The 2023 Fanatec GT Europe Endurance Cup campaign will culimate next weekend when Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya hosts its annual three-hour race. Thinking of joining us at the Spanish venue? Here are five good reasons to make the trip.
A RECORD GRID
With 55 cars set to compete next weekend, Barcelona will welcome its biggest-ever Fanatec GT Europe grid. What's more, this will be the first time since 2018 that the field has topped 50 cars.
The same eight brands that have competed throughout 2023 are represented. Mercedes-AMG (11) and Audi (10) lead the way, closely followed by Lamborghini (8) and BMW (7). Further entries for Ferrari (5), McLaren (4) and Aston Martin (1) complete a packed grid for the finale.
It continues a theme seen throughout 2023. In fact, the current campaign matches 2014 for the biggest average grid seen across the season with 58 cars. Watching such a big field charging into the opening corner is surely worth the trip.
ENDURANCE TITLES TO BE SETTLED
As the final Endurance Cup race of the season, we'll see plenty of titles settled at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Only the Pro-Am drivers' championship has been put beyond doubt, so there is everything to play for in the Overall standings, as well as the Gold Cup, Silver Cup and Bronze Cup classes.
The Silver drivers' championship is the closest – just five points separate first and second in the standings – while the Bronze Cup has the most contenders, with four crews going for the prize.
Akkodis ASP enjoys a healthy lead in the Overall standings, but ROWE Racing will throw everything at the finale as it seeks to add championship glory to its CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa triumph. With so much to be settled, there are bound to be a few twists along the way.
ESPORTS SEASON 3: THE FINALE
There's plenty of esports action in store at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, all of which takes place on-site at the Fanatec Arena.
Now in its third season, the Fanatec Esports GT Pro Series will stage its final event of 2023. Rutronik Racing (Porsche) looks on course to clinch the Pro title thanks to a stellar season from its esports ace Laurin Heinrich. The Gold Cup and Silver Cup are rather closer, with Team WRT (BMW) and Boutsen VDS (Audi) the respective leaders heading into the finale.
In the new SRO Esports SIM Pro Series, Mercedes-AMG Esports Team Unicorns of Love hold the advantage ahead of the decider. But it won't be an easy path to title glory, as Automobili Lamborghini Esports Team, Williams Esports and Scuderia Ferrari Esports Team lead a close pack of contenders.
Head to the Arena, check out the incredible gear and follow the action up close.
ON-TRACK SUPPORT ACTION
In terms of on-track support action, there's plenty to look forward to during the Barcelona weekend. The GT4 European Series Powered by RAFA Racing Club wraps up its 2023 season with a pair of races. The Silver Cup title remains up for grabs, while the full 44-car field will be hungry to end the campaign in style.
McLaren Trophy Europe is also set for its final outing of the year, concluding what has been a successful maiden campaign for the one-make series. Finally, GT1 Sports Club Powered by Curbstone stages its last track action of 2023 at the same venue where it debuted in 2021. Expect to see several epic supercars, both on the track and on display in the paddock.
Welcome to BCN
We really couldn't finish without talking about the city itself. But in truth, little needs to be said about Barcelona: its blend of rich cultural heritage and tremendous modern appeal are already well known to the world.
From the city centre to the track takes roughly 30 minutes by car, so it's within easy reach. And whether it's stunning architecture, world-class food or bustling nightlife, the city has everything. At this time of year the weather is cooler without being ever feeling too cold and there's a perfect hint of autumn in the air.
In short, it's the ideal place to conclude the 2023 Endurance Cup campaign.
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