Maranello – The 2026 Ferrari Challenge season roars to life this weekend at the iconic Paul Ricard circuit in France, marking the opening of both the European series and a special inaugural round for the UK championship. Over fifty drivers are set to compete across two rounds for each championship, bringing the 296 Challenge to the 5.842-kilometre Le Castellet track and continuing the legacy of one of motorsport’s most prestigious single-marque series. This year celebrates the 34th edition of the Ferrari Challenge, a milestone highlighting decades of passion, performance, and the relentless pursuit of speed.
Returning to France after a two-year absence, the European grid features drivers from 23 nations, supported by 26 Ferrari Dealers. Among them are many familiar faces, with 34 confirmed from last season and several new entries, including three from the Ferrari Club Challenge program. The series maintains its structure of four classes, with intense competition anticipated in every category. In the Trofeo Pirelli, Belgian Gilles Renmans, American Dylan Medler, and the seasoned Max Mugelli arrive with championship ambitions, each preparing to contend with past class winners such as Sergio Paulet and Hendrik Viol, who dominated previous seasons but will not be racing in France this weekend. Michael Verhagen, Trofeo Pirelli Am champion from the Finali Mondiali, enters as the firm favorite, though numerous returning and new drivers promise a challenging battle for the title.
The Coppa Shell classes are equally compelling, with veterans like Tibor Valint and Fons Scheltema facing new rivals, including German Sven Schömer and the returning Eric Cheung. The Coppa Shell Am class, dedicated to gentleman drivers, is expected to be a particularly crowded field, showcasing the enduring appeal of Ferrari’s single-marque racing formula and the diverse talent across Europe.
The UK series makes a notable debut at Le Castellet, featuring new additions and historic moments, including the first female driver in the championship, Manuela Gostner, last year’s Coppa Shell Europe winner. Trofeo Pirelli will see reigning champion Gilbert Yates compete alongside his son Bradley, a thrilling subplot following their shared podium at Silverstone in 2025. Coppa Shell will spotlight Peter Hunter, the 2025 runner-up, alongside a mix of returning competitors and newcomers eager to make their mark on the international stage.
The weekend’s schedule is packed, beginning with tests and free practice sessions on Thursday and Friday, leading into Saturday’s qualifying sessions. Coppa Shell and Coppa Shell Am Europe will start at 9:00 a.m., followed by Trofeo Pirelli and Trofeo Pirelli Am at 9:40 a.m., with the Ferrari Challenge UK session at 10:20 a.m. Race action begins in the afternoon, with Coppa Shell and Coppa Shell Am Europe at 2:00 p.m., Trofeo Pirelli and Trofeo Pirelli Am Europe at 3:15 p.m., and the UK series at 4:30 p.m., all times local, repeated on Sunday. Fans can watch every qualifying session and race live for free with English commentary via live.ferrari.com and Ferrari’s official YouTube channel.
With the 296 Challenge taking center stage, this weekend at Paul Ricard promises thrilling duels, emerging talents, and the unmistakable roar of Ferrari engines, setting the tone for an unforgettable 2026 season.
