How Balance of Performance works in GT World Challenge

Ten manufacturers race different GT3 cars in GT World Challenge Europe, and SRO evens out their performance with a Balance of Performance, or BoP. Here is how that process works in this series under the 2026 Sporting Regulations. The general idea behind BoP is explained in our guide Balance of Performance explained.

Who sets the BoP?

SRO’s Technical Board. It may change any parameter it needs to balance the cars (article 507.1). Before the season every manufacturer must enter at least one car in SRO’s BoP test sessions, where the cars run with an extended data logger. In Endurance races the cars must also use their homologated endurance pack, if one exists.

Does the BoP change per race?

Yes. Each event has its own BoP document, which the Stewards confirm in a bulletin at the start of the weekend. The Technical Board may still adjust it until 120 minutes before the start of an Endurance race. At Sprint events the deadline is 120 minutes before race 1, or before race 2 when qualifying is held before each race (article 507.1).

What does the BoP control?

The BoP document sets values such as each car’s minimum weight, and a car found under that weight can be penalised (article 505.2). Engine air restrictors must match the drawings registered with the FIA for each model. The regulations add fixed rules for everyone: a catalytic converter is compulsory, lambda is fixed and fuel-saving engine maps are not allowed (article 507.2). The engine and performance data gathered in BoP and dyno tests is used to check cars during the season.

Can a team be caught hiding its pace?

The Stewards can penalise a team or manufacturer that gave misleading information, influenced the BoP process inappropriately, or later performed above what the process predicted, before, during or after a race (article 507.1). SRO may also run performance tests at any event, and its official BoP driver can be asked to drive any car during the Bronze Test or free practice.

Does driver weight count?

Driver weight is handled separately from the BoP. A car whose drivers average less than 85 kg carries extra driver ballast, and heavier crews may take up to 5 kg off the minimum BoP weight (article 505.7).

More guides: GT World Challenge explained · three-hour races

Source: 2026 GT World Challenge Europe Sporting Regulations.