Optimum Motorsport delivered a commanding Qualifying performance to secure pole position for the 2026 Michelin 12H Spa-Francorchamps. The British squad impressed across all three Qualifying sessions, culminating in a decisive lap from Salman Owega in Q3.
Owega, competing in the McLaren for the first time, handled the pressure with composure. He produced a stunning lap of 2m14.593s, which placed the team more than two tenths clear of the competition. Earlier in qualifying, Freddie Tomlinson and Harry George laid the groundwork with strong runs in Q2 and Q1 respectively. As a result, the team carried momentum into the final session and capitalised fully.
Afterwards, Owega expressed his satisfaction, highlighting both the car’s pace and his growing confidence. Meanwhile, Tomlinson emphasised the importance of converting this strong Qualifying result into race success.
Close fight behind the leaders
While Optimum dominated at the front, the battle for the remaining top positions remained fiercely contested. GetSpeed Team JR286 secured second place overall and claimed the GT3 AM pole after a consistent showing from its driver line-up.
At the same time, Porsche teams locked out the second row. Herberth Motorsport edged Proton Competition to take third and the PRO-AM pole by a narrow margin. Consequently, the grid reflects just how tight the competition remains across the GT3 field.
Furthermore, Ajith RedAnt Racing and Comtoyou Racing completed the top six, ensuring a diverse mix of manufacturers near the front.
2026 12H Spa-Francorchamps: Session-by-session Qualifying drama in GT3
The Qualifying sessions unfolded with constant changes in the order. Initially, HOFOR Racing set the pace in Q1 before Harry George pushed Optimum to the top. Soon after, E2P Racing responded, briefly claiming provisional pole.
In Q2, Antonio Sainero delivered a rapid lap for E2P, dipping into the 2m15s range. However, Optimum stayed within striking distance, while GetSpeed positioned itself strongly for the final shootout.
Everything came down to Q3. Several teams traded fastest times in the closing minutes. Nevertheless, Owega’s exceptional lap ultimately settled the contest and secured pole in emphatic fashion.
Results
Mühlner Motorsport tops the 992 Class in 2026 12H Spa-Francorchamps Qualifying
In the 992 category, Mühlner Motorsport controlled proceedings from the outset. Julian Hanses led Q1 comfortably, and his team maintained that advantage despite increasing pressure.
Although Seblajoux Racing closed the gap in Q2, Mühlner responded decisively in the final session. Tim Scheerbarth delivered when it mattered, ensuring the team held onto pole on aggregate times.
Meanwhile, HRT Performance impressed late in Q3. James Kellet set the fastest lap of the entire class, which secured third overall and the 992 AM pole. This late surge added further excitement to an already competitive class.
Dominance in GTX and TCE-TCX in 2026 12H Spa-Francorchamps Qualifying
In the GTX class, NM Racing asserted control early and never looked back. The Mercedes-AMG GT2 proved untouchable, finishing several seconds clear of its nearest rivals. Although the Vortex entries improved across sessions, they could not match NM Racing’s pace.
Similarly, Not Only Motorsport dominated the TCE-TCX category. The Ligier JS2 R consistently led each session, despite interruptions caused by red flags and on-track incidents. By the end of Q3, the team secured pole with a comfortable margin over the chasing BMW entry.
Anticipation builds for the race
With Qualifying complete, attention now turns to the race itself. The opening segment of the Michelin 12H Spa-Francorchamps begins on Saturday, followed by the concluding stages on Sunday after an overnight break.
Given the tight margins and competitive field, the race promises intense action. Optimum Motorsport starts as the favourite; however, its rivals remain close enough to challenge at every opportunity.
