Team WRT delivered a masterclass in endurance racing strategy to secure a sensational one-two finish in the Michelin 24H Dubai. Crucially, the No.669 BMW M4 GT3 EVO held firm to claim victory after a bold fuel-saving gamble in the closing stages.
Jordan Pepper, sharing driving duties with Kelvin van der Linde, Ben Tuck, Fran Rueda and Anthony McIntosh, resisted the temptation to make a late pit stop. Instead, he carefully managed fuel consumption to reach the chequered flag, ultimately winning by a full lap over the sister No.27 BMW.
Reflecting on the dramatic finish, Pepper said: “It was a casual Sunday drive at the end…I’m kidding!” He added, “We went a bit risky with a lot of fuel saving at the end but it was good fun. Credit to the team, huge thanks to them for welcoming me onboard. My team-mates have been superstars, every single one of them have done an amazing job. To win my first BMW race as a BMW works driver is a dream come true.”
Meanwhile, van der Linde underlined the significance of the victory: “It feels great”, said van der Linde, “Just before December I said to the team I really want to come to Dubai and tick this one off, it was the one race I was still missing – it’s been an amazing job by the whole team. Thanks to the guys, the strategy as always from Team WRT speaks for itself.”
Heartbreak strikes Paradine late on in 2026 24H Dubai Race
Although BMW dominated much of the race, the final half hour delivered crushing disappointment for Paradine Competition. The No.992 BMW, which had looked set for a podium finish and a commanding GT3 AM victory, suffered a catastrophic brake failure.
An exploded front-left brake disc and tyre forced the car into retirement, ending its challenge in dramatic fashion. As a result, the final GT3 podium reshuffled, with Winward Racing’s Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO inheriting third place.
2026 24H Dubai Race defined by chaos and control
The race began with immediate intensity. Benjamin Paque initially held the lead from pole position, but Kelvin van der Linde quickly surged ahead. At the same time, Loek Hartog produced a stunning opening stint, charging from eighth to second.
However, multiple Code 60 interventions repeatedly disrupted the flow. Early contact, mechanical failures and stranded cars reshaped the order throughout the opening hours. Despite this, BMW steadily established control, particularly from hour four onwards.
Significant setbacks for rivals further cemented BMW’s advantage. Notably, both the Winward Racing Mercedes and the HAAS RT Audi retired or dropped out of contention after suffering near-identical wheel failures.
GT3 class honours and titles decided
Beyond the overall victory, several class battles reached decisive conclusions. Herberth Motorsport secured the GT3 PRO-AM win with its Porsche 911 GT3 R (992), finishing fifth overall after a consistent performance.
In GT3 AM, Continental Racing by Simpson Motorsport claimed victory and the class title after a measured and reliable race, finishing inside the overall top ten.
Additionally, Team WRT’s winning No.669 entry secured the GT3 Middle East Trophy crown, capping off a dominant campaign.
992 class showcases intense competition in 2026 24H Dubai Race
The 992 category delivered some of the closest racing of the event. Throughout the race, multiple teams exchanged the lead as strategy and incidents influenced the outcome.
Ultimately, Tierra Outdoor Racing by FACH emerged victorious, maintaining strong pace through the night and into Sunday morning. Red Ant Racing followed in second, claiming 992 AM honours, while Seblajoux Racing completed the podium.
Importantly, Seblajoux Racing’s consistency across the series ensured both the 992 and 992 AM championship titles.
GTX drama and comebacks
The GTX class produced its own share of drama. Early dominance from Rossa Racing gave way to a fierce contest with Team CMR’s Ginetta.
Although the Ginetta appeared poised for victory, a late mechanical issue dropped it out of contention. Consequently, Leipert Motorsport capitalised to secure a commanding class win, finishing well clear of the field.
Cerny dominates GT4 from start to finish
Cerny Motorsport controlled the GT4 category throughout the race. From the opening hours, the team built a substantial lead and never relinquished its advantage.
Despite pressure from SRS Team Sorg Rennsport, Cerny extended its margin to a commanding victory, sealing both the race win and the Middle East Trophy title in dominant fashion.
asBest Racing seals TCE glory
In the TCE-TCX category, early contenders faltered due to damage and setbacks. This opened the door for asBest Racing, whose Cupra TCR DSG delivered a faultless performance to secure victory.
The team maintained control through the latter stages, ultimately sealing both TCE and TCX titles. Meanwhile, KCMG’s Toyota secured TCE-TC honours after a competitive showing.
2026 24H Dubai Race a fitting end to a dramatic endurance battle
Ultimately, the Michelin 24H Dubai delivered a race filled with relentless action, strategic intrigue and late heartbreak. Team WRT’s calculated risk and flawless execution proved decisive in one of the most dramatic finishes in recent memory.
As the curtain falls on the Middle East Trophy, the race once again highlighted the unpredictable nature of endurance racing—where fortunes can change in an instant, and victory demands both speed and resilience.
Race result and result by class
