Motopark stuns Spa with Epic GT Open 500 Triumph

The second round of the International GT Open delivered an exciting endurance spectacle at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps as the championship hosted its first long distance race of the 2026 season. A competitive field of 31 cars tackled mixed and slightly damp conditions throughout the weekend, creating challenging circumstances for teams and drivers alike.

Qualifying saw Team Motopark secure pole position with Maxi Götz and Christian Mansell. Scuderia Villorba Corseplaced its Lamborghini Huracán on the front row in second position, while Elite Motorsport completed the top three with Tom Emson and Tom Lebbon.

At the start of the GT Open 500 Spa, Maxi Götz immediately built a comfortable advantage in the Motopark Mercedes. However, the gap quickly disappeared following a Full Course Yellow and subsequent Safety Car period caused by a high speed crash for the number 55 AF Corse Ferrari at Eau Rouge.

Strategy became crucial during the opening pit stop cycle as the racing line began to dry. Many teams switched to slick tyres, and Motopark made the decisive call to hand the car over early to Christian Mansell. The Australian rookie maintained the lead and continued to control the race despite increasing pressure from rivals.

One of the highlights of the event was the intense battle between the Motopark Mercedes and the FACH Auto TechPorsche, particularly while navigating heavy traffic among slower cars. FACH Auto Tech enjoyed a remarkable debut weekend in the championship, claiming dominant victories in both the Pro Am and Am categories.

The McLaren 720S GT3 of Greystone GT also emerged as a serious contender for victory before its challenge ended after a front right damage incident caused by a slide at the Jackie Ickx Corner.

As the race entered its closing stages, the fight for second place intensified between Elite Motorsport and Scuderia Villorba Corse, mirroring their close qualifying battle. In the end, Tom Lebbon secured second place for Elite Motorsport in the Ferrari, while Leonardo Moncini brought the Villorba Corse Lamborghini home in third position to complete the podium.

For Christian Mansell, the victory marked a major career milestone as it became his first overall win in GT3 competition. Motopark also repeated its success from the previous season by once again winning the GT Open 500 at Spa.

The weekend also carried special significance for Yifei Ye. The current Ferrari Hypercar driver made his return to the GT Open paddock for the first time since 2020, when he competed in and won the Euroformula Open Championship, a series organized by the GT Open.

With dramatic strategy calls, changing track conditions, and fierce on track battles, the GT Open 500 Spa once again proved why it remains one of the standout endurance events on the European GT racing calendar.

Photos: ©Niklas Husmann