Shanghai-based Absolute Racing has confirmed it will return to the Bathurst 12 Hour in 2026, with the team once again entering the Pro class for its third appearance at the race.
Porsche factory driver Matt Campbell will be joined by Porsche contracted drivers Alessio Picariello and Bastian Buus in the team’s Porsche 911 GT3 R (992), which is being fielded with support from Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific.
Two-time winner Campbell, Picariello and Ayhancan Güven finished sixth overall in the 12-Hour for Absolute earlier this year, whilst Campbell also raced for the Porsche outfit on its Bathurst debut in 2020, when he scored pole position and finished fourth overall alongside Mathieu Jaminet and Patrick Pilet.
2026 is set to be Campbell’s 11th start in total, making him one of the most experienced drivers in the field, with the reigning IMSA GTP drivers’ champion having only missed the pandemic-affected 2022 edition since debuting in 2014.
“This will be my third time competing at Bathurst 12 Hour with Absolute Racing,” the Australian said.
“I’m looking forward to seeing lots of familiar faces and I think we’ve got a strong line-up with Bastian and Alessio. As an Australian it’s one of the highlights of the season, so we’re aiming to have a strong weekend and battle for a podium finish.”
Picariello is making his third consecutive start at the race, following on from sixth this year and Pro/Am victory on debut in 2024. The Belgian has a long history with Absolute Racing, which dates back to the team’s one-off appearance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2021.
“It’s one of the coolest events of the year and one of the best race tracks in the world, and always brings extra excitement thanks to being early in the season,” Picariello commented.
“To return with Absolute Racing is a pleasure, and alongside Matt and Bastian, I believe we have all the ingredients to succeed in our Porsche 911 GT3 R.”
Buus is set to make his second appearance at the 12-Hour, two years on from his debut. The 22-year-old finished fourth in 2024, when he raced a Porsche run by Phantom Global Racing and Team 75.
“I’m super excited to be working with Absolute Racing for the first time at Bathurst 12 Hour!” said Buus.
“I know Matt and Alessio well so I’m sure that we will have a great event. With the driver line-up and the experience of the team, I’m confident that we can fight at the front throughout the enduro. It’s now all about our preparation leading up to the big weekend in February.”
Absolute Racing will be looking to maintain the strong form it has shown in Intercontinental GT Challenge competition in 2025, when sixth at Bathurst was followed up with a runner-up finish at September’s Suzuka 1000KM.
Team Principal Fabien Fior commented: “We are delighted to be returning to the Bathurst 12 Hour, and to do so in Porsche colours makes it even more special. We have fond memories of this event, having secured pole position and led the race in 2020, and leading it again in 2025.
“This time, we will be aiming to convert that pace into the podium finish that has so far eluded us, while enjoying the incredible support of the local fans. We can count on three excellent drivers – Matt and Alessio form a strong and familiar core within the Absolute Racing line-up, while Bastian will be a valuable addition. I believe we have everything in place to make it happen.”
Absolute Racing joins 2019 winner Earl Bamber Motorsport (https://www.dailysportscar.com/2025/12/18/ebm-confirms-star-studded-trio-for-bathurst-12-hour.html) in representing Porsche in the Pro class at next year’s Intercontinental GT Challenge season opener, as the German marque looks to achieve a GT3-era record-tying third victory.
The 2026 Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour will take place from 13th to 15th February 2026.
Image courtesy of Bathurst 12 Hour
