Neuensalz/Saxony – As team principal Peter Reicher announced on Friday, January 30, 2026, during a press conference in Neuensalz, Eastalent Racing is planning—subject to official entry confirmation—to compete in the 2026 season of the GT World Challenge Europe powered by Fanatec (GTWC), both in the Sprint and Endurance series.

“Over the past three years, we have successfully established ourselves as a team in the International GT Open. As a two-time GT Open champion and winner of the 2024 24 Hours of Dubai, the time has now come to take the next step,” said Reicher.

At the same time, the team principal urges patience: “The official GTWC entry list has not yet been released. We have completed everything required on time—submitted our entry, provided the driver lineup, and paid the entry fee. The decision is no longer in our hands. We hope to be interesting enough for the GTWC.”

Proven Technology and a Strong Partnership

Eastalent Racing will once again rely on the Audi R8 LMS evo II in the 2026 season. “Audi will continue to support us in 2026 with comprehensive know-how at all races on site. In addition, the Audi spare parts truck will be present at the events,” Reicher explains.

Sprint Driver Lineup

In the Sprint series, Eastalent Racing will field the proven duo of Christopher Haase and Simon Reicher. 

“The anticipation is huge. As a team, we’ve grown significantly over the past few years, and I can’t imagine a better teammate than Christopher to take on this challenge together,” says Simon Reicher. “It will be extremely demanding, but we hope to challenge a few teams and occasionally run at the front.”

Christopher Haase adds: “The GT World Challenge is the Formula 1 of GT racing. It’s a major task. But I believe we have everything we need. Simon has developed tremendously—I really have to brake very late to keep him behind me. This is going to be exciting.”

Endurance with Prominent Reinforcement

In the Endurance series, the driver lineup will be strengthened by Markus Winkelhock. The former Formula 1 driver comes from a long-established motorsport family that has been continuously active in racing for 50 years.

“It feels very special to still be able to compete at this level after so many years in motorsport,” says Winkelhock. “Our shared victory at the 2024 24 Hours of Dubai was defining. The team, the spirit, and the professionalism convinced me—so agreeing to Peter Reicher’s request was an easy decision.”

Audi Sport Colors as a Statement

The title “Eastalent Racing Revives Audi Sport” was chosen deliberately. “I am personally a big Audi Sport fan. After Christopher and Markus—both former Audi Sport drivers—had confirmed their participation, it was clear to me that our Endurance Audi should also compete in the 2020 Audi Sport colors,” Reicher explains.

The car will therefore feature a neon red and graphite livery.

“It wasn’t easy to create something new again—especially since our red Audi has already achieved cult status. In 2024, it was voted the most beautiful Audi and even compared to the ‘Grello’ from the Nürburgring. That truly honors us.”