Inaugural SRO GT Academy winner Gaspard Simon will step up to the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup this year, with Aston Martin squad Walkenhorst Motorsport.
The 19-year-old, who finished as runner-up in the GT4-based FFSA GT championship last season, will compete in the Silver Cup alongside an unconfirmed teammate. The five-round campaign is set to be Simon’s first in GT3 machinery.
After impressing throughout 2025, the Frenchman received €150,000 from organiser SRO to assist with progressing to GT World Challenge Europe, which he has put towards this drive with 2018 24 Hours of Spa winner Walkenhorst.
“Having assessed possibilities with other teams and brands, I am delighted to announce my partnership with Walkenhorst Motorsport,” Simon said.
“Thanks to the support of the SRO GT Academy and the FFSA Academy, I will be ideally prepared. I am highly motivated to take advantage of this unique opportunity.”
This is Walkenhorst Motorsport’s first confirmed entry for GT World Challenge Europe this year. Last season, the team fielded two cars in the Endurance Cup, winning the Silver Cup at the 24 Hours of Spa, and a single Vantage AMR GT3 Evo in the Sprint Cup.
Simon is set to be succeeded by no fewer than six SRO GT Academy winners this year. As well as FFSA GT, competitions for young, Silver-graded drivers will also be held in the GT2 European Series, British GT and GT World Challenge’s America, Asia and Australia series.
Stéphane Ratel, Founder and CEO of SRO Motorsports Group, explained: “We have received such enthusiastic feedback regarding the SRO GT Academy that we have decided to extend the concept to most of our championships. Given the number of manufacturers involved, GT racing now offers the greatest opportunities for young drivers who want to turn professional.
“SRO is very proud to be able to offer different stages leading from GT4 to GT World, via the GT2 European Series. I am also very pleased to see our continental series – Asia, America and Australia – offering a place at the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa in 2027. More than just words, we’re offering real-world opportunities for talented young drivers.”
The 2026 GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup season begins at Brands Hatch on 2nd and 3rd May.
Image courtesy of Twenty-One Creation
