+ 36 cars ready to duel in the dunes as GT World returns to the Dutch coast
+ Fuchs and Förderer lead Silver despite dip in form
+ Walde and Bouveng in touching distance of Pro-Am crown
+ Provisional entry list: Zandvoort
With just four races remaining this season, the GT4 European Series’ return to Zandvoort will likely prove pivotal as the chase for the class titles reaches boiling point.
Just weeks after the circuit hosted the Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix, a 36-car GT4 grid heads to the seaside venue next weekend (September 18-20) for the penultimate event of the season, ready to duel in the dunes as the margin for error in the championship chase gets ever slimmer.
Zandvoort is something of a spiritual home for the GT4 European Series, thanks to its Dutch roots. The 4.25km track first featured on the old GT4 European Cup schedule back in 2011 and has been a popular destination since. This weekend will be the 11th time it has hosted a GT4 Europe event. The circuit’s fast, undulating layout is a firm favourite for both fans and drivers, giving opportunity for cars to race door-to-door through multiple turns.
The track also has a history of deciding champions, hosting season finales in both 2013 and 2016. Now, 10 years on, we could see yet more silverware handed out across what promises to be an action-packed weekend.
The GT4 European Series will be at the heart of a strong support package, joining forces with the GT2 European Series powered by Pirelli and Porsche Carrera Cup France before a record-breaking GT World Sprint Cup field roars into action.
DUTCH DELIGHT FOR FANS
A GT World event wouldn’t be complete without a show that’s as strong off track as on it, and Zandvoort will be no exception with a busy Fan Zone, live music and plenty of chances to get up close to the stars and their cars.
Situated in the heart of the paddock, the Fan Zone will provide a range of food and drink options, soundtracked by the GT World DJ while the on-track action will be shown on a giant screen. Fans can also test their driving skills on the new Pixa Racer system which links radio-controlled cars to simulator rigs with real force feedback and changing track conditions.
The GT4 European Series paddock is open throughout the event, allowing spectators the chance to visit the team awnings for a first-hand look at the cars, and the podium-finishing drivers from the second race will also take part in an autograph session at the podium zone in the middle of the pit lane on Sunday. Zandvoort’s famous Mickey’s Bar, uniquely located in the pit lane, is an ideal place to stop off for a refreshment with a twist.
A TALE OF TWO HALVES FOR SCHNITZELALM
After the opening four races of the season, SR Motorsport by Schnitzelalm drivers Enrico Förderer and Cedric Fuchs looked solid favourites for the Silver crown, but recent races may have changed that.
The German duo won three of the first four outings, but have struggled across the last two events, banking just a single top-five finish. That has opened the door for their rivals to close the gap.
Gabriele Piana and Thomas Rackl have been the top scorers over that time with twin wins at Spa in their Borusan Otomotiv Motorsport BMW, but a retirement at Misano did cost them momentum meaning they sit 24 points off the lead.
Elite Motorsport McLaren drivers Charlie Hart and McKenzy Cresswell closed the gap with a strong run of form across the weekends in Belgium and Italy, celebrating their first win as a pairing in Misano. But, like Borusan, failure to score in both races means they still have ground to make up. Gregory Guilvert and Paul Petit also opened their account with a win in Italy, moving a single point behind the McLaren. Lucas Cartelle and Hudson Schwartz have been the only other winners but are under pressure to return to form aboard their CRT Sport Supra.
WALDE AND BOUVENG ON THE BRINK
While consistency has proven difficult in Silver, the same cannot be said for Pro-Am as Joakim Walde and Victor Bouveng head to Zandvoort with a real chance of sealing the class crown early.
The Schubert Motorsport BMW pair have enjoyed a superb run so far, celebrating two wins and five podium finishes. In fact, they have only finished outside of the top three once all year, and that has given them a commanding points lead. They go into the weekend 66 points ahead and will be crowned champions if they can maintain or extend that margin.
Twice winners this year, Daniel Drexel and Chris Salkeld stand the best chance of chasing them down in their Razoon – more than racing BMW, but they also have father-and-son Paolo and Davide Meloni right behind in their W&D Racing Team M4. Viny Beltramelli and Sacha Bottemanne are the top non-BMW, running fourth in their Team Speedcar Audi.
Daniel Blickle hit the front of the Am standings mid-year and has looked solid ever since with three wins from the last four races alongside W&S Motorsport Porsche team-mate Max Kronberg. Even a late puncture could not deny them a second place at Misano as Kronberg limped the damaged car to the flag. GR Racing Sweden Supra drivers Mikael and Christoffer Brunnhagen took full advantage to score their maiden GT4 Europe victory to stay 28 points behind Blickle, with Kronberg playing catchup in third having missed the season opener.
