The great and the good of international GT racing descended on the start-finish straight at the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit this afternoon, where they gathered for the official photograph ahead of the 70th edition Total 24 Hours of Spa.



The full contingent of 221 drivers lined up on the grid alongside 13 cars, one representing each brand competing in this weekend’s twice-around-the-clock race.



As is traditional the Spa weather made itself known, with a brief but heavy rain shower interrupting the photograph and sending drivers rushing back to the garages to take cover.



When it passed the sun quickly reappeared, allowing the group shot to be successfully completed.



The photo began a day of activities for the competitors. At 18:00 they will join the eagerly awaited parade of cars from the circuit to Spa town centre, where they will sign autographs before heading to the drivers’ briefing.



With this complete they will make the return journey to the race paddock in preparation for a hectic Thursday, which will see free practice, pre-qualifying, qualifying and night practice all take place over a 12-hour stretch.



From qualifying onwards, all on-track activity will be streamed live on the Blancpain GT Series website. Live timing will also be available, and fans can gain even more insight by following the official Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts.



