GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup 2026: Emil Frey Racing enters Brands Hatch with two Ferraris

Fast Facts – The Press Bulletin:

Two strong driver pairings, clear ambitions – the Swiss team Emil Frey Racing will contest the season opener of the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup at Brands Hatch with two Ferrari 296 GT3 Evos this coming weekend. The #69 Ferrari of Thierry Vermeulen and Ben Green steps up to the PRO class as reigning Gold Cup Champion, while the #14 car with the new driver pairing of Matteo Cairoli and Konsta Lappalainen attacks with fresh energy. The goal is clear: to fight for top positions from the very start.

Press Release 
With the legendary Brands Hatch Circuit in England as its backdrop, Emil Frey Racing kicks off its new 2026 Sprint Cup season. The Swiss team is fielding two Ferrari 296 GT3 Evos and two promising driver pairings.

In the #69 Ferrari, Thierry Vermeulen enters his fourth season with the Swiss team. The Dutchman knows the team's structures and personnel inside out, and this time steps up to the PRO class as reigning Gold Cup Champion. Ben Green alongside him is particularly looking forward to the appearance at Brands Hatch. For the British driver, it is a home race on familiar ground.

The #14 Ferrari represents a fresh start after a difficult 2025 season. Emil Frey Racing has signed-up the experienced GT3 driver Matteo Cairoli, who will bring new momentum to the team. His teammate Konsta Lappalainen is far from a stranger – he has known the team for years and brings a wealth of experience of his own. Together, the two aim to show what this package is capable of.

Brands Hatch is one of the most storied circuits in Europe. The undulating track in Kent is renowned for its technically demanding character – with highlights such as the blind Paddock Hill Bend and tight sections like Druids that put the entire car package to the test. Adding to the challenge is the time pressure of the Sprint Cup format: only two days are available before both races take place back-to-back on Sunday.

Weekend Highlights:

- Season opener GT World Challenge Sprint Cup: Brands Hatch, England

- Note – both races on Sunday: 11:15 AM and 3:45 PM local time

- Goals: To fight for top positions

Drivers & Cars:

- #14 Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo – Matteo Cairoli (ITA) / Konsta Lappalainen (FIN)

- #69 Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo – Thierry Vermeulen (NED) / Ben Green (GBR)

TEAM QUOTES – Emil Frey Racing

Lorenz Frey-Hilti, Team Principal 
"Brands Hatch is a good place to start the season. We have done solid preparation, all drivers and team members know their roles. The Sprint Cup gives no second chances, and with two races in a single day it will be a demanding opener. But we are prepared and know what lies ahead."

Jürg Flach, Technical Director 
"The Sprint Cup poses a particular challenge: with only two days, there is barely any time for corrections. Setup, balance – everything has to be right from the beginning. We have done good work in the build-up and feel ready – but as with every season opener, the first sessions will reveal where we truly stand."

DRIVER QUOTES – Emil Frey Racing

Matteo Cairoli (Italy) 
"I'm really glad to be taking part in my first attempt in the Sprint Series. Konsta and I already get along very well, and we will try to give our best at every race weekend."

Thierry Vermeulen (Netherlands) 
"After a successful test season we feel very comfortable with the car – and that is especially important at a two-day event, where there is little time to make adjustments. In recent years we have regularly been in the fight for podium positions, and I look forward to continuing that journey together with Ben Green in the PRO class."

Ben Green (Great Britain) 
"I'm really excited to be returning to Brands Hatch with Emil Frey for the GTWC Sprint season opener. It's a track I know well and where we have had success before. I'm looking forward to trying out the new 296 GT3 Evo and seeing what results we can achieve together with Thierry."

Konsta Lappalainen (Finland) 
"Brands Hatch has always been a good hunting ground for us. Even though we don't yet know exactly where we stand with the new Evo, we have a strong package and are looking forward to a great start to the season." 

ABOUT EMIL FREY RACING 

Emil Frey Racing is a storied Swiss motorsport team based in Safenwil. Founded in the 1960s on the foundations of the Emil Frey Group, the team can look back on decades of motorsport experience, ranging from single-seater and rally racing to long-distance GT series. Today, Emil Frey Racing competes internationally, currently in both the DTM and the GT World Challenge with the Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo.

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