Race Report: Red Flag at 2026 Bathurst 12 Hour After Major Collision
The 2026 Bathurst 12 Hour encountered a significant disruption when a collision involving the leading #77 Craft Bambo Racing Mercedes-AMG, driven by Ralf Aron, and the #79 Tsunami RT Porsche of Johannes Zelger brought the race to a halt.
The incident occurred shortly after a safety car restart, as the #79 Porsche, having received a wave-by under caution, suffered a wall contact at McPhillamy Park. As the pack approached the Dipper, contact with the rear of the Porsche caused it to spin and come to rest in a precarious position.
Aron, leading the field immediately prior to the incident after a strategic pit lane maneuver, was unable to react in time to the stationary #79, colliding head-on despite double-waved yellow flags preceding the section. Fortunately, both drivers exited their vehicles uninjured and were evaluated at the circuit medical center.
Race control, faced with a debris field across the track, opted to red flag the event with 3 hours and 40 minutes remaining. Teams were permitted to change tyres during the suspension due to multiple instances of tyre damage incurred by navigating through debris.
The race had initially resumed after a series of earlier cautions that included incidents involving the #222 STM Mercedes and pit exit complications stemming from a marker cone displaced by Valentino Rossi in the #46 WRT BMW.
As the race unfolded, the #75 Express Mercedes, piloted by Luca Stolz, led the field. Notably, the event was marred by another significant incident when the #268 Team BRM Audi caught fire after crashing into the wall at McPhillamy, resulting in a lengthy safety car period to clear the wreckage.
At present, Stolz leads the race ahead of the #888 GMR Mercedes-AMG and the #95 Optimum McLaren, with the top 15 cars remaining on the lead lap. As the race prepares to resume after a prolonged stoppage, the challenge for teams remains high as they strive for a strong finish in this prestigious endurance event.
