Milan, a city defined by style, speed, and motorsport passion, becomes the center of the racing world this weekend. The Gran Turismo World Series 2026 begins inside the historic Teatro Lirico Giorgio Gaber, just moments from the iconic Duomo. The sold-out event marks Gran Turismo’s first-ever World Series appearance in Italy and opens a new global season where national pride, manufacturer legacy, and elite competition collide. Fans around the world will be able to experience every moment live in Gran Turismo 7, on Gran Turismo Live, YouTube, and Twitch.
The opening round immediately delivers one of the season’s biggest storylines. Former World Champion Valerio Gallo arrives in Milan carrying the expectations of a passionate home crowd eager to see an Italian driver triumph on home soil. But standing in his way is reigning Nations Cup champion Jose Serrano, the Spanish star who established himself as the benchmark in 2025 and enters the new season as the driver everyone wants to beat. And the challengers are already closing in.
Japan’s Takuma Miyazono travels to Milan directly from competing in the famous Nürburgring 24H race. He will be determined to quickly adapt from a real cockpit to the SIM rig as he bids to reclaim the title he won in 2020 and 2024. Spaniard, Pol Urra, continues his rise after another standout season in 2025. Meanwhile, 18-year-old Samuel Moreno, another prodigious talent from Spain, makes his Gran Turismo World Series debut in Milan, introducing a new generation of talent to the sport’s biggest stage.
Round One is about more than early points. It is the first opportunity to seize momentum, establish psychological advantage, and shape the narrative that will define the championship race in the months ahead.
Across both championships, elite drivers representing nations from Europe, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas will compete in front of a live audience in two distinct battles. The Nations Cup transforms national pride and identity into rivalry on track, while the Manufacturers Cup turns automotive legacy and engineering reputation into a fight for global supremacy between some of the world’s most iconic brands.
That manufacturer rivalry brings its own drama into 2026.
Defending champion Team Porsche returns with their driver, Serrano. Once again, Porsche looks to defend its crown against a hungry field. Team Mazda enters the season chasing redemption after narrowly missing last year’s title with Urra leading the challenge, while Team Subaru introduces British newcomer Callum Moxon as fresh talent joins the championship battle.
The World Series experience extends beyond the broadcast inside Gran Turismo 7 itself. Fans who watch the live streams in-game will unlock exclusive Stealth Model race cars, while predicting race winners and taking part in the Lap Time Challenge at Autodromo Nazionale Monza allows players to experience the competition alongside the world’s best drivers. The campaigns transform spectators into participants, bringing fans closer to the action throughout the weekend.
Fans looking to follow every storyline, driver, race, and in-game campaign throughout the weekend can explore the Gran Turismo World Series 2026 Milan Event Page, and follow on Instagram and X. The Manufacturers Cup will start proceedings at 15:00 UTC, and the Nations Cup begins at 17:30 UTC.
After the lights go out in Milan this weekend, it isn’t over. The Gran Turismo World Series 2026 starts here — and every rivalry, title fight, and defining moment that follows will trace back to the first lap in Italy.