The Porsche Sprint Challenge Ibérica launches its 2026 season at the Circuito de Monteblanco, in Huelva, with a grid defined by international diversity, competitive depth and a strong presence of emerging talent, marking the start of the fourth season of the championship organised by P21 Motorsport under the official sanction of Porsche Motorsport.
The opening round brings together 20 drivers from eight different nationalities across three continents, representing eight teams, figures that reflect the sustained growth of the championship and its increasing international relevance within the Porsche one- make racing landscape. On track, the competitive programme presents an intense and demanding format.
Saturday will feature free practice sessions and two qualifying sessions that will define the starting grids, while Sunday concentrates all the action with four sprint races, each lasting 20 minutes plus one lap. A format that rewards consistency, adaptability and strategic execution throughout a highly demanding race day. This season opener also marks a significant step forward in terms of media exposure.
All races will be broadcast live on V+, in free-to-air television, ensuring broad audience reach, complemented by livestreaming across multiple digital platforms, further enhancing visibility for drivers, teams and partners. From a sporting perspective, attention naturally focuses on Category 2, reserved for the Porsche 992 GT3 Cup, which once again assumes its role as the premier category and gathers the majority of the grid.
Among the contenders for race wins and the title are names such as the GT Corse pairing of Borja García and Alejandro Barambio, who have already demonstrated in recent seasons their ability to fight consistently at the front. Strong opposition comes from multiple fronts. From drivers such as José Barros, representing AF Motorsport, to a new generation combining experienced competitors with young talents and rookies entering the championship with clear ambitions. Among them are Leandro Martins (LMR Motorsport), Patrick Cunha and Jorge Rodrigues (Veloso Motorsport), as well as Miguel Lobo, returning with RGB Racing Team alongside rookie Mário Reyford Ferreira.
At LOB Motorsport, the pairing of Henrique Cruz and Duarte Camelo also stands out as one to watch. Two young and fast drivers expected to challenge for top positions, alongside names such as João Macedo Silva, Álvaro Bajo, Gildardo Herrera, Asier Gorostiza and Diego Carrascal. Overall, virtually the entire Category 2 grid presents strong arguments to fight for top positions, both in the overall classification and within the different classes. In 2026, three classes will be in competition – Silver, Bronze and GD, the latter reserved for drivers over 45 – with particularly intense battles expected in the Silver and Bronze categories.
Another key focus will be the Ladies Cup, where reigning champion Francisca “Kika” Queiroz returns determined to defend her title. She will face strong competition from María Sánchez Iglesias and Chloe Grant, joined by Finnish newcomer Flame Airikkala, further raising the level of the female competition. María Sánchez Iglesias will be the sole entrant in Category 1, positioning herself to secure valuable points across the four races.
The Circuito de Monteblanco, located in Huelva, provides a demanding setting for the season opener. Measuring approximately 4.4 kilometres, the circuit combines fast sections with slower, technical corners, placing emphasis on precision and consistency, and traditionally delivering intense and closely contested racing.
For José Monroy, Series Manager of the Porsche Sprint Challenge Ibérica, this season opener reflects the championship’s growth trajectory: “We enter the 2026 season with a very strong and highly competitive grid. Monteblanco will be an excellent test for drivers and teams, in a demanding format that rewards consistency and adaptability. At the same time, the increase in media exposure, with free-to-air TV and digital streaming, represents a very important step for the championship. All the conditions are in place for a high-level season both on and off track.”
With a solid competitive structure, a diverse grid and enhanced media coverage, the Porsche Sprint Challenge Ibérica begins its 2026 season in Monteblanco with all the ingredients for an intense and highly competitive championship, fully aligned with the highest standards of Porsche Motorsport.