Charles Dawson’s #222 Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO, finishing just 0.151 seconds behind.
The GT World Challenge Europe continues to build momentum with a diverse grid as the racing weekend commences, offering valuable insights and opportunities for emerging talent within the motorsports landscape.
