Gran Turismo World Series discussion (2026 Manu Cup Exhibition 1: Apr 25 - Jun 6)

[Jordan]

This is the discussion thread for an article on GTPlanet:

Gran Turismo World Series 2026 Manufacturers Cup Exhibition Season Begins April 25​

Polyphony Digital has announced the first Manufacturers Cup Exhibition Season of 2026, getting underway this weekend ahead of the official championship later in the year...

 

[DespicableBee]

Practice lobby is up and running

Unfortunately our time zones are very different 🙉 Am going to run some laps at fuji in the Cayman now and then i might try out the Gr4 SLS. Reason being is that i have always ran AMG in these series but the 2 Gr4 races is making me a bit nervous about sticking with them again. I don't really expect to win these races but i would at least like to know that i could at least be competitive after giving up my Saturdays to participate 👍

 

[BGreenFace]

Unfortunately our time zones are very different 🙉 Am going to run some laps at fuji in the Cayman now and then i might try out the Gr4 SLS. Reason being is that i have always ran AMG in these series but the 2 Gr4 races is making me a bit nervous about sticking with them again. I don't really expect to win these races but i would at least like to know that i could at least be competitive after giving up my Saturdays to participate 👍

Yeah I get what you’re saying
What give me hope though is the fact that a lot of people will probably pick Porsche to have the new gt3 r for the gr3 and I didn’t see that much gt by Citroen in the leaderboard soooo group 4 races should be more competitive with different cars…

 

[mastretta_mx]

They removed races on Wednesday?? Welp there goes my chances of running some races lol, I have no time on Saturdays

 

[RACECAR]

They removed races on Wednesday?? Welp there goes my chances of running some races lol, I have no time on Saturdays

Ok so I wasn't seeing things when I glanced at the schedule. That is an interesting choice.

 

[BBerlingo]

What glorious news to wake up to on Monday! Was really hoping to get a new cup before summer 🤗
Always difficult to choose manufacturer. I drove an MR last cup and want an FR for this one. Thinking of Merc, Toyota or VW (tribute to my family car) . Thanks for the heads up on possible BOP changes tomorrow, BTW. I'll be waiting to see what happens there before I chose and get started on liverys.

 

[Moose78]

I've done some testing in the Corvette and Alfa 4C at Catalunya. Like last time, it looks like the optimal strategy for me in both cars is 17RM-1RH. No real surprises there.

For the tests, I did 18 laps on RMs and 6 on RHs. Two rounds each. Custom race at sunset (equal conditions mode) and S18 weather.

Here are the usual tables and charts:

Manufacturer	Model	Tire compound	Laps	Opt time	Best time	Avg time	Total time
Alfa Romeo	4C Gr.3	RM	18​	1:42.793​	1:43.063​	1:43.670​	31:06.058​
Alfa Romeo	4C Gr.3	RH	6​	1:44.017​	1:44.518​	1:44.712​	10:28.273​
Chevrolet	Corvette C7 Gr.3	RM	18​	1:43.224​	1:43.428​	1:44.104​	31:13.872​
Chevrolet	Corvette C7 Gr.3	RH	6​	1:44.525​	1:44.643​	1:44.949​	10:29.691​

Lap times:

Spoiler: Lap times raw data

Lap	Corvette RM	4C RM	Corvette RH	4C RH
1​	1:43.587​	1:44.079​	1:44.768​	1:45.078​
2​	1:43.931​	1:43.737​	1:44.643​	1:44.518​
3​	1:43.543​	1:43.594​	1:45.475​	1:44.680​
4​	1:44.262​	1:43.063​	1:45.095​	1:44.641​
5​	1:43.494​	1:43.568​	1:45.002​	1:44.616​
6​	1:43.428​	1:43.437​	1:44.708​	1:44.740​
7​	1:43.548​	1:44.118​
8​	1:44.412​	1:43.422​
9​	1:44.035​	1:43.144​
10​	1:43.998​	1:43.276​
11​	1:44.332​	1:43.849​
12​	1:44.253​	1:43.781​
13​	1:44.126​	1:44.031​
14​	1:43.974​	1:43.796​
15​	1:44.234​	1:43.722​
16​	1:44.623​	1:43.818​
17​	1:44.621​	1:43.633​
18​	1:45.471​	1:43.990​

Tire tread levels at finish:

Manufacturer	Model	Tire compound	Laps	Front left	Front right	Rear left	Rear right
Alfa Romeo	4C Gr.3	RM	18​	40%​	75%​	60%​	70%​
Alfa Romeo	4C Gr.3	RH	6​	90%​	95%​	90%​	95%​
Chevrolet	Corvette C7 Gr.3	RM	18​	25%​	70%​	70%​	80%​
Chevrolet	Corvette C7 Gr.3	RH	6​	85%​	90%​	90%​	95%​

Simulated strategies based on the lap times above (3 fastest for each car):

Manufacturer	Model	Strategy	Total time
Alfa Romeo	4C Gr.3	17RM-1RH	31:07.146​
Alfa Romeo	4C Gr.3	16RM-2RH	31:08.031​
Alfa Romeo	4C Gr.3	15RM-3RH	31:08.893​
Chevrolet	Corvette C7 Gr.3	17RM-1RH	31:13.169​
Chevrolet	Corvette C7 Gr.3	16RM-2RH	31:13.191​
Chevrolet	Corvette C7 Gr.3	15RM-3RH	31:14.043​

Now, I just hope PD doesn't invalidate these tests by introducing some major changes to the tire model or BoP in tomorrow's update.

 

[DespicableBee]

I've done some testing in the Corvette and Alfa 4C at Catalunya. Like last time, it looks like the optimal strategy for me in both cars is 17RM-1RH. No real surprises there.

For the tests, I did 18 laps on RMs and 6 on RHs. Two rounds each. Custom race at sunset (equal conditions mode) and S18 weather.

Here are the usual tables and charts:

Manufacturer	Model	Tire compound	Laps	Opt time	Best time	Avg time	Total time
Alfa Romeo	4C Gr.3	RM	18​	1:42.793​	1:43.063​	1:43.670​	31:06.058​
Alfa Romeo	4C Gr.3	RH	6​	1:44.017​	1:44.518​	1:44.712​	10:28.273​
Chevrolet	Corvette C7 Gr.3	RM	18​	1:43.224​	1:43.428​	1:44.104​	31:13.872​
Chevrolet	Corvette C7 Gr.3	RH	6​	1:44.525​	1:44.643​	1:44.949​	10:29.691​

Lap times:
View attachment 1531672

Spoiler: Lap times raw data

Lap	Corvette RM	4C RM	Corvette RH	4C RH
1​	1:43.587​	1:44.079​	1:44.768​	1:45.078​
2​	1:43.931​	1:43.737​	1:44.643​	1:44.518​
3​	1:43.543​	1:43.594​	1:45.475​	1:44.680​
4​	1:44.262​	1:43.063​	1:45.095​	1:44.641​
5​	1:43.494​	1:43.568​	1:45.002​	1:44.616​
6​	1:43.428​	1:43.437​	1:44.708​	1:44.740​
7​	1:43.548​	1:44.118​
8​	1:44.412​	1:43.422​
9​	1:44.035​	1:43.144​
10​	1:43.998​	1:43.276​
11​	1:44.332​	1:43.849​
12​	1:44.253​	1:43.781​
13​	1:44.126​	1:44.031​
14​	1:43.974​	1:43.796​
15​	1:44.234​	1:43.722​
16​	1:44.623​	1:43.818​
17​	1:44.621​	1:43.633​
18​	1:45.471​	1:43.990​

Tire tread levels at finish:

Manufacturer	Model	Tire compound	Laps	Front left	Front right	Rear left	Rear right
Alfa Romeo	4C Gr.3	RM	18​	40%​	75%​	60%​	70%​
Alfa Romeo	4C Gr.3	RH	6​	90%​	95%​	90%​	95%​
Chevrolet	Corvette C7 Gr.3	RM	18​	25%​	70%​	70%​	80%​
Chevrolet	Corvette C7 Gr.3	RH	6​	85%​	90%​	90%​	95%​

Simulated strategies based on the lap times above (3 fastest for each car):

Manufacturer	Model	Strategy	Total time
Alfa Romeo	4C Gr.3	17RM-1RH	31:07.146​
Alfa Romeo	4C Gr.3	16RM-2RH	31:08.031​
Alfa Romeo	4C Gr.3	15RM-3RH	31:08.893​
Chevrolet	Corvette C7 Gr.3	17RM-1RH	31:13.169​
Chevrolet	Corvette C7 Gr.3	16RM-2RH	31:13.191​
Chevrolet	Corvette C7 Gr.3	15RM-3RH	31:14.043​

Now, I just hope PD doesn't invalidate these tests by introducing some major changes to the tire model or BoP in tomorrow's update.

I wish i had your time 🤣. I am home now after finishing work at 7, 2 hours work in our bar and then child in bed, just eaten my dinner and now im to wrecked to think about it 🤣🤣. Joking aside, i think you are brave to stick with the chevy, maybe the bop update will help but in all fairness the game needs the latest cars added 😉

 

[BGreenFace]

I’m gonna have a second practice lobby running at 18:20 est and the quali will start at 18:45
Room info:
Race for real
Gt3
Bop on
My IGN is BoredGreenFace

 

[DespicableBee]

I’m gonna have a second practice lobby running at 18:20 est and the quali will start at 18:45
Room info:
Race for real
Gt3
Bop on
My IGN is BoredGreenFace

Ok, i might try 1 run, i have had zero practice and a couple of pints...should go well 🤣

 

[DespicableBee]

I’m gonna have a second practice lobby running at 18:20 est and the quali will start at 18:45
Room info:
Race for real
Gt3
Bop on
My IGN is BoredGreenFace

Cant find it 👍

 

[BGreenFace]

Cant find it 👍

Weird are you at same region only?

 

[DespicableBee]

Weird are you at same region only?

No ,all regions. What is the host name?

 

[BGreenFace]

BoredGreenFace
And the room mode is ok?

 

[DespicableBee]

No ,all regions. What is the host name?

Have it now👍 big irish flag 🤣

 

[BGreenFace]

Tazzy_91?

 

[DespicableBee]

Tazzy_91?

👍I will just start at the back, i am only running laps 👍
Complete waste of my time, just rammed off the track for fun and this is only a lobby race. This is why i race LMU mostly. Sorry, i am out of this mfc if this is what its still going to be like.Shocking *****.

 

[BGreenFace]

👍I will just start at the back, i am only running laps 👍
Complete waste of my time, just rammed off the track for fun and this is only a lobby race. This is why i race LMU mostly. Sorry, i am out of this mfc if this is what its still going to be like.Shocking *****.

Oh sorry didn’t see what happened to you but yeah some people just don’t care and some also have very bad internet connection and keep moving like crazy…

Still it gave me a good idea for my strategy.
I’ll probably start on the hard tire and change 3 or 4 lap in just to avoid traffic and have slightly better rubber than if I pitted lap 1…
Also livery reveal:
Tell me what you guys think about it

 

[dazdilly75]

I've done some testing in the Corvette and Alfa 4C at Catalunya. Like last time, it looks like the optimal strategy for me in both cars is 17RM-1RH. No real surprises there.

For the tests, I did 18 laps on RMs and 6 on RHs. Two rounds each. Custom race at sunset (equal conditions mode) and S18 weather.

Here are the usual tables and charts:

Manufacturer	Model	Tire compound	Laps	Opt time	Best time	Avg time	Total time
Alfa Romeo	4C Gr.3	RM	18​	1:42.793​	1:43.063​	1:43.670​	31:06.058​
Alfa Romeo	4C Gr.3	RH	6​	1:44.017​	1:44.518​	1:44.712​	10:28.273​
Chevrolet	Corvette C7 Gr.3	RM	18​	1:43.224​	1:43.428​	1:44.104​	31:13.872​
Chevrolet	Corvette C7 Gr.3	RH	6​	1:44.525​	1:44.643​	1:44.949​	10:29.691​

Lap times:
View attachment 1531672

Spoiler: Lap times raw data

Lap	Corvette RM	4C RM	Corvette RH	4C RH
1​	1:43.587​	1:44.079​	1:44.768​	1:45.078​
2​	1:43.931​	1:43.737​	1:44.643​	1:44.518​
3​	1:43.543​	1:43.594​	1:45.475​	1:44.680​
4​	1:44.262​	1:43.063​	1:45.095​	1:44.641​
5​	1:43.494​	1:43.568​	1:45.002​	1:44.616​
6​	1:43.428​	1:43.437​	1:44.708​	1:44.740​
7​	1:43.548​	1:44.118​
8​	1:44.412​	1:43.422​
9​	1:44.035​	1:43.144​
10​	1:43.998​	1:43.276​
11​	1:44.332​	1:43.849​
12​	1:44.253​	1:43.781​
13​	1:44.126​	1:44.031​
14​	1:43.974​	1:43.796​
15​	1:44.234​	1:43.722​
16​	1:44.623​	1:43.818​
17​	1:44.621​	1:43.633​
18​	1:45.471​	1:43.990​

Tire tread levels at finish:

Manufacturer	Model	Tire compound	Laps	Front left	Front right	Rear left	Rear right
Alfa Romeo	4C Gr.3	RM	18​	40%​	75%​	60%​	70%​
Alfa Romeo	4C Gr.3	RH	6​	90%​	95%​	90%​	95%​
Chevrolet	Corvette C7 Gr.3	RM	18​	25%​	70%​	70%​	80%​
Chevrolet	Corvette C7 Gr.3	RH	6​	85%​	90%​	90%​	95%​

Simulated strategies based on the lap times above (3 fastest for each car):

Manufacturer	Model	Strategy	Total time
Alfa Romeo	4C Gr.3	17RM-1RH	31:07.146​
Alfa Romeo	4C Gr.3	16RM-2RH	31:08.031​
Alfa Romeo	4C Gr.3	15RM-3RH	31:08.893​
Chevrolet	Corvette C7 Gr.3	17RM-1RH	31:13.169​
Chevrolet	Corvette C7 Gr.3	16RM-2RH	31:13.191​
Chevrolet	Corvette C7 Gr.3	15RM-3RH	31:14.043​

Now, I just hope PD doesn't invalidate these tests by introducing some major changes to the tire model or BoP in tomorrow's update.

Thanks for all your effort @Moose78 it's so appreciated man. Currently in hospital recovering from surgery. Hoping they'll let me home tomorrow so I can compete in round 1. Won't have to time to really test strategy, so this is a god send. Good luck to everyone taking part!

 

[Yard_Sale]

Bop updates??

We don’t care about no stinkin’ BOP updates!!!

 

[Moose78]

Thanks for all your effort @Moose78 it's so appreciated man. Currently in hospital recovering from surgery. Hoping they'll let me home tomorrow so I can compete in round 1. Won't have to time to really test strategy, so this is a god send. Good luck to everyone taking part!

I'm sure I speak for all of us when I wish you a speedy recovery. Hope to see you out on the track soon.

Bop updates??

I asked on the thread about the update. According to this reply, there are no changes to the Gr.3 BoP. Still unclear about Gr.4.

 

[dazdilly75]

I'm sure I speak for all of us when I wish you a speedy recovery. Hope to see you out on the track soon.

I asked on the thread about the update. According to this reply, there are no changes to the Gr.3 BoP. Still unclear about Gr.4.

Cheers bud!

 

[Fezzik]

No BoP changes in Gr3 or Gr4, so all is as it was.

Now I've won a race after many seasons of failure I need a new challenge, so I'm trying to get a podium with one of the basement-dwelling manufacturers. Starting this time with Hyundai, as I really like the Elantra.

(basement meaning bottom 10 in my league from the last offcial season)

 

[OJBrit]

I'm back after a small hiatus. I used my usual randomisation process and the options for the final 3 weren't the best choices. But in the end Mitsubishi came out on top. Not really used the cars before so there will be a learning process but happy to give a new car a go. Also happy to see Gr4 back in the series.

 

[dazdilly75]

I signed with Nissan and managed to do some testing today, I went with the 17RM 1RH the main man @Moose78 suggested. That front left tyre really takes a beating, but it's still faster to do 17 laps on the mediums than switching to the hards earlier.

It's hard to gauge where I am pace wise because I seem to only be racing Porsches and Ferrari's. PD really should have adjusted the BOP because everything else seems slow in comparison to those 2 manufacturers, at least at Barcelona.

 

[VillaJ100]

I signed with Nissan and managed to do some testing today, I went with the 17RM 1RH the main man @Moose78 suggested. That front left tyre really takes a beating, but it's still faster to do 17 laps on the mediums than switching to the hards earlier.

It's hard to gauge where I am pace wise because I seem to only be racing Porsches and Ferrari's. PD really should have adjusted the BOP because everything else seems slow in comparison to those 2 manufacturers, at least at Barcelona.

Think its may just be a simple as those are likely the two most popular marques so they are driven more and practiced with more etc

 

[Thorson1987]

2nd attempt for the day. Started 2nd, was in 1st from halfway through the 1st lap until I was in the pits after 17 laps.

Happy with that.

First one I started 3rd, got to 2nd through the first set of corners only to spin coming out of the hairpin after the penalty zone on the first lap.

Worked my way up to 5th, only to be taken out on that same hairpin on the last lap.

 

[OJBrit]

A great result first up so 1 and done.

Qualified P9 but a car left the room promoting me to P8. I decided that getting my hard lap out of the way first was the way to go and then I could have a calm race and see where I can get to.

I had the best first lap I could have hoped for. I kept up with those ahead and gained on those behind. A car went off at Repsol so I actually gained a place. I was the only one to peel off into the pits. From there I could just run my own laps. It was clear that P1 was checking out and the rest were fighting, so a chance of P2 might be on the cards if they continued. Lap 6 and a Frenchman comes in and immediately sets the fasted lap so they start gaining slowly. There is a mix of strats and others come in also giving me places.
Lap 14 and the Frenchman gets me as the car doesn't want to brake into La Caxia. However next lap and it is them who makes the mistake there.

They spin and I get past again. The car behind on hards does too, but I'm able to slightly pull away from them.
When it all works out I am 4th so my plan has worked for the most part. P2 and P3 are close and fighting so I'm hoping they mess up and allow me a podium. However it's all good from them so P4 I stay. Given my recent results this is a fantastic result for me and a good 800 DR gain.

Good luck to all yet to go.

 

[BBerlingo]

Had a fantastic first race at Catalunia on the Beetle!
High B lobby in gt2.
Qualified 2nd with a 41.9xx. Decided to start on Mediums to stay away from traffic and trouble and it worked out great. Passed P1 as he lost the rear in the first chikane lap3 and managed to pull away from him steadily. Managed laps of 42.5-42.8 throughout while saving tires and avoiding penalties.

My only real battle was with a porsche (above) that started p3 and pitted early. I came out of pits right in front of him on lap18 but had no chance of keeping my position with cold hard tires.
P2 finish matched my point score record of 241(edit: 141 points) from last season already 🤗

Shout out to ChanChan and BumpyyJxl for clean racing!

 

[BGreenFace]

Had a fantastic first race at Catalunia on the Beetle!
High B lobby in gt2.
Qualified 2nd with a 41.9xx. Decided to start on Mediums to stay away from traffic and trouble and it worked out great. Passed P1 as he lost the rear in the first chikane lap3 and managed to pull away from him steadily. Managed laps of 42.5-42.8 throughout while saving tires and avoiding penalties. View attachment 1532348My only real battle was with a porsche (above) that started p3 and pitted early. I came out of pits right in front of him on lap18 but had no chance of keeping my position with cold hard tires.
P2 finish matched my point score record of 241from last season already 🤗

Shout out to ChanChan and BumpyyJxl for clean racing!

Dang
241 points in dr B lobby is insane
Last season I was in a mix of A and B and the lobby only went up to around 150…
Did they change the point system?