The first official training day of the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps offered everything that defines the endurance classic: peak performance on the track, tight time gaps, numerous interruptions, and a dramatic aftermath after qualifying.
Already in the four qualifying segments, it became clear how balanced the GT3 field, with around 70 vehicles, is. The fastest drivers were only tenths of a second apart. Salman Owega in the Optimum Motorsport McLaren set the best time in the first section, before Alessio Rovera in the AF Corse Ferrari took the lead in the second segment. Simon Gachet then caused the biggest surprise, sensationally driving the CSA Racing McLaren to the best time in the third qualifying. Mercedes-AMG works driver Fabian Schiller provided the grand finale, setting the fastest lap in the fourth section.
In the combined standings, the GetSpeed Mercedes-AMG GT3 with Maxime Martin, Maximilian Götz, and Fabian Schiller initially secured the best time, ahead of the AF Corse Ferrari and the Lionspeed GP Porsche. However, just a few hours later, the bombshell followed.
The stewards disqualified the GetSpeed team from all times in the third qualifying session. The reason was unauthorized work on the vehicle during the ongoing session. After a trip into the gravel trap, mechanics removed stones and sand from the rear brake system – a clear violation of the regulations. As a result, the Mercedes-AMG not only loses its qualifying best time but also its spot in the Superpole and will have to start the race from the back of the field.
CSA Racing was also hit hard. Although Simon Gachet set the best time in the third qualifying session with an outstanding lap, putting the team in 15th place overall and into the Superpole, the McLaren was disqualified after the technical inspection. The prescribed minimum ground clearance of 50 millimeters was clearly not met, with only 45 and 42.3 millimeters respectively. The team admitted to the measurement error, but all qualifying times were still deleted.
Eastalent Racing also lost all of its qualifying times. The mandated data logger was not active on the Audi R8 LMS GT3 for the entire session. The Austrian team had originally qualified as the 19th vehicle for Superpole, but must now also start from the back of the field.
The penalties significantly change the Superpole starting grid. The new qualifying leader is the AF Corse Ferrari with Alessio Rovera, Tommaso Mosca, and Nicklas Nielsen. Additionally, the Motopark Mercedes-AMG from the Silver Cup, as the 32nd and final car, will still make it into the decisive individual time trial on Friday.
Aside from the sporting events, Maxime Martin also provided emotional moments. The Belgian is making his 20th start in the 24 Hours of Spa this year and describes the home race as the most physically demanding 24-hour race in the world. The Mercedes-AMG works driver, who has already won the 2026 Bathurst 12 Hours and the 24 Hours Nürburgring, sees Spa as the highlight of his season so far. All the more bitter is the subsequent disqualification of his GetSpeed team, which significantly complicates their path to their desired home victory.
After an eventful Thursday, the focus now shifts to Friday's Superpole, where the fastest 32 cars will battle for their final starting positions for the 24 Hours of Spa. Despite the penalties, the race remains completely open – because anything is still possible over 24 hours at the traditional Ardennes circuit.