GT World Challenge Europe Monza 2026: Mercedes-AMG leads the way, Ferrari dreams in front of Italian fans

Monza ignites the Endurance Cup battle

The roar of GT engines has echoed once again between the long straights and legendary braking points of the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza. The second round of the 2026 Endurance Cup of the GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS got underway with a day that has already provided important indications about the competitive order.

At the Brianza circuit, regarded by drivers and insiders as the Temple of Speed, more than fifty GT3 cars represent the best of world production. Ferrari, Lamborghini, BMW, Mercedes-AMG, Porsche, Aston Martin, Audi and McLaren are preparing for a battle that promises spectacle right up to the final corner.

The first sessions of the weekend confirmed just how high the level in the category has now become. The small gaps and the balance between the different constructors suggest one of the most hard-fought editions in recent years.

Mercedes-AMG sends the first warning to the opposition

If there is one car that has attracted attention in the opening practice sessions, it is undoubtedly the Mercedes-AMG GT3. The German manufacturer immediately showed excellent balance between top speed and braking efficiency, two fundamental aspects on a track like Monza.

The official crews worked mainly on race pace, showing particularly interesting consistency ahead of Sunday's three hours. Mercedes' camp seems to have found an ideal tyre operating window, a factor that could make the difference in the second half of the race.

The message sent to the rivals is clear: Mercedes-AMG has not come to Monza to defend itself, but to aim for the top step of the podium.

Speed can make the difference

At Monza, aerodynamic efficiency matters more than elsewhere. The long accelerations towards Prima Variante, Roggia and Parabolica reward cars capable of developing high top speeds without compromising stability under braking.

It is precisely in this area that Mercedes-AMG has shown particularly interesting potential, putting itself forward as one of the benchmarks of the weekend.

Ferrari goes in search of victory in front of the home crowd

The attention of Italian fans is inevitably focused on the Ferrari 296 GT3. The Maranello marque arrives at Monza with the declared aim of playing a leading role and giving the supporters in the stands something to celebrate.

The early timing results have highlighted a car that is competitive especially in the more technical sections of the circuit. The work carried out by the engineers over the last few months seems to have further improved the overall balance of the 296 GT3, already a protagonist in the main international endurance competitions.

Confidence can be felt in the paddock. The Ferrari drivers have underlined how the feeling with the car is positive and how the level of competitiveness shown in practice leaves room for optimism ahead of qualifying and the race.

The Monza effect can push Ferrari

Racing at Monza is always something special for Ferrari. The support of the Italian crowd, combined with the history linking the Brianza circuit to national motorsport, adds extra motivation for drivers and the team.

The feeling is that Ferrari can genuinely join the battle for outright victory, especially if it manages to maximise its potential in Sunday morning qualifying.

BMW, Lamborghini and Aston Martin are not standing still

Behind the expected frontrunners lies fierce competition. BMW continues to be one of the most solid outfits in the championship thanks to the experience of Team WRT and an M4 GT3 Evo that has already shown it can fight for the leading positions.

There is also great curiosity around Lamborghini, eager to achieve a prestigious result at home. The Sant’Agata Bolognese manufacturer can count on top-level crews and on a car that seems particularly effective in the high-speed sections.

Aston Martin, coming off convincing performances in the opening rounds of the season, is instead banking on the solidity of its technical package and the quality of one of the most complete line-ups in the entire field.

Qualifying and strategy will be decisive

In a championship where the top twenty crews are often covered by less than a second, starting position takes on fundamental importance.

Monza is a circuit that allows overtaking, but traffic and differing strategies can turn every detail into a decisive factor. Tyre management, pit-stop timing and the ability to avoid mistakes in the crucial phases of the race will be determining aspects.

Weather conditions could also play an important role. The high temperatures expected for the weekend could influence tyre behaviour and alter the balance seen in the opening sessions.

The 3 Hours of Monza promises spectacle

All the ingredients seem to be in place for a memorable race. Mercedes-AMG has shown impressive speed, Ferrari wants to make the most of home advantage and rivals such as BMW, Lamborghini and Aston Martin are ready to capitalise on every opportunity.

The GT World Challenge Europe continues to confirm itself as one of the most competitive series in international motorsport, and Monza is one of its most prestigious stages. With margins this tight and such a high technical level, the 3 Hours of Monza 2026 is set to deliver a battle that could remain in fans' memories for a very long time.