Herberth Motorsport delivered a clinical and composed performance to secure victory in a dramatic 2026 Michelin 6H Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit. The No.10 Porsche 911 GT3 R (992), driven by Loek Hartog, Antares Au and Huub van Eijndhoven, emerged on top after a race defined by incidents and repeated Code 60 interruptions.
Perfect execution amid constant disruption sees Herberth Motorsport seal 2026 6H Abu Dhabi race win
From the very start, Herberth positioned itself at the front of the fight. Hartog surged from fourth on the grid to seize the lead at Turn One, immediately putting the team in control of the race’s tempo.
Despite numerous interruptions and ever-changing strategies, the trio maintained composure. Crucially, the timing of Code 60 periods allowed them to stretch fuel strategy to the finish.
“In the end we had so many Code 60s we could make it to the end [with fuel]”, said Hartog. “Fair play to everyone, this was really a team victory – we did well along the way. It’s been really fun to be honest, we managed to seize the opportunity and do well.”
The victory also carried special significance. It came exactly ten years after Au’s motor racing debut, while van Eijndhoven celebrated a winning debut in GT3 endurance racing.
“It’s all about the people, we have a great team, great drivers, and this was Huub’s first GT3 race – I’m glad we started him on the right track! Ten years ago I started my racing career, literally to this very day. That was a P2 then, this is a P1, so it’s a good step!” Au reflected.
Behind the winners, Team WRT secured second place with its BMW M4 GT3 EVO driven by Anthony McIntosh, Parker Thompson and Dan Harper. Third place went to the Into Africa Racing by Dragon Ferrari 296 GT3 of Axcil Jefferies, Stuart White and Xollie Letlaka.
Herberth Motorsport doubled its success by winning GT3 PRO-AM with its No.269 Porsche, which finished sixth overall.
Meanwhile, HAAS RT claimed GT3 AM honours with its Audi R8 LMS GT3 EVO II, finishing fourth on the road.
Winward’s early promise ends in disappointment as strategic battles define 2026 6H Abu Dhabi race
Winward Racing entered the race as favourites after locking out the front row in qualifying. However, their challenge unravelled dramatically. Both Mercedes-AMG entries retired within minutes of each other in the second half of the race. The No.16 car suffered damage in the pit lane, while the No.81 encountered separate issues, ending the team’s hopes of victory.
Throughout the race, strategy proved just as critical as outright pace. Multiple Code 60 periods repeatedly reshuffled the order, forcing teams to adapt quickly.
Herberth’s No.10 Porsche consistently remained in contention, while rivals encountered setbacks. A major turning point came in the final stages, when a late Code 60 neutralised the field but failed to disrupt Hartog’s control at the front.
Ultimately, the winning Porsche crossed the line 41 seconds clear, underlining its dominance in the closing stages.
Qatar celebrates 992 class victory
In the 992 category, QMMF by HRT Performance claimed a popular victory with Ahmed Al-Emadi, Jassim Al-Thani and Faesal Al Yafei. The trio surged forward in the latter stages to secure both overall class and 992 AM honours.
SebLajoux Racing finished second, while Rabdan by Fulgenzi completed the podium after post-race penalties reshuffled the order.
Early leaders Red Camel-Jordans.nl saw their race compromised almost immediately following contact on the opening lap.
Mixed fortunes across support classes in 2026 6H Abu Dhabi race
In GTX, Vortex V8 claimed victory despite failing to reach the chequered flag, benefitting from a race of attrition that eliminated key rivals.
Cerny Motorsport triumphed in GT4 with its BMW M4 GT4 (G82), overcoming technical issues to secure a hard-fought win.
In TCE-TCX, Chazel Technologie Course delivered a strong performance to take victory with its Alpine A110 Cup, controlling the race during the second half.
Championship battle heads to Dubai finale
With the Abu Dhabi round complete, Herberth Motorsport now leads the GT3 standings heading into the season finale. Importantly, the Michelin 24H Dubai will offer points at both mid-distance and the finish, adding further intrigue. Additionally, teams will count their two best results from three races, ensuring the title fight remains wide open.
The Michelin 24H Series Middle East Trophy now heads to Dubai Autodrome for its decisive final round on 16–18 January.
