A highly competitive field of 56 cars representing 11 world-leading automotive brands will chase glory at this year's Total 24 Hours of Spa (22-25 October). The 72nd edition of the twice-around-the-clock classic will be the first to take place during the autumn months, adding a new dimension to the familiar challenge posed by the undulating 7km Spa-Francorchamps layout. Indeed, competitors will need to contend with considerably cooler temperatures and significantly more night running at GT3 racing's gold standard event.

Total 24 Hours of Spa 2019, Porsche group shot

The Total 24 Hours of Spa represents the marquee event for GT World Challenge Europe Powered by AWS and Intercontinental GT Challenge Powered by Pirelli, attracting the highest calibre of competitors to test themselves at the iconic Belgian circuit. A 28-strong contingent will field full-pro crews, bringing together some of the world's most accomplished teams and drivers to compete for the coveted overall victory.

A further 28 cars will look to earn class honours in the Ardennes, with the battle for glory set to be fierce in the Silver Cup, Pro-Am and Am Cup categories. What's more, with Spa allowing each full-season Intercontinental GT Challenge manufacturer to nominate up to six cars, a record 39 entrants will be eligible to score points towards the global championship at this year's race. These are the hopefuls looking to write their names in history by conquering a unique autumn edition.

PORSCHE (911 GT3 R)

Total of 11 Porsche crews, more than any other brand

Representation in all four classes

11 entries: 8 Pro | 1 Silver Cup | 1 Pro-Am | 1 Am Cup

Porsche has signalled its determination to secure back-to-back victories by confirming eight full-pro crews. Last year's winning line-up of Kevin Estre, Richard Lietz and Michael Christensen shifts to the KCMG squad, while there is plenty more factory talent spread between GPX Racing, Dinamic Motorsport, ROWE Racing and Frikadelli Racing. The Dinamic squad adds an extra Silver Cup car, while Spa stalwart Herberth Motorsport will deploy 911 GT3-R entries in the Pro-Am and Am Cup classes.

The first Total 24 Hours of Spa track activity of 2020 takes place on Tuesday 20 October, followed by a packed Thursday that features free practice, pre-qualifying and qualifying, The latter sets grid positions 21 through 56, while Friday evening's Super Pole shootout will establish the first 10 rows and decide this year's pole-sitter. Pre-qualifying also signals the start of free-to-view coverage from the circuit, which continues for the remainder of the event on the Total 24 Hours of Spa website and Facebook page, as well as the GT World YouTube channel. Further information on how to watch and international television plans will be shared ahead of the race.

This year’s Total 24 Hours of Spa will get underway at 15.30 on Saturday 24 October, having made the one-off move away from its traditional July date. It will conclude the following day at 14.30, with the end of Central European Summer Time meaning that clocks will move back by one hour at 03.00 on Sunday morning. The 2020 edition represents the 20th staged as a GT race, as well as the 10th since the highly successful GT3 rules platform was first introduced in 2011.