The 2026 campaign of the Michelin 24H Seres began with a race that immediately set a high standard for endurance competition. At the Michelin 12H Mugello, Sainteloc Junior Team executed a disciplined and resilient performance to secure overall victory.
The team’s Audi R8 LMS GT3 EVO II, driven by Pierre Kaffer, Elia Erhart, Stéphane Tribaudini and Ernst Inderbitzin, completed the two-part contest—split between Saturday and Sunday—with a margin of under six seconds. Notably, the result marked Audi’s first win at Mugello since 2023, underlining both the team’s preparation and execution.
Opening phase: Early leaders and rapid movers define 2026 12H Mugello race
At the start of Saturday’s five-and-a-half-hour segment, GetSpeed Team capitalised on pole position. Their Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO, initially driven by Maro Engel, controlled the early pace while fending off pressure from Kaffer in the Saintéloc Audi.
However, the order quickly evolved. Yannick Redant showed strong early pace in the Ajith RedAnt Racing Mercedes-AMG, overtaking Manuel Lauck’s Proton Competition Porsche just 12 laps in. At the same time, Jake Hill delivered one of the standout opening stints, charging from ninth to fourth in the Era Motorsport Ferrari 296 GT3 within the first hour.
Shortly afterwards, the first round of pit stops reshaped the contest. Tribaudini took over the Saintéloc Audi and immediately applied pressure. He successfully passed the GetSpeed Mercedes—now driven by Jordan Boisson—early in hour two, signalling Saintéloc’s growing intent.
Interruptions and strategy reshuffle the field
As the race progressed, two Code 60 periods significantly influenced strategy. Consequently, pit timing and track position became critical, allowing Herberth Motorsport to move into contention, with Rolf Ineichen taking the lead in the No.91 Porsche.
Meanwhile, several strong contenders encountered setbacks. E2P Racing’s Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 lost five laps due to a broken damper, ending its podium hopes. Similarly, Ajith RedAnt Racing’s momentum faded after multiple spins.
Despite these disruptions, the battle remained tightly packed. By the interim chequered flag on Saturday evening, HAAS RT led from ARC Bratislava, with Herberth, Era Motorsport, Saintéloc, and Continental Racing all still on the lead lap—setting up a wide-open second half.
Sunday restart: Penalties and pressure increase as 2026 12H Mugello race enters final stages
Sunday’s six-and-a-half-hour continuation began with immediate action. Jake Hill surged into the lead, overtaking both ARC Bratislava and Saintéloc. However, race control later penalised six drivers—including Hill, Erhart, and Ineichen—for start procedure infringements, once again reshaping the order.
As pit strategies unfolded, HAAS RT appeared to seize control and led after two hours. Nevertheless, their challenge collapsed due to steering issues, forcing lengthy repairs and removing them from contention.
At the same time, changing weather conditions added another layer of complexity. Light rain briefly made the circuit slippery, although teams opted to remain on slick tyres. Even so, drivers had to adapt quickly to reduced grip levels.
Decisive final stint: Fuel versus pace
In the closing stages, the race distilled into a direct fight between Saintéloc and Herberth Motorsport. Pierre Kaffer led, but Ralf Bohn steadily reduced the gap—from approximately 30 seconds down to just 10 before a late Code 60.
Crucially, Kaffer faced a severe fuel-saving requirement. He had to lift and coast while managing cold tyres following the neutralisation periods. Despite these challenges, he maintained composure under pressure.
Bohn continued to attack aggressively in the Porsche 911 GT3 R (992) EVO, but traffic and timing ultimately worked against him. Kaffer judged the situation precisely, defending his position and crossing the finish line just seconds ahead.
Podium finishers and late changes
Behind the leading duo, ARC Bratislava delivered a consistent and measured race to secure third overall. Their performance also earned them victory in the GT3 AM class.
Elsewhere, a late twist affected the fight for fourth. Continental Racing had briefly climbed into the top three and led GT3 AM, but a late pit stop dropped them to fourth overall. GetSpeed recovered from a difficult second half to finish fifth, with Maro Engel setting the race’s fastest lap.
2026 12H Mugello Race results
2026 12H Mugello Race results per class
2026 12H Mugello Race: 992 Class: Strategy and consistency prevail
The 992 category produced a sustained tactical battle. Mühlner Motorsport initially lost the lead but remained firmly in contention through consistent stints.
Red Camel-Jordans.nl controlled much of Saturday’s action, benefitting from well-timed stops, including during a Code 60. However, Sunday’s sequence of pit stops and penalties brought Mühlner back into play.
As the race entered its final hour, Mühlner secured control and ultimately claimed victory by one lap. Red Camel followed in second, while QMMF by HRT Performance completed the podium and took 992 AM honours after a clean and composed run.
2026 12H Mugello Race: GTX and TCE-TCX: Races of survival
In GTX, the early stages featured a duel between the Vortex 2.0 and the Dinamic Motorsport Maserati MC20 GT2. Although Dinamic built a commanding 17-lap lead by Saturday evening, their race ended on Sunday when a drivetrain failure forced retirement.
This development handed the advantage to Vortex Team, who overcame their own setbacks—including rear wing damage and a late fuel issue—to secure victory.
Similarly, the TCE-TCX category became a test of endurance rather than outright speed. The pole-sitting Ligier JS2 R from Not Only Motorsport dominated early but suffered repeated mechanical failures, including a driveshaft issue and a later stoppage.
asBest Racing capitalised on these problems. Although they also encountered a late wheel hub issue, they maintained a sufficient margin to claim victory in their SEAT Leon Cup Racer.
Momentum builds towards Spa
With the opening round complete, teams now turn their attention to the next challenge at the Michelin 12H Spa-Francorchamps.
Given the blend of strategy, reliability demands, and close competition seen at Mugello, the championship already shows signs of an intense and unpredictable season. If this opener serves as an indication, every round will demand not only speed but also precision, adaptability, and resilience.
