What Is 2019 GT Cup Open Europe

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2019 GT Cup Open Europe was a multi-event sports car racing series that began on May 17, 2019, in Barcelona, Spain, and concluded on October 20 in Portimão, Portugal, featuring GT4 and Cup-based vehicles across six rounds.

Key Facts

The 2019 GT Cup Open Europe season started on May 17, 2019, in Barcelona, Spain.
It featured six total rounds across Europe, ending on October 20, 2019, in Portugal.
The series primarily included GT4-specification race cars and one-make cup entries.
Organized by the Dutch company Creventic, known for endurance racing series.
Portimão, Magny-Cours, and Barcelona were among the key circuits used.

Overview

The 2019 GT Cup Open Europe was a continental sports car racing series designed to provide competitive track opportunities for amateur and semi-professional drivers. It operated as a support series at select circuits across Western Europe, emphasizing accessibility and cost-effective GT racing.

Unlike top-tier GT championships, this series focused on balanced competition using FIA-homologated GT4 vehicles and one-make cup cars, ensuring close racing. The format allowed privateer teams and independent drivers to participate without the high budgets of professional GT3 series.

Five rounds were held across Europe, beginning at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on May 17, 2019, setting the season’s competitive tone.
Round two took place at Autodrom Most in the Czech Republic on July 12–14, introducing Central European circuits to the calendar.
Paul Ricard in France hosted the third round from August 2–4, offering high-speed challenges on the 5.8-kilometer layout.
Fourth round occurred at Magny-Cours, France, from August 30 to September 1, maintaining a summer European schedule.
Final round concluded at Algarve International Circuit in Portimão, Portugal, on October 18–20, marking the end of the season.

How It Works

The GT Cup Open Europe series operated under a sprint race format with two races per event weekend, each lasting approximately 30 minutes. Entries were limited to GT4-class vehicles and selected one-make series cars such as Porsche Carrera Cup or Ferrari Challenge models.

Eligible Cars:GT4 homologated vehicles from manufacturers like Porsche, BMW, and McLaren were permitted, ensuring technical parity and close racing.
Driver Categories: The series used Pro-Am and Am classifications, with mandatory driver changes in endurance formats to promote inclusivity.
Race Format: Each round featured two 30-minute races, with qualifying sessions determining grid positions for both events.
Scoring System: Points were awarded based on finishing positions, with 25 points for first place and a descending scale down to 1 point for 10th.
Team Entries: Teams typically ran one- or two-car entries, often combining experienced drivers with amateurs for balanced competition.
Technical Regulations: Cars followed FIA GT4 technical rules, including weight minimums, restrictor sizes, and mandatory safety equipment.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the 2019 GT Cup Open Europe with similar series highlights its unique positioning in the European racing landscape.

Series	Car Class	Season Length	Entry Cost (Est.)	Organizer
GT Cup Open Europe	GT4, Cup Cars	6 rounds	$80,000–$120,000	Creventic
ADAC GT4 Germany	GT4 only	7 rounds	$100,000–$150,000	ADAC
British GT Championship	GT3, GT4	10 rounds	$250,000+	SRO
GT4 European Series	GT4 only	7 rounds	$120,000–$180,000	SRO
24H Series	GT3, GT4, TCR	5 rounds	$150,000+	Creventic

The 2019 GT Cup Open Europe offered a middle ground in terms of cost and competition level, making it ideal for drivers stepping up from national series. Its association with Creventic, also behind the 24H Series, ensured professional event management and reliable scheduling. While less prominent than SRO-run championships, it provided valuable track time with reduced logistical demands.

Why It Matters

The 2019 GT Cup Open Europe played a crucial role in developing driver talent and offering a structured racing environment outside the spotlight of major series. It served as a proving ground for aspiring professionals and a recreational outlet for experienced amateurs.

Driver Development: The series allowed emerging drivers to gain experience in FIA-regulated GT4 machinery under competitive conditions.
Cost Efficiency: With lower entry fees than GT3-based championships, it enabled privateers to race without factory backing.
European Access: Circuits in Spain, France, Portugal, and the Czech Republic provided geographic diversity and international exposure.
Endurance Bridge: The series acted as a feeder for endurance racing, preparing teams for longer-format events like the 24H Series.
Manufacturer Exposure: Brands like Porsche and BMW benefited from track visibility without direct financial investment.
Regulatory Compliance: Adherence to FIA GT4 standards ensured vehicles met international safety and performance benchmarks.

Overall, the 2019 GT Cup Open Europe filled a niche in the motorsport ecosystem, balancing affordability, competition, and accessibility. Its legacy continues through similar series promoted by Creventic and other independent organizers.