Porsche to Launch 911 GT3 R Evo; Race Debut in 12H Spa

Photo: Porsche

Porsche has revealed that it will roll out an Evo update for the Type-992 911 GT3 R in 2026, with the car set for its competitive debut in this weekend’s Michelin 12H Spa-Francorchamps as part of the development process.

It marks the first significant update to Porsche’s latest generation of its GT3 platform, which debuted in 2023 and has since gone on to enjoy championship success in the FIA World Endurance Championship, IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, the Intercontinental GT Challenge and DTM.

Porsche has outlined that development on the updated car has been conducted with a “strong emphasis on enhancing drivability.”

This includes modifications to aerodynamic components with an aim to reduce pitch sensitivity and improve front-end behavior under braking and acceleration.

Furthermore, Porsche has implemented software updates, with a refined steering system also set to be introduced.

As part of the development process, Porsche customer squad Herberth Motorsport will run the car in the Michelin 24H Series round at Spa-Francorchamps, with Laurin Heinrich, Alfred Renauer and Ralf Bohn set to share driving duties.

It will mark the first time that the Evo specification of the current 911 GT3 R will run in active competition, with a full reveal planned for the summer ahead of a customer rollout in 2026.

“The Creventic Series offers the ideal environment for such an important test,” said Porsche 911 GT3 R project manager Sebastian Golz.

“The competition features numerous privateer teams racing at a high level, there’s a lot of track time, and the Spa-Francorchamps circuit poses a formidable challenge for both drivers and machines.

“As a long-time Porsche customer team, Herberth Motorsport can provide valuable feedback on vehicle handling, serviceability, ergonomics, and operational functions. We’re also eager to hear the drivers’ impressions.”

Tempesta Racing to Make Series Debut With Porsche, Hartog

Elsewhere on the entry list for the second round of Creventic’s European schedule, Ziggo Sport Tempesta Racing will make its series debut with a single Porsche 911 GT3 R.

The British squad, which regularly runs Ferrari machinery in GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS, will enter the event with the No. 193 Porsche.

Reigning Porsche Carrera Cup North America champion Loek Hartog has been tapped to join the lineup alongside team regulars Jonathan Hui and Chris Froggatt.

Tempesta debuted a new title partnership deal with Dutch sports broadcaster Ziggo Sport at last weekend’s GTWC Europe Endurance Cup season opener at Paul Ricard.

Proton Huber Competition also fields a Porsche for Manuel Lauck, Joerg Dreisow and Porsche-contracted driver Klaus Bachler.

Blake McDonald and Matt Bell return to the championship for the first time since January’s Michelin 24H Dubai, sharing the No. 8 Kessel Racing Ferrari 296 GT3 with Dustin Blattner.

RedAnt Racing’s No. 93 Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo returns with Yannick Redant, Ayrton Redant, Kobe de Breucker and Kenneth Heyer, while reigning CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa winners Comtoyou Racing field a single Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Evo.

Notably, LMP2 racer Sergio Sette Camara forms part of the lineup for the No. 40 Aston Martin, teaming up with Frederic Jousset and Sebastian Alvarez.

Scuderia Praha, former two-time winners of the Spa event, once again field a single Ferrari, while Era Motorsport, HAAS RT, Hofor Racing and ARC Bratislava are also all represented.