Record-breaking grid ready for the premiere

After a successful debut season, it is now time for another chapter in the Formula GT Challenge – the Scandinavian GT championship for Italian race cars from Maranello – which in 2026 expands to a total of five rounds held across circuits in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. The season opener, which includes the first and second rounds, takes place at Anderstorp Raceway this weekend as part of the Anderstorp Race Festival.

With a total of 20 cars entered, this marks the largest field in the series’ short history. The entry list includes both returning drivers from last season and new names, and spectators can, among other things, look forward to the return of reigning champion Andreas Borris, who lines up to defend his title. Last year’s overall runner-up, Sweden’s Carl Runefelt, is also back, while compatriot Christian Appelberg—who completed the championship podium and also claimed the Coppa Formula class title—is likewise ready to compete.

The 2026 grid features a strong mix of drivers from Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, all competing in Challenge and GT3 versions of the Ferrari 296, 488, and 458. This sets the stage for close, entertaining racing accompanied by a fantastic soundscape.

“We are overwhelmed by the turnout for the first race of the year. After a successful debut season, we have worked hard behind the scenes to make the new season even better and bigger, including adding new circuits and more rounds, and we are pleased to feel the positive response. With 20 cars on the grid at Anderstorp, several of them returning from last year, we could hardly wish for a better season opener, and we look forward to launching another championship,” says Race Coordinator at Formula Automobile, Chresten Hansen.

It is also not an unfamiliar venue hosting the Formula GT Challenge opener. Anderstorp Raceway was a regular fixture on the Formula 1 calendar in the 1970s and also hosted the FIA GT Championship in the 2000s. Today, at over four kilometres in length, the circuit remains Scandinavia’s longest racetrack, with a layout well suited to fast GT cars.

The season opener takes place as part of the Anderstorp Race Festival and is held in collaboration with Historisk Motorsport Danmark and Sweden’s Sportvagnsmästerskabet. In total, around 180 cars are entered for the weekend’s festival, which also features races with historic GT and formula cars, as well as youngtimers and Mazda MX-5 Cup cars—creating a unique setting for motorsport fans of all ages. Tickets can be purchased at the venue, parking is free, and the weather forecast promises excellent spring conditions.

The first Formula GT Challenge weekend of the year begins with free practice sessions on Friday, May 1. The program really gets underway on Saturday, May 2, with additional practice, qualifying, and two 20-minute heats. The second round follows the same format on Sunday, May 3.

About Formula GT Challenge

The Formula GT Challenge is a unique racing championship that brings together classic and modern Ferrari models in a celebration of performance and heritage. Designed for passionate amateur drivers, the series offers a rare opportunity to compete in some of Ferrari’s most iconic cars while enjoying a friendly yet competitive atmosphere on and off the track. Participants drive both new and classic Ferrari models, with races taking place at renowned circuits across Scandinavia. Each event features practice sessions, qualifying, and competitive races, creating an exciting experience for both drivers and spectators alike.

Contact:

Chresten Hansen, Promotor & Race Coordinator, ch@formulaauto.dk

Thor Qualmann, Race & Event Executive, tq@formulaauto.dk