Record-breaking grid set to 2026 24H Abu Dhabi

A 68-car grid will contest the 2026 Michelin 24H Dubai finale as GT3 stars and endurance giants prepare for a thrilling showdown.
Photo Credit: Creventic
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Hot on the heels of confirming more than 60 entries for Abu Dhabi, Creventic has now raised the stakes even further. The event organiser has revealed a massive 68-car grid for the final round of the 2025/2026 Michelin 24H Series Middle East Trophy – the 2026 Michelin 24H Dubai.

As a result, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be a spectacular conclusion at Dubai Autodrome across 16–18 January.

Endurance Racing’s crown jewel returns

The annual trip to Dubai Autodrome remains one of endurance racing’s most celebrated events. Once again, the race attracts both quality and quantity, ensuring a dramatic championship finale under the Middle Eastern sun and floodlights.

Moreover, with titles still on the line, teams arrive determined to deliver standout performances on one of the calendar’s biggest stages.

Team WRT headlines elite GT3 grid at 2026 24H Dubai

Defending race winners Team WRT return to lead the GT3 category with two BMW M4 GT3 EVO entries. The No.669 car features a star-studded line-up including Anthony McIntosh, Ben Tuck, Jordan Pepper, Kelvin van der Linde and Fran Rueda.

Meanwhile, the No.27 BMW includes Stanislav Minsky, Mathieu Detry, Thomas Kiefer, Julian Hanses and Christopher Haase, reinforcing the team’s strength in depth.

Paradine Competition also joins the BMW contingent, with Darren Leung confirmed so far. Notably, Leung enjoyed remarkable success in Dubai last season, winning both GT3-AM and the overall race.

Porsche powerhouses target victory

Origine powered by CC, fresh from victory in Malaysia, continues its campaign with Bob Yuan, Leo Ye and Deng Yi in the Porsche 911 GT3 R (992). At the same time, Dinamic GT fields a strong five-driver line-up, while Pure Rxcing brings additional firepower with Michelle Gatting and Max Hofer among its drivers.

Furthermore, Herberth Motorsport enters two cars, including one featuring reigning GT3 Drivers’ Champion Loek Hartog. EBM, Fulgenzi Racing and Razoon – More Than Racing also bolster the Porsche ranks.

Mercedes-AMG contenders ready to challenge

Reigning Middle East Trophy champions Winward Racing lead the Mercedes-AMG charge. Their line-ups feature proven talent such as Maro Engel and Luca Stolz, signalling clear intent to defend their titles.

Team Parker Racing adds further intrigue with an impressive roster that includes four-time IndyCar Champion and three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dario Franchitti MBE, alongside Rob Huff and the Lynn family.

Additionally, Grove Racing by Getspeed fields a formidable entry featuring Jules Gounon, while HOFOR Racing, Ajith RedAnt Racing and SVC Sport Management all contribute to a highly competitive Mercedes-AMG presence.

Diverse manufacturers strengthen the 2026 24H Dubai grid

Beyond Porsche and Mercedes-AMG, the grid showcases remarkable variety. Optimum Motorsport brings two McLaren 720S GT3 EVO entries, while HAAS RT and Sainteloc Junior Team field multiple Audi R8 LMS GT3 EVO II cars.

Continental Racing by Simpson Motorsport also returns with a strong Audi line-up, aiming to build on previous success.

Ferrari, meanwhile, enjoys significant representation. Scuderia Praha returns with a familiar line-up, while Dragon Racing enters three Ferrari 296 GT3 cars, including the Al Manar by Dragon Racing entry featuring Axcil Jefferies and Al Faisal Al Zubair.

Competitive 992 Class grid adds depth to 2026 24H Dubai

The Porsche-exclusive 992 class once again promises intense competition. HRT Performance leads the charge with four entries, including the ARMotors and X Motorsport-backed cars.

Red Camel-Jordans.nl, winners in Malaysia, return with their established line-up, while Mühlner Motorsport aims for a strong result after consistent performances.

SebLajoux Racing fields two cars, and additional entries from Razoon – More Than Racing, Red Ant Racing and Tierra Outdoor Racing by FACH ensure a packed and competitive field.

Strong support class grids enhance the show of the 24H Dubai

The supporting categories further enrich the event. In GTX, Vortex V8 returns alongside the welcome reappearance of the Rossa LM GT, driven by Roman Rusinov and Amna Al Qubaisi among others.

Lamborghini Super Trofeo entries from GT 3 Poland and Leipert Motorsport add further excitement, while Team CMR enters both a Lamborghini and a Ginetta G56 GT2.

GT4 action features BMW, Toyota, Ginetta and Porsche machinery. Cerny Motorsport leads the class following its Malaysia victory, while Circuit Toys and CWS Engineering provide strong opposition.

In TCE-TCX, asBest Racing fields four cars, underlining its commitment to the championship. Additional entries from TGRR, KCMG and Team Sorg Rennsport ensure a competitive multi-class battle.

Packed 2026 24H Dubai weekend schedule promises drama with star-studded grid

Track action begins on Wednesday, 14 January, with CR Track Day sessions, followed by the traditional parade through Motor City. Further sessions take place on Thursday ahead of a busy Friday schedule.

Qualifying kicks off at 13:45 local time, featuring multiple sessions across all classes. Notably, the GT3 field will contest a Top 10 Shoot-Out, adding an extra layer of excitement before night practice.

Finally, the Michelin 24H Dubai begins at 13:00 on Saturday, 17 January. The race will run uninterrupted for 24 hours, concluding at 13:00 on Sunday, 18 January.

With a record-breaking grid and a wealth of world-class talent, the Michelin 24H Dubai stands poised to deliver a thrilling finale to the 2025/2026 Michelin 24H Series Middle East Trophy.