Mercedes-AMG Back on Pole at GT World Challenge Europe Opener
Circuit Paul Ricard, France – The Mercedes-AMG Team MANN-FILTER has secured pole position for the 2026 GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup opener at Circuit Paul Ricard, marking a successful repeat of last year’s achievement. The #48 Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO, running under Winward Racing, clinched the top spot with a combined qualifying time of 1:53.694, following solid performances from Lucas Auer, Luca Stolz, and Maro Engel over three sessions.
Stolz, who contributed a Q2-leading time of 1:53.402, noted the overnight improvements from the team: “The boys and girls at Winward did an amazing job… letting us have an amazing car.”
The front row will feature the #58 Garage 59 McLaren GT3 Evo, which earned Gold Cup pole with an average time of 1:53.676. Comtoyou Racing’s #7 Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 Evo, initially in contention for pole, ended the session third overall.
The #80 Lionspeed GP Porsche 911 GT3 R (992.2) was the fastest of the new-for-2026 models, qualifying fifth, while the #17 Mercedes-AMG Team GetSpeed entry recorded the fastest individual lap at 1:53.049 in Q2.
Of note, Lance Stroll will commence his debut GT3 race from 15th position, as the #96 Rutronik Racing Lamborghini experienced difficulties, qualifying 41st.
In the Silver Cup, the #21 Comtoyou Racing Aston Martin topped the times after a late surge from Kobe Pauwels, securing 13th overall. The Bronze category was led by Herberth Motorsport’s #91 Porsche, placing 34th overall.
Despite 57 cars setting competitive times, the session was briefly halted due to a red flag caused by the #87 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG, which suffered a mechanical issue.
The opening race at Circuit Paul Ricard, a six-hour endurance event, is set to begin later today at 18:00 CEST, concluding under the night sky.
Full Results have been detailed in the attached document.
