The brand-new Ginetta G56 GT2 made its global racing debut in the GT2 European Series powered by Pirelli at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya (10-12 October) this past weekend, with an accomplished performance seeing it secure a pair of overall podium finishes.
Introducing the new car to the GT2 European Series ahead of a full-scale assault in the championship in 2026, Ginetta mounted an invitational entry in Barcelona with experienced French team CMR. Ginetta chairman Lawrence Tomlinson and his son Freddie shared driving duties.
Competing against a competitive grid of established GT2 entries, the Ginetta G56 GT2 was immediately on the front-running pace in the Spanish sunshine. A great performance across the two qualifying sessions yielded fifth place starts for a pair of one-hour races.
After losing ground avoiding a spinning car on the opening lap of race one, Lawrence mounted an impressive fightback drive through his stint. Freddie continued the charge after the mid-race pitstop, with their efforts resulting in a brilliant second place finish overall.
Freddie started behind the wheel for race two and quickly rose up the ranks to join an exciting three-way battle for the race lead. Lawrence then showed the pure speed of the supercharged, 6.3-litre V8 powered G56 GT2 in the closing stages as he narrowly missed out on second again.
Lawrence Tomlinson – Ginetta Chairman: “We are delighted to mark the global racing debut of the new Ginetta G56 GT2 with a pair of podium finishes in Barcelona. We’ve shown the car is a competitive force from the off in the GT2 European Series and we’re hugely proud of the performance this weekend.
“The car faultlessly throughout the event, thanks to the great work of CMR and the Ginetta team. It’s been a great debut and we’re now excited to see what can be achieved in 2026. Joining the GT2 ranks brings Ginetta to the global GT stage and showcases our engineering excellence and driver-first ethos.”
Prior to the event, it was announced that Ginetta are committing to the SRO GT Academy’s expanded GT2 European Series powered by Pirelli initiative for the 2026 season. The programme is open to Silver-graded drivers under the age of 30 competing in the championship next year with eligible brands.
The SRO GT Academy will use an assessment-based process to reveal each driver’s true ability and potential, with the star performer receiving a fully-funded GT3 seat in the 2027 GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS Endurance Cup.
Mike Simpson – Ginetta CEO: “At Ginetta, we believe motorsport should be a ladder and this partnership with SRO’s GT Academy ensures that a young Silver driver can truly travel from any level of motorsport all the way up to GT3. We’re proud to offer the GT2 stage as the next stepping stone in that journey.”
Images from Nico Deumille Photography.
