Mercedes-AMG Confirms Record-Breaking GT3 Entry for 2026 Bathurst 12 Hour
Mercedes AMG has confirmed a record-breaking presence for the 2026 Bathurst 12 Hour, announcing that ten Mercedes AMG GT3 cars will contest the iconic endurance race at Mount Panorama. The unprecedented entry marks the largest number of cars fielded by a single manufacturer in the event’s history and highlights the growing global importance of the Bathurst 12 Hour within international GT racing.
The expanded Mercedes AMG lineup will feature a strong mix of Pro, Pro Am and Bronze class entries, with the majority of cars competing in the outright Pro category. This depth provides the German marque with a significant strategic advantage across the 12 hour contest, allowing teams to manage traffic, strategy variations and endurance challenges more effectively throughout the race.
Credit: EnduranceInfo.com
Three officially recognised Mercedes AMG Performance Teams will spearhead the assault on Mount Panorama. Tigani Motorsport joins the grid as a newly appointed Performance Team, alongside the established Craft Bamboo Racing and GMR squads. Each team brings extensive GT3 experience and a proven ability to manage long-distance racing at the highest level, ensuring Mercedes AMG will be a constant presence at the front of the field.
Mercedes AMG’s commitment builds on a strong Bathurst legacy, with the brand having previously achieved overall victories and consistent podium contention at the event. The GT3 platform has proven particularly well-suited to the demands of Mount Panorama, balancing outright speed with durability across the mountain’s punishing layout and dramatic elevation changes.
The driver line ups across the ten entries are expected to feature a blend of international endurance specialists and leading Australian talent, further strengthening the competitive depth of the field. This combination of global experience and local knowledge is key to tackling the unique challenges of Bathurst, particularly during night running and high-pressure restarts.
Credit: Bathurst12Hour.com.au
Beyond the competitive implications, the announcement reinforces the Bathurst 12 Hour’s status as a premier global endurance race and a cornerstone event of the Intercontinental GT Challenge. Mercedes AMG’s record entry underscores the event’s growing appeal to manufacturers seeking to showcase their customer racing programs on a world stage.
As preparations continue toward the 2026 running, Mercedes-AMG’s expanded presence sets the tone for what promises to be one of the most competitive and manufacturer diverse Bathurst 12 Hours in history. With numbers, experience and ambition on its side, the marque enters the event firmly positioned as a major contender for outright honours.