GTW Challenge, BMW #98 wins at the Nurburgring

A spectacular, intense, crowded, and above all chaotic three-hour race — just the way we like it. The win of the GTW Challenge at the Nurburgring went to the BMW M4 GT3 Evo of Team Rowe, who came out on top over a strong performance by the #7 Aston Martin Vantage GT3 driven by Mattia Drudi, who had taken the lead during the second stint. However, a Full Course Yellow period shifted the lead back to the German team, who held it until the end.

It was a thrilling show that kept thousands of viewers across Europe glued to their screens. Attendance at the circuit over the weekend reached 25,000 — a solid number for a GT3 championship that draws a large fan base in Germany. For reference, the 2025 Nürburgring 24 Hours recorded over 350,000 attendees and delivered a truly unique atmosphere.

Here you can find, at the bottom of the article, the complete race

From the winners came some very satisfying statements, as reported by the official championship website https://www.gt-world-challenge-europe.com/ : “It’s a huge win for the team,” said Krohn afterwards. “It’s our home race, and this track has brought us great satisfaction this year. It was an incredible job by Augusto and Lello, by the whole team, and everyone at BMW. This is a really big victory.”

Indeed, it’s worth remembering that this same crew also won the 2025 Nürburgring 24 Hours just a few months ago. This Bavarian machine, the M4 GT3 Evo, performs incredibly well in all conditions.

GTW Challenge Silver and Bronze Cup winner

Second place went to the #48 Mercedes-AMG Mann-Filter of Auer/Cairoli/Engel, which started from seventh on the grid. The result keeps them in contention for the overall Endurance Cup title. Completing the podium was the #96 Porsche of Rutronik Racing driven by Niederhauser/Müller/Picariello. At one point they had dropped outside the top 10 but fought back, helped by a Full Course Yellow period.

An unfortunate end for the #51 Ferrari 296 GT3 of Pierguidi and Rovera, who were forced to retire just two minutes from the end due to a technical issue while a podium finish was all but certain. Still, a great effort in this GTW Challenge race

The Silver Cup was won by the trio Panis/Gazeau/Cabirou in the #10 Mercedes AMG GT3 of Team VDS, who climbed to fifth overall in the final hour. Bad luck instead for the Kessel Racing Ferrari 296 GT3, which had been leading the Bronze Cup. Just before the two-hour mark, it was hit and sent into the gravel, handing the win to the #222 Mercedes-AMG, followed by the Lionspeed Team Porsche 992 GT3.