Porsche Sprint Challenge Southern Europe 2026: Racing under the winter sun to build summer success

• Four-round calendar confirmed on the Iberian Peninsula as PSCSE continues to grow in strength and consistency 

• Registrations now open for the 2026 edition of Europe’s top winter racing series 

Zonhoven, Belgium, August 1, 2025. While the 2025 motorsport season is still in full motion, Prospeed is already looking ahead to 2026, with preparations complete for the fourth edition of the Porsche Sprint Challenge Southern Europe. The winter racing series continues to gain momentum and will once again bring together a competitive international grid across four race weekends on iconic Iberian tracks: Portimão, Estoril, Valencia, and Barcelona. The season will take place from late January to late February 2026. 

Just like last year, the stunning Algarve International Circuit in Portimão will kick off the campaign on January 24-25. The second round follows at Estoril on January 30-31, before the championship resumes after a short winter break with Round 3 in Valencia on February 20-21. The grand finale takes place in Barcelona on February 27-28. 

“We’ve kept the same proven format,” says Series Manager Lars Plato. “Four race weekends, each with two races of 30 minutes plus one lap. From the official test day through to the end of Race 2, drivers can expect nearly nine hours of valuable track time. At this time of year, that’s significant – especially with the benefit of typically better weather than in northern or western Europe.” 

The format of two divisions remains in place: the Sport Division and the Club Division. The Sport Division features Pro, Pro-Am, and Rookie drivers racing the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup – Type 992. The Club Division welcomes Am drivers in the same 911 GT3 Cup car, along with competitors in the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport. 

“A key evolution for 2026 is the addition of ABS in the Sport Division,” adds Lars Plato. “This change reflects the direction of several Porsche championships, and ensures that our drivers are optimally prepared for their summer racing programs.” 

Why choose the Porsche Sprint Challenge Southern Europe? 

“The whole idea behind the Porsche Sprint Challenge Southern Europe was to provide a competitive, high-quality racing platform during the winter months,” continues Lars Plato. Since its launch, the series has become the benchmark winter championship for drivers focused on progress, preparation, and performance. With an international grid and access to top-level facilities, the PSCSE continues to attract both rising talents and seasoned racers. 

Its format — three days of track activity with an optional extra test day — ensures maximum driving time at premier Iberian venues, all in ideal weather conditions. The clearly structured divisions and class-based racing give every driver the opportunity to fight for podiums. And with only a national racing license required, the series remains accessible for many. 

More than just seat time, the PSCSE delivers real performance gains. Around a third of the winter field goes on to finish in the top three of their respective summer championships. Rising stars like Robert de Haan have used the series as a springboard — from success in PSCSE to titles in Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux, and even top-tier competition in Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. 

“We’ve seen several drivers who raced with us last winter now delivering standout results across Porsche one-make cups — especially in the Supercup,” adds Plato. 

Racing in the Porsche Sprint Challenge Southern Europe means stepping into Porsche’s prestigious motorsport universe. As an official one-make series, the PSCSE upholds the core values of equal machinery, fair competition, and pure racing. All cars are subject to strict technical standards, meaning performance comes down to talent, precision, and development. 

As a certified part of the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid, the PSCSE offers a direct path toward national-level Porsche Carrera Cups and ultimately the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup — the pinnacle of Porsche one-make racing. 

And of course, as ever, series promoter Prospeed ensures top-level organization and support, so every competitor can focus on what matters most: racing.