Record field, new manufacturers and world-class drivers at the IGTC opener
When the starting flag falls at the Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst for the Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour, not only does one of the most prestigious GT endurance races in the world begin – the Australian classic also traditionally marks the start of the Intercontinental GT Challenge (IGTC) season. The 2026 edition promises to be one of the most exciting and high-caliber events in recent years. With new manufacturers, a record line-up and numerous top international drivers, the global GT3 season is set to get off to a landmark start.
Record field and international diversity
A total of 35 vehicles will compete in the Pro, Pro-Am, Silver, Bronze, GT4 and Invitational classes in the twelve-hour endurance race. The international dimension is particularly impressive: 115 drivers from 22 nations are registered. Among them are nine former overall winners who can look back on 15 Bathurst successes between them.
The variety of brands is also remarkable: twelve manufacturers are represented in total, ten of them in the highly competitive GT3 category. In addition to established names such as BMW, Ferrari, Mercedes-AMG, Porsche, Audi and Lamborghini, two prominent newcomers in particular are attracting attention. Ford and Chevrolet will be making their debut in the overall standings of the Intercontinental GT Challenge in 2026, while McLaren will be competing with GT3 cars at Bathurst for the first time since 2020.
New manufacturers provide fresh dynamism
The entry of Ford and Chevrolet marks an important milestone for the series. Ford is entering the new Mustang GT3, which is making its debut on one of the world’s most demanding race tracks. The car will be driven by an experienced driver line-up that combines both international endurance racing experience and local track knowledge. The commitment is seen as an important step in the manufacturer’s global GT3 customer racing program.
Corvette is also breaking new ground at Bathurst with the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R. Two cars will be entered, including a Pro car with an international driver trio and a Pro-Am entry with strong regional participation. The first appearance of the US sports car icon underlines the growing importance of the IGTC as a global platform for manufacturer involvement.
Mercedes-AMG with a strong line-up
The commitment of Mercedes-AMG is particularly extensive. A total of ten Mercedes-AMG GT3s are on the entry list – more than ever before at the Bathurst 12 Hour. Six of them are competing in the Pro category, with further cars entered in Pro-Am and Bronze.
With this large line-up, Mercedes-AMG is clearly aiming to build on previous successes and fight for overall victory. The brand is one of the most successful manufacturers in recent years and is also one of the favorites to win at Mount Panorama in 2026.
World-class riders and well-known names at the start
The driver line-up includes many of the best GT drivers in the world. With Kelvin van der Linde and Augusto Farfus, the reigning Bathurst overall winners are represented as well as several winners of major endurance classics, including the 24 Hours of Spa and the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring.
Two-time Bathurst winner Matt Campbell is also returning and is one of the candidates for overall victory. Other prominent names such as Raffaele Marciello, Maro Engel, Lucas Auer and Alex Sims underline the exceptional quality of the field of participants.
The return of Valentino Rossi is attracting additional attention. The MotoGP legend is competing again at Bathurst after finishing a strong second last year.
Strong local participation and special stories
In addition to the international stars, numerous top Australian drivers will also be represented. More than a quarter of the current participants in the Repco Supercars Championship are on the start list, including champion Chaz Mostert and other top drivers such as Will Brown, Broc Feeney and Cameron Waters.
The Quinn family is also writing a special story: three generations are competing together in an Audi R8 – a rare and highly symbolic example of the tradition and fascination of endurance racing.
Reigning GT World Challenge Australia champion Brad Schumacher will also be looking to underpin his national success with a strong result at his home race.
Key race at the start of the IGTC season
As the first of five rounds of the Intercontinental GT Challenge season, the Bathurst 12 Hour traditionally plays an important role. Drivers and manufacturers collect important points for the overall standings of the global championship, regardless of their class classification.
The special challenges of the track make the race even more demanding. The Mount Panorama Circuit is known for its narrow passages, fast changes of direction and large differences in altitude. Added to this are the changing conditions between darkness and daylight, which challenge man and material in equal measure.
Excitement and trend-setting season opener expected
With a top-class field of drivers, new manufacturers and the largest field of participants in years, the Bathurst 12 Hour 2026 promises a spectacular start to the new GT season. The combination of experienced winners, ambitious newcomers and international competition creates the ideal conditions for an exciting and trend-setting race.
The season opener could already reveal which manufacturers and drivers will play a decisive role in the Intercontinental GT Challenge title fight. One thing is certain: The endurance classic at Mount Panorama remains one of the most important and prestigious GT races in the world – and all signs point to top-class motorsport in 2026 as well.