UK hosts Blancpain GT World Challenge Europe opener, supported by Pirelli
The 2018 Blancpain GT Series Sprint Cup, has been reconfigured as the Blancpain GT World Challenge Europe, with its opening round at the UK's Brands Hatch circuit
The opening round of the Blancpain GT World Challenge Europe takes place this weekend at Brands Hatch in the UK, with Pirelli supplying the tyres. It will be the sixth outing of the sprint-format series at the circuit, which will host the event on its 3.9km grand prix layout, including the famous Paddock Hill bend, one of the track’s few overtaking spots.
Formerly named the Blancpain GT Series Sprint Cup, the Blancpain GT World Challenge Europe is now part of the global Blancpain GT World Challenge, which also takes place in Asia and America. The GT4 European Series also features this weekend, which is also supplied by Pirelli.
A total of 26 GT cars piloted by 52 drivers will race at Brands Hatch this weekend, all fitted with Pirelli tyres. In all, five marques will be taking to the track: Audi, Mercedes, Ferrari, Aston Martin and Lamborghini. Last year’s Sprint champions Belgian Audi Club Team WRT will be looking to defend their title, fielding a total of four cars this weekend.
1,000 Pirelli tyres
Around 1,000 Pirelli tyres will be taken to Brands Hatch; the P Zero DHD2 slick for dry conditions and Cinturato WH for wet.
Matteo Braga, Pirelli racing technical manager, said: “We’re looking forward to seeing some competitive racing this weekend at Brands Hatch. It’s a circuit that places many demands on car, driver and of course the tyres with its undulating nature and various corners. The weather could play an important part in the race too, we may even see the Cinturato wet tyre put to the test.”
Brands will host two races on Sunday 5 May: race one at 12:10 and race two at 16:35. On Saturday 4 May there will be two free practice sessions, followed by qualifying at 15:55.
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