With over 40 GT3 cars set to compete in the 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours, the event promises intense competition. As Max Verstappen makes his much-anticipated debut, several teams stand out as potential challengers. We’ve analyzed the 22 cars in the SP9 GT3 Pro class, focusing on each team’s complete package—car speed, team experience on the Nordschleife, driver lineup strength, and tire choice. Tire strategy could be decisive, especially in cold or wet conditions where Michelin might hold an edge. Below is our rating for the top contenders, from outsiders (1.0) to absolute favorites (5.0).

**Rowe-BMW #1** | Drivers: Farfus/Marciello/Pepper/K. van der Linde | Rating: 5.0/5

The defending champions are back with three of last year’s winning drivers, making them clear favorites.

**Winward Mercedes #3** | Drivers: Verstappen/Auer/Gounon/Juncadella | Rating: 5.0/5

Verstappen’s squad draws intense scrutiny, but his pace rivals any Nordschleife ace. Expect them to fight for the win.

**Konrad Lamborghini #7** | Drivers: Paul/Lefterov/Stalidzane/Engelhardt | Rating: 1.0/5

The Evo2 upgrade helps, but the driver lineup lacks Nordschleife GT3 experience. A top-10 finish would be a success.

**Scherer-Phx Audi #16** | Drivers: Haase/Sims/B. Green | Rating: 4.6/5

A strong overall win candidate, slightly hindered by Ben Green’s limited Nordschleife experience.

**Dunlop Racing Porsche #17** | Drivers: Picariello/Boccolacci/Menzel/Andlauer | Rating: 3.3/5

Quality car and drivers, but Dunlop tires may struggle in wet conditions, which are likely.

**Lionspeed Porsche #24** | Drivers: Heinrich/L. Vanthoor/Feller | Rating: 3.6/5

Three fast factory drivers, but Lionspeed is a dark horse as a first-time overall contender on the Nordschleife.

**Prosport Mercedes #26** | Drivers: Christodoulou/Grenier/Lulham/Bockmann | Rating: 2.3/5

Solid combination, but new to this arrangement for the 24-hour race. Only an outside chance.

**Walkenhorst Aston Martin #34** | Drivers: Krognes/Thiim/Drudi/Fernandez Laser | Rating: 3.0/5

Top-tier drivers, but the Aston Martin Vantage hasn’t yet broken through. Pirelli tires are a question mark.

**Falken Porsche #44** | Drivers: Heinemann/S. Muller/Schuring/Bachler | Rating: 4.0/5

A staple on the Nordschleife, still seeking a 24-hour win. Definitely an extended favorite in 2026.

**Kondo Ferrari #45** | Drivers: Perel/Marschall/Vermeulen/Neubauer | Rating: 3.6/5

Fast car and drivers that could surprise in qualifying, but maintaining pace for 24 hours is uncertain.

**KCMG Mercedes #47** | Drivers: Fukuzumi/Krohn/Pittard/Gamou | Rating: 2.3/5

A strong qualifying lap possible, but the driver lineup is too unbalanced for an overall win.

**Dinamic Porsche #54** | Drivers: Sturm/Christensen/Buus/Hartog | Rating: 2.6/5

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Good Nordschleife experience, but Pirelli tires may limit performance.

**Dinamic Porsche #55** | Drivers: Beretta/Ghiretti/Sturm/Hartog | Rating: 1.6/5

Weaker driver lineup than its sister car, likely an outsider.

**HRT Ford #64** | Drivers: Stippler/Maini/Scherer/Schumacher | Rating: 2.3/5

Frank Stippler is a Nordschleife ace, but this Mustang crew is rated slightly weaker than the sister car.

**HRT Ford #67** | Drivers: Olsen/Mies/Vervisch/Stippler | Rating: 3.3/5

The strongest Ford based on driver lineup. Yokohama tires could be a disadvantage in cold or damp conditions.

**Dorr McLaren #69** | Drivers: Dorr/Kirchhofer/Glock/Scheider | Rating: 1.6/5

Fan favorite due to the livery and drivers, but the McLaren hasn’t been a winning car here, and the team lacks experience.

**Schubert BMW #77** | Drivers: Weerts/Wittmann/Eng/Frijns | Rating: 4.3/5

A crew that belongs in the inner circle of favorites, but Yokohama tires cost them a perfect score.

**Winward Mercedes #80** | Drivers: Engel/Schiller/Stolz/Martin | Rating: 5.0/5

Fast car, experienced drivers with Nordschleife knowledge—another hot candidate for victory.

**Abt Lamborghini #84** | Drivers: Engstler/Bortolotti/Niederhauser | Rating: 3.6/5

Often fast with the Huracan, but hasn’t achieved the big win yet. An extended favorite.

**Rowe BMW #99** | Drivers: Harper/Hesse/S. van der Linde/D. Vanthoor | Rating: 5.0/5

Four factory drivers, an experienced team, and a proven car. Expect them to challenge for the overall win.

**Abt Lamborghini #130** | Drivers: Mapelli/Catsburg/Yelloly | Rating: 3.6/5

Similar to its sister car, an overall victory would be surprising given German manufacturers’ recent dominance.

**Manthey Porsche #911 “Grello”** | Drivers: Estre/Preining/Guven | Rating: 5.0/5

One of the most successful Nordschleife teams with a fast car and flawless drivers. Grello remains a top contender.