As the lights prepare to go out at Circuit Paul Ricard, Aston Martin is making a statement louder than its twin-turbo V8: it’s arriving with its largest-ever GT3 assault.
For the 2026 season opener of the GT World Challenge Europe, Aston Martin will field an astonishing seven Vantage GT3 machines, accounting for more than 10% of the entire grid in the world’s biggest GT-only endurance championship.
This isn’t just about numbers. It’s about firepower.
Front and center is a headline-grabbing Pro-class entry from Comtoyou Racing, bringing together a trio that blends Formula 1 pedigree with rising talent: Lance Stroll, Roberto Merhi and Mari Boya. It’s a line-up designed to turn heads, and potentially dominate.
They’ll be joined by a deep roster of factory-backed stars, including proven winners Mattia Drudi, Marco Sørensen and Nicki Thiim, ensuring Aston Martin’s presence is felt across every class, from Pro to Silver and Bronze.
Behind the wheel of every entry is the formidable Aston Martin Vantage GT3, a machine born from the brand’s road-going DNA but sharpened for endurance warfare. With its bonded aluminium chassis and thunderous 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, it already proved its pedigree by conquering the 24 Hours of Spa in 2024.
Supporting the charge are key partner teams including Walkenhorst Motorsport and Ecurie Ecosse Blackthorn, the latter making its highly anticipated series debut after success in other championships.
With a 60-car grid, elite driver talent, and global manufacturer rivalry, the stage is set for a spectacular start to the season. But make no mistake, this weekend in the south of France isn’t just another race. It’s a full-scale Aston Martin offensive.
