It will be a first for this year’s 24h Barcelona – the season finale of the Michelin 24H Series European Series – as up2race takes part in the race on the Formula 1 circuit for the first time. The team from Nerdlen will compete in the race from 18 to 20 September with a Porsche 911 GT3 R.

In early July, the team led by team principal Patrick Schneider had already taken part in the 12-hour race of the European endurance series at the Nürburgring. Following a strong performance, Oleksii Kikireshko, Fabio Grosse and former DTM championship leader Tim Heinemann secured second place. At the halfway point of the race, the team was leading the race on its debut in an international GT3 racing series.

A formidable quartet of drivers will be at the wheel of the Porsche on the circuit near the Spanish capital. Alongside Kikireshko, Grosse and Heinemann, Alfred Renauer will be driving the #88 Porsche 911 GT3 R. Renauer brings a wealth of experience from the GT World Challenge Europe, the ADAC GT Masters and the 24H Series to the team and will therefore be able to use his expertise to help the Nerdlen-based team develop in the professional GT3 arena.

“We’re really looking forward to our debut at the 24 Hours of Barcelona. This will be an important race for us as we seek to establish ourselves in international GT3 racing. Fredl’s experience will also be a great help to us, so we’re delighted to welcome him to our team. He has already been able to assist us with tips and advice as we build up our GT3 programme. With our formidable line-up of drivers, we aim to be in the mix for the top results in Barcelona, even though we know there will be a strong field of competitors,” said up2race team principal Patrick Schneider.

GT3 ace Tim Heinemann added: “I’m really looking forward to the 24 Hours of Barcelona! It’s actually my first time competing in this race. I’ve raced in Barcelona before, but never in the 24-hour race. Kika has made enormous progress in the GT3 R over the past few months and is doing a really great job. That’s why I’m really looking forward to the race and am convinced that, with our package, we have a very good chance of achieving a strong result. Behind the scenes, too, there’s currently a lot going on at Team up2race under team owner Patrick Schneider. I’m still able to play an active role, and together we’re trying to set the team up as best we can for the future. At the same time, planning for the 2027 season is already underway.”

Around 40 cars will be taking part in the Michelin 24h Barcelona. Fans can watch the entire race, as well as the three-part qualifying session, via the official live stream on YouTube.