• Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing and Lionspeed Porsche share the victory
• A full program of activities for fans, including four tours of the stands and open celebrations on the podium
• An exceptional lineup of support races for a memorable weekend
Magny-Cours once again welcomed a fantastic crowd this weekend for its annual motorsport festival, which drew over 27,000 spectators to the French circuit. They enjoyed a non-stop racing program, culminating in the GT World Challenge powered by AWS Sprint Cup, as well as numerous activities in and around the paddock.
This year's attendance represents an increase of nearly 6,000 spectators compared to 2025, and the starting grid also set a new record with 44 cars entered in the two 60-minute races. This is the largest number ever recorded at a Sprint Cup event, resulting in two highly competitive races on the demanding 4,4km circuit.
The Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing team secured its first GT World Challenge victory on Saturday evening in the opening race. Starting from pole position, Jules Gounon handed the wheel to Dani Juncadella to take the win, ahead of the No. 7 Comtoyou Racing Aston Martin and the No. 50 AF Corse Ferrari. Before the race, a fire truck was parked at the front of the grid as a tribute to the courage of the firefighters currently battling wildfires across France.
The Verstappen Racing crew led the race from start to finish, but Sunday's second race proved more challenging, particularly due to a red flag. Ultimately, a sensational pit stop by Lionspeed GP made the difference, allowing the #80 Porsche of Ricardo Feller and Bastian Buus to take the win and move significantly closer to the Sprint Cup title.
Each of the drivers who finished on the podium in Race 2 had reason to celebrate. Second place went to the #30 BMW of Team WRT, driven by Matisse Lismont and Ignacio Montenegro, who both achieved their best career result and moved closer to the Silver Cup title. In third place, Rutronik Racing secured the Lamborghini Temerario's first podium finish in the GT World Challenge thanks to a strong performance from Patric Niederhauser and Luca Engstler.
While the No. 30 BMW dominated the Silver Cup category, the honors were shared in the Gold Cup. Boutsen VDS took the win on Saturday with its Porsche, giving the Belgian team its first victory since the death of its patron Marc van der Straten, while McLaren CSA Racing triumphed on home soil on Sunday. The Bronze Cup also saw two winners: Winward Racing won Race 1 with its Mercedes-AMG, and Paradine Competition took the victory with its BMW in Race 2.
Beyond the racetrack, fans enjoyed no fewer than four pit lane tours over the weekend, including a post-race tour of the pits and track at sunset on Saturday. They were also invited to join the festivities on the podium, allowing them to get up close to the drivers during the traditional champagne fight. The program also included autograph sessions, food stands, simulators, and merchandise.
The GT World Challenge powered by AWS is taking a four-week summer break before resuming competition with an Endurance Cup round at the Nürburgring from August 28-30. The German event will also host a packed support racing program, including the Lamborghini Super Trofeo, the GT3 Revival Series, and the Mazda MX-5 Cup Benelux. For more information on ticketing, please click here.
