The 2026 Michelin 24H Series European season will get underway in just two weeks, as the legendary Mugello circuit in Tuscany, Italy, hosts the much-anticipated Michelin 12H Mugello. With 31 cars entered for the opening round, the race is set to be a thrilling spectacle, filled with intense multi-class battles and fierce competition. Major automotive brands such as Audi, Mercedes-AMG, Porsche, Ferrari, Aston Martin, and Lamborghini will vie for the overall GT3 victory, making the season opener one of the most exciting of the year.
Star-studded GT3 field for the season opener
The GT3 class promises to be a highlight of the event, with a competitive grid featuring some of the best teams and drivers in endurance racing. Three Porsche 911 GT3 R (992) cars will be present, with reigning European Series Team Champions Proton Competition leading the charge. Joining them is Herberth Motorsport, who finished second in the recent Michelin 24H Series Middle East Trophy and were crowned GT3 PRO-AM champions. Herberth will field two Porsches for the 2026 season opener.
Other big names include Continental Racing by Simpson Motorsport, which finished third in GT3-AM at Mugello last year, and went on to win the GT3-AM crown in the 2025/2026 Middle East Trophy. The team will compete with its Audi R8 LMS GT3 EVO II, while Audi entries from HAAS RT and Sainteloc Junior Team will add further depth to the competitive Audi lineup.
HOFOR Racing, Viper Niza Racing, and Ajith RedAnt Racing will each field Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO cars. These teams bring a strong chance of success in what is shaping up to be a tightly contested race. Not to be outdone, Getspeed will mount a double attack with a pair of Mercedes-AMGs. Furthermore, Italian team MP Racing will return to the grid.
Meanwhile, Era Motorsport, the sole Ferrari 296 GT3 entrant, will aim to improve on its impressive third-place overall finish and second-place in the GT3 PRO-AM class at Mugello last year. E2P Racing will bring an Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 EVO, while ARC Bratislava will challenge with its ever-popular yellow Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO, which finished second in GT3-AM last year.
The 992 Class: A fiercely competitive field for 2026 24H Series opener at 12H Mugello
The 992 class is also shaping up to be one of the most competitive categories of the event, with 11 cars entered for the Mugello opener. Among the returning teams are Red Camel-Jordans.nl, RPM Racing, who took the 992-AM victory last season, and SebLajoux Racing, making a double entry alongside fellow French squad Chazel Technologie Course. HRT Performance makes a big statement with three entries, including two of their own cars and the sister QMMF by HRT Performance entry. Mühlner Motorsport and Italian outfit The Driving Experiences will also bring further strength to the class. Rounding out the 992 lineup is Denmark’s Holmgaard Motorsport, which adds international flavour to the competition.
GTX Class adds Maserati and Lotus to the mix
The GTX class will feature some fascinating entries, including a Maserati MC20 GT2 from Dinamic Motorsport. The Italian manufacturer makes its mark at Mugello as part of the Michelin 24H Series’ diverse grid. PB Racing will add a distinctive touch with its Lotus Exige V6 Cup R, providing a welcome addition to the field. Michelin 24H Series regulars Vortex V8 will return with their twin Vortex 2.0 entries, promising to add extra excitement to the class.
TCE-TCX Class: Compact yet competitive
In the TCE-TCX class, the competition is set to be fierce, with the striking Ligier JS2 R from Italian team Not Only Motorsport ready to battle against the SEAT Leon Cup Racer of asBest Racing. Both teams will aim for strong performances in what promises to be a highly competitive category.
Supporting races at Mugello
The Michelin 24H Series will not be the only highlight of the event, as the opening round of the 2026 season will feature exciting support races from the Creventic-organised Prototype Cup Europe, Radical Cup Europe, and TCR Europe. This additional action will enhance the event’s entertainment value, providing fans with a full weekend of motorsport.
Michelin 24H Series European Season: 12H Mugello: Event timetable and live coverage
The Michelin 24H Series action will begin with two CR Track Days on Wednesday, 18 March, and Thursday, 19 March, giving teams valuable track time ahead of the race weekend. Free practice and qualifying will take place on Friday, 20 March, with three sessions for the 992, GT4, and TCE-TCX classes, followed by three further sessions for the GT3 entries.
On Saturday, 21 March, the Michelin 12H Mugello will kick off at 12:10 local time with the first five and a half hours of racing. After a brief overnight break, the concluding six and a half hours will start at 12:00 local time. Fans can catch all the action live on Creventic Motorsports TV via YouTube, with links to the live coverage and timing available at www.24hseries.com.
12H Mugello expected to be a thrilling start to the 2026 24H Series European season
With a diverse and competitive entry list, the Michelin 12H Mugello promises to be an exciting season opener for the 2026 Michelin 24H Series European season. Therefore, the mix of top-tier manufacturers, world-class drivers, and a range of classes ensures that the race will be a spectacular display of endurance racing at its finest. Thus, fans and competitors alike will be eager to see which team will come out on top in this iconic race at the beautiful Mugello circuit.
