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LEGENDARY ZOUTE GRAND PRIX EXPANDS INTO 5-DAY EVENT: ZOUTE GRAND PRIX CAR WEEK 2025

08 May 2025

LEGENDARY ZOUTE GRAND PRIX EXPANDS INTO 5-DAY EVENT: ZOUTE GRAND PRIX CAR WEEK 2025

With its expansion to five days, the addition of a new rally, a stop in Antwerp, and many other new features, the event fulfils its promise of “exclusivity and inclusivity” more than ever before.

May 8th 2025 – The official start of the three-day Durbuy Rally this afternoon at Autoworld Brussels is the perfect moment for the organisers of the Zoute Grand Prix to announce what’s new for the autumn edition of their event.

The event has been a staple of the Belgian and international motoring calendar for many years and will continue in 2025 with its ambition to become both more exclusive and more inclusive. To achieve this, several bold new initiatives are being introduced. The event will expand to five days – from Wednesday 8 to Sunday 12 October – and will adopt a new name: Zoute Grand Prix Car Week. The additional day makes room for numerous innovations, including a brand-new rally, a route through the heart of Antwerp, the return of the iconic Concours d’Élégance, and even more experiences for both visitors and participants.

“Last year, we proved that innovation and respect for the DNA of the event can go hand in hand. We're carrying that success into 2025, with even more space for experience, connection, innovation, and above all, a pure passion for automotive art,” says CEO Koen Van Hout.

NEW: Zoute Iconic Rally on Wednesday 8 October

The extra day paves the way for a brand-new initiative: the Zoute Iconic Rally. This one-day rally focuses on vehicles first registered between 1 January 1976 and 31 December 2005 – right between the age limits of the classic Zoute Rally and the modern GT Tour. This era produced a generation of iconic cars such as the Ferrari F40, the Bugatti Veyron, the BMW Z8, the Jaguar XJ220 and the Lamborghini Countach, to name just a few. Despite their rising popularity, there are hardly any high-level rallies for this category. The Zoute Iconic Rally fills this gap and targets an international field of participants who value the driving sensation these cars offer.

iconic

The return of the Concours d’Élégance

After a short absence, the prestigious Zoute Concours d’Élégance by ING Private Banking returns. On Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 October, the Approach Golf – just 500 metres from the Albertplein – will once again serve as the backdrop for an impressive display of automotive elegance. The participating cars will be shown in carefully curated categories and judged by an international jury. The highlight will be the presentation of the coveted Best of Show Award – a must-see for lovers of timeless beauty and craftsmanship.

zoute iconic rally

More exclusive and more inclusive: an enduring ambition

“Last year, we set out to make the event more exclusive for those attending the ticketed segments, while also making it more inclusive for the broader public that flocks to Knokke-Heist. In 2025, we are taking that promise even further,” says CEO Koen Van Hout. “More exclusive thanks to offerings like the two-day GT Tour, the revamped Concours, and once again the presence of leading modern brands in the Gallery. More inclusive thanks to public areas such as the Car Boulevard and the highly visible presence of no fewer than three rallies on the streets. As a result, Knokke-Heist becomes ‘the place to be’ for five whole days for everyone who loves art on four wheels.”

CEO Koen Van Hout

Zoute Grand Prix Gallery by EY and Zoute Sale by Bonhams|Cars, remain the beating heart

Amid all the changes, one thing remains constant: the Zoute Grand Prix Gallery by EY. The beach pavilion on the Albertplein remains the place where automotive past and future come together, and where 17 luxury and premium car manufacturers present their latest models – often with Belgian or even European premieres. Additionally, all rallies will start and end on the promenade in front of the Gallery, making for a spectacular experience for spectators.

The Gallery will also once again host the Zoute Sale by Bonhams|Cars, now in its 13th edition, cementing its status as Bonhams|Cars’ most important car auction worldwide. A meticulously curated collection of historical gems and rare vehicles will go under the hammer on Sunday in a unique setting, in the presence of international collectors and buyers. Expectations are once again high.

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Two-day format for the Zoute GT Tour by Insentials

The Zoute GT Tour by Insentials, a rally for sports and dream cars from 2006 onwards, is also receiving a major update in 2025. For the first time, participants can choose between a one-day or a two-day format. The two-day rally kicks off on Saturday 11 October and concludes in festive fashion on Sunday 12 October on the seafront promenade in Knokke-Heist. The Zoute GT Tour by Insentials thus becomes a full-fledged rally within the five-day programme, offering more driving pleasure and increased camaraderie among participants.

zoute gt tour