The sights and sounds of the GT3 category’s golden era are returning to the tarmac this week as the GT3 Revival Series makes its official debut. The new series is joining the annual Peter Auto Test Days at Circuit Paul Ricard on March 3–4, marking a high-profile kickoff for a category designed to celebrate 20 years of GT3 racing.
A total of 20 cars representing seven different manufacturers are confirmed for the two-day event. The program is intensive, offering competitors nearly five hours of track time spread across seven 40-minute sessions. While this week’s lineup offers a compelling preview of the season ahead, organizers have noted that the grid is expected to grow further before the inaugural race at the same circuit in April.
Legendary Machinery and Racing Pedigree
The entry list for the test days reads like a “who’s who” of sports car history. Among the highlights is the Ford GT now campaigned by Debard Automobiles by Racetivity—the same model that powered Matech GT to the FIA GT3 European Championship title in 2008.
Fans will also recognize the Motopark Academy Mercedes-Benz SLS, a car previously steered by Grand Prix winner Heinz-Harald Frentzen and modern GT standout Luca Stolz. Not to be outdone, Spark Motorsport has entered an Audi R8 LMS Ultra with a history involving elite drivers such as Nicki Thiim, Rahel Frey, and Markus Winkelhock.
A Star-Studded Driver Lineup
The human element of the series is just as prestigious as the hardware. The most high-profile name on the entry list is undoubtedly 2024 WRC Champion Thierry Neuville. The 22-time rally winner will be stepping out of his usual environment to pilot a BMW Z4 for VDS Racing—the very chassis that claimed a Blancpain Endurance Series victory at Paul Ricard back in 2013.
The grid also features seasoned duos and family pairings. Jean-Luc Beaubelique and Jim Pla will reunite in a Ferrari 458 Italia, while the father-son duo of Pierre and Jonathan Hirschi will share a BMW Z4. Another family entry sees Mauro and Benjamin Ricci campaigning a Ferrari 458.
Honoring Two Decades of GT3
Launched to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the GT3 class, the series is a collaborative effort between Peter Auto and SRO Motorsports Group. To ensure fair competition while maintaining the spirit of the era, SRO will utilize its extensive historical archives to establish the Balance of Performance (BoP) for the field.
Following this week’s test, the competitive season will officially begin in April, followed by a tour of Europe’s most iconic racing venues.
2026 GT3 Revival Series Calendar:
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April 11–12: Circuit Paul Ricard (Inaugural Race)
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May 22–24: Spa Classic
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July 3–5: Le Mans Classic
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August 29–30: Nürburgring
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October 3–4: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya