Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific customer team, Absolute Racing, has announced its return to the Meguiar’s Bathurst 12H for the first time since 2020.
It’s star-studded driver line-up for next month’s enduro is set too, with Porsche factory driver Matt Campbell and Porsche drivers Ayhancan Güven and Alessio Picariello confirmed to race for the Shanghai-based squad.
In the team’s previous visit to Mount Panorama Circuit five years ago, Campbell secured a stunning pole position, Porsche’s first at the event. He then went on to finish fourth alongside Mathieu Jaminet and Patrick Pilet.
The Australian is a two-time winner at Bathurst, the first of which were thanks to his stunning late overtake through the Esses in 2019. Alongside Turkish racer Güven, the pair will be aiming to defend their crown, having also taken overall victory in 2024 with Manthey EMA.
“It’s great to be reuniting with Absolute Racing as we secured Porsche’s first ever Bathurst pole position when we last worked together in 2020,” said Campbell.
“After the success in 2024, when I won the race, we’ll be aiming to replicate this alongside Ayhancan and Alessio. It’s my home event at my favourite track in the world, so I can’t wait to start the year off in Australia.”
Picariello completes the trio, with the Belgian set to make his second appearance at the New South Wales-based circuit, after taking Pro-Am honours on his debut in 2024.
“It’s amazing to be heading back to Bathurst after my first outing last February,” he said.
“I’m excited to be in the Pro car this year with Absolute Racing, alongside two very strong teammates, who both won the overall category in 2024, while I was in the car that took Pro-Am honours.
“The goals are quite clear, and I’m looking forward to enjoying the whole race weekend!”
This year’s Bathurst 12 Hour is set to take place on February 2nd.
