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The Final Push: Fighting Back at the Endurance Cup Finale in Barcelona

Oct 16, 2025 | Partnerships

The Final Push: Fighting Back at the Endurance Cup Finale in Barcelona

The curtain closed on the 2025 GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup season this past weekend at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. For the #63 Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 of GRT – Grasser Racing Team, driven by Mirko Bortolotti, Luca Engstler, and Jordan Pepper, the mission was clear: close the season with one final push and bring home everything the car and the crew had left to give.

A Challenging Start with Unfinished Business

The weekend began with Pre-Qualifying placing the #63 Lamborghini in P26, but a strong rebound in Saturday’s Qualifying session saw the car secure P8 on the grid for the final 3-hour showdown.
Race day brought stable, cool conditions between 20°C and 23°C, ideal for consistent performance and tyre management on the demanding Grand Prix layout.

Trouble in the Pits, Heroics on Track

After a clean and assertive first stint by Mirko Bortolotti, which kept the team in the fight near the front, the first scheduled pit stop brought an unexpected turn. During the driver change to Luca Engstler, the car experienced a technical issue, likely related to shifting, that caused a delay in rejoining the race. The result: a dramatic drop back to P46 overall as Luca re-entered the track.
What followed was a determined comeback story. Engstler and Jordan Pepper, taking over for the final stint, delivered a composed and aggressive charge through the field. Carving their way past dozens of competitors, the trio ultimately salvaged a P16 overall finish, a result that didn’t reflect the true pace, but showcased the grit, teamwork, and professionalism that defined their season.

2025: A Season of Podiums, Victories, and Character

While the Barcelona finale may not have brought the result hoped for, the Endurance Cup season as a whole saw the #63 Lamborghini claim some of the most iconic moments of the year including the historic overall win at the 24 Hours of Spa. Alongside their Sprint Cup Vice Championship title, the team proved to be a consistent threat across all formats.

GRT Grasser Racing Team – Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 #63
Endurance Cup – Barcelona (Round 10 / Finale)
Pre-Qualifying: P26
Qualifying: P8
Race Result: P16 Overall

“Final GT World Challenge Endurance round at Barcelona — normally a track we go really well at, and this year was no different. We showed good speed in practice, and I think we were in for a really strong race. But just like a few times this season, strategy didn’t fall our way. We missed the opportunity to pit at the ideal moment and tried to roll the dice, but unfortunately, it didn’t work out. Still, we never gave up. Racing back through the field was fun and showed what we’re made of. It would’ve been amazing to end the season with a podium, but I’m proud of everyone. We still won the 24 Hours of Spa — the crown jewel of GT racing. That says everything.”

Jordan Pepper

“Quite a frustrating race coming to an end. I think we had very good pace and the team would have deserved a lot more than the finish we had. We were quite unlucky with the strategy on that side and just paid the price by being at the back of the field after my stint. But we fought back, and I think that shows the spirit we have together — and that’s just great. Although we would have all wanted more, especially in the overall championship, that’s part of the game. Still, it was an unforgettable season and the GT World Challenge journey comes to an end with pride.”

Luca Engstler

“Happy with a strong Q1 and my race stint. Unfortunately, our strategy gamble during the Safety Car didn’t play out in our favor and deeply compromised our race. Proud of everyone in the team, however — we’ve had a very strong season performance-wise and won the most important race of all: the 24 Hours of Spa.“

Mirko Bortolotti

Photos: © SRO Motorsports Group / Gruppe C Photography

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