Mercedes-AMG Prepares for Bathurst 12 Hour with Record Entry
Bathurst, Australia – The 2026 edition of the Bathurst 12 Hour promises an intense battle with a 35-car grid, including ten Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO entries. This marks a significant moment for the Affalterbach-based manufacturer, which aims to launch its Intercontinental GT Challenge (IGTC) campaign with a victory.
Mercedes-AMG’s customer racing boss, Stefan Wendl, emphasized the strategy behind the large entry. “We’re trying to dominate with numbers! At the end, you only need one car that is fast and goes 12 hours, but having 10 cars makes us proud,” he commented, recalling the company’s strong history in the event, having reached the podium in every race over the past five years.
The dominant force in recent years, the 75 Express team, featuring Kenny Habul, Marco Stolz, and Jules Gounon, is vying for its fifth consecutive podium after clinching victories in 2022 and 2023. Stolz cited the strong team dynamic and strategic acumen as key advantages. “Kenny always puts together a great team. In Bathurst, the crew made amazing strategy calls,” he explained.
The AMG GT3 EVO, while older in the competitive landscape, remains highly regarded, particularly for its performance at the Bathurst circuit. Stolz noted its versatility, stating, “It’s hard to find a track that doesn’t suit the Mercedes-AMG GT3.”
However, Mercedes-AMG is not without competition. Notable entries include Lucas Auer with Craft-Bamboo, and an all-Supercars lineup from Scott Taylor Motorsport featuring Thomas Randle, Cameron Waters, and Chaz Mostert. Grove Racing, GMR, and Tigani Motorsport also bring formidable lineups to the Pro class.
Despite the collaborative brand effort, individual teams will be rivals on track. Stolz acknowledged this dynamic, indicating that early race considerations will likely give way to fierce competition in the final hours.
With a wide array of manufacturers such as Porsche, BMW, and Ferrari also participating, the 2026 Bathurst 12 Hour is set to be an enthralling spectacle. As teams finalize their strategies, the race on Sunday will reveal which combination of speed, strategy, and teamwork prevails.
