Reserved for cars conforming to GT3 regulations and using SRO Motorsports Group’s globally recognised Balance of Performance (BOP) criteria, Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Powered by AWS can trace its roots back to the creation of the Blancpain Endurance Series in 2011. Staged over five rounds and with the iconic CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa as its marquee event, the long-distance championship p
laced equal emphasis on professional and amateur competitors while promoting high standards both on and off the circuit. It quickly attracted strong grids and was followed in 2014 by the addition of a Sprint Series for short-format races, as well as an overall title to recognise the most consistent performers across both disciplines. The championship continued to grow, with increased grids and ever-greater standards of competition coming to the fore. This was emphasised by record numbers at the TotalEnergies 24 Hours of Spa, with 13 different brands contesting the 2018 event and an incredible 72-car entry list in 2019. Ahead of the 2020 season the series was rechristened GT World Challenge Europe Powered by AWS, with Amazon Web Services (AWS) joining as title presenter and Rebellion Timepieces named official timekeeper. Alongside similar categories in Asia, America and Australia it forms part of the global GT World Challenge Powered by AWS championship, which allows manufacturers to measure the success of their customer racing programmes. In 2021, Fanatec joins the series as title sponsor. Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Powered by AWS will remain true to the principles that have built its success over the past decade. Fanatec joined SRO at the forefront of a pioneering initiative that unite real-world and virtual motorsport beginning with the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup. On-site esports races is staged at each event using Assetto Corsa Competizione. Entrants competing for overall honours and those in the Silver Cup class will nominate one driver to represent them in a virtual race, which will award teams' championship points. This groundbreaking concept will see sim racing directly influence the outcome of a real-world championship, a first in global motorsport. In the coming seasons, there is potential to expand the model further afield to Asia, America and Australia. Combining an illustrious history with a modern approach to competition, Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Powered by AWS stands at the forefront of international motor racing.
