Willi Motorsport will double its efforts in this year’s GT4 European Series after confirming both its return to the championship and the addition of a second Audi R8 LMS GT4 for the season opener.
The top Romanian squad made its GT4 Europe return last year after almost a decade away and steadily gained ground before making a real impression in the season finale at Barcelona after switching from its regular BMW M4 to an Audi R8 LMS. Tudor Tudurachi put the car top of the times in practice before his team-mate Sergiu Nicolae then qualified the car inside the top five for the finale. They went on to secure a season-best finish of fourth in that race, narrowly missing a breakthrough podium.
Both Tudurachi and Nicolae will return aboard the Silver class Audi to contest at least the opening four rounds, and they will be joined at Circuit Paul Ricard by a second R8 shared by Adrian Zelca and Eric Cioroianu in the Pro-Am class. All four drivers hail from the team’s home nation of Romania.
Tudurachi was the 24H Series Middle East Trophy GT4 champion in 2024 before stepping up to the GT4 European Series, while Nicolae lifted the 24H Series’ GT3 title in the Middle East the same year. He also boasts experience of racing both Porsches and prototypes.
Zelca and Cioroianu fought for the Romanian Endurance Series GT title last year in an Audi. Zelca has also competed in motorcycle racing and touring cars before switching to GTs. Both drivers will make their GT4 Europe debut in the season opener at Circuit Paul Ricard.
As a team Willi Motorsport has a formidable record in GT racing, having celebrated victories at races such as the 24H Sebring, 24H Barcelona, and 12-hour events at both Mugello and the Hungaroring.
Willi Nicolae, Willi Motorsport team owner said: "We much appreciated the GT4 European Series since our first appearance back in 2016. Therefore, we've always wanted to come back. Last year, Tudor and Sergiu provided us the opportunity to successfully return and fight in such a competitive field. For 2026, our second car with Adrian and Eric follows up the natural growth and involvement in the series.
“This season we shall try to build up the momentum found at the end of 2025. With Tudor and Sergiu fighting for the podium, the Barcelona round was definitely for us the highlight of last season. Therefore, for 2026 our aim will be to fight consistently for top-five finishes on each and every race weekend with both Tudor and Sergiu. As for Adrian and Eric, as rookies in the series, a decent target would be a top 10 in the Pro-Am class."
The GT4 European Series season begins at Circuit Paul Ricard in France across the weekend of April 10-12.