Optimum Motorsport produced a near-perfect display to claim victory in the 2026 Michelin 12H Spa at the legendary Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. Salman Owega, Freddie Tomlinson and Harry George combined speed, discipline and smart decision-making to convert pole position into a dominant win in their McLaren 720S GT3 EVO.
Right from the outset, the team dictated the tempo. Owega controlled the opening stint confidently, while rivals attempted to challenge through alternative strategies during multiple early interruptions. Despite the disruptions, Optimum maintained a steady rhythm and avoided mistakes.
By the time the race paused overnight at the intervention break, the McLaren led convincingly after five and a half hours of racing. From there, the team executed the second half with equal precision, ultimately securing victory by 52 seconds after a demanding and rain-hit final hour.
Drivers celebrate a landmark triumph
Following the race, Salman Owega reflected on an impressive debut weekend with the McLaren package and praised the collective effort behind the win.
“It couldn’t be any better, a big thank you to the team and to McLaren – the car was really great”, commented Owega, “It was my first taste with the McLaren this weekend and I really enjoyed it, I’m looking forward to driving more races with the car and the team.”
Meanwhile, Harry George highlighted the unexpected nature of his appearance and the emotion of securing such a major result.
“Epic!”, added George, “Words can’t describe, I’m just over the moon – considering I only found out on Thursday night I was going to race here. I’m just super happy, well done to the boys and girls at Optimum, and thank you very much to my team-mates as well.”
A frenetic opening phase at the 2026 Michelin 12H Spa-Francorchamps
The GT3 field delivered relentless action in the early hours. Owega initially held the lead, but competitors from Mercedes-AMG, Porsche and Aston Martin quickly applied pressure.
However, the race rhythm never fully stabilised. Multiple Code 60 periods interrupted the flow and triggered a variety of strategic approaches. As a result, the lead changed hands several times within the first two hours.
Proton Competition briefly surged ahead through Robert de Haan, while Comtoyou Racing’s Aston Martin entries also featured prominently. In addition, Herberth Motorsport appeared strong before suffering a critical setback when its Porsche stopped on track with a loss of power.
Through all this chaos, Optimum Motorsport stayed composed. The team avoided unnecessary risks and steadily worked its way back to the front before the intervention break.
Setbacks and strategy define Sunday
When racing resumed on Sunday, fresh drama unfolded almost immediately. A Comtoyou Aston Martin suffered a terminal issue on its out lap due to a frayed cable, ending its challenge before it could restart properly. This followed an earlier crash for the sister car, leaving the team out of contention.
At the front, the HAAS RT Audi entries mounted a serious challenge. Steven Palette, in particular, applied intense pressure and briefly moved ahead during the pit cycle. Nevertheless, Optimum responded swiftly and regained control through efficient stops and strong pace.
Soon after, Spa’s famously unpredictable weather began to influence proceedings. Light rain arrived with just over three hours remaining, turning the circuit greasy and difficult to manage. Drivers struggled for grip, especially through high-speed sections such as Raidillon.
Tomlinson experienced a momentary scare but recovered without losing position. Meanwhile, other contenders ran wide or made small errors as conditions worsened.
Rain brings final hour drama
As the race entered its closing stages, the weather deteriorated further. Dark clouds gathered, and heavy rain swept across the circuit during the final hour.
At this critical moment, Optimum Motorsport made a decisive strategic call. Owega returned to the cockpit and immediately pitted for wet-weather tyres. This move proved crucial, as grip levels dropped dramatically across the track.
With superior traction and confidence, Owega controlled the closing laps calmly. While rivals struggled to adapt, the McLaren extended its advantage and secured a famous victory without further drama.
Strong performances across the podium
Behind the dominant McLaren, the GT3 AM class-winning Audi R8 LMS GT3 EVO II from HAAS RT secured second place overall with an assured and consistent drive.
Meanwhile, the GetSpeed Team Mercedes-AMG completed the podium in third overall and second in GT3 AM. Their performance underlined the depth of competition throughout the field.
Further back, several teams delivered impressive recoveries, including cars that overcame spins, penalties and technical setbacks to finish strongly in challenging conditions.
2026 12H Spa-Francorchamps Race results
2026 12H Spa-Francorchamps Race results per class
PRO-AM battle ends in controversy
Although the overall result became clear, the PRO-AM category produced one of the race’s most intense moments. Yannick Redant, driving for Ajith RedAnt Racing, engaged in a fierce battle with Manuel Lauck in the Proton Competition Porsche.
The pair fought relentlessly on the slippery surface, exchanging positions multiple times and even making contact as they pushed to the limit. Redant initially crossed the line ahead, appearing to secure the class win.
However, officials later imposed a 20-second penalty for an overtaking infringement and causing a collision. Consequently, Lauck and his team-mates inherited victory, bringing a dramatic twist to the category outcome.
Porsche excellence in 992 Class
In the 992 category, Mühlner Motorsport produced a clinical performance. After a closely contested opening phase, the team seized control on Sunday and steadily built a commanding lead.
Despite intermittent rain, the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (992) ran flawlessly. The drivers maintained a consistent pace and avoided mistakes, allowing them to secure victory by more than a lap.
QMMF by HRT Performance claimed the 992-AM class win after an equally composed drive, while Seblajoux Racing completed the podium positions with a resilient effort.
GTX and TCE-TCX provide additional action
Elsewhere, the GTX class saw Vortex emerge victorious after capitalising on issues for the NM Racing Mercedes-AMG GT2. Mechanical problems, including turbo and fluid issues, hindered the Mercedes and allowed Vortex to extend a substantial lead.
In the TCE-TCX category, Not Only Motorsport controlled the race from the front with its Ligier JS2 R. Although early pressure came from the J-Mec Engineering BMW, reliability problems ended that challenge prematurely.
Consequently, the Ligier secured a comfortable six-lap victory. The SEAT Leon Cup Racer finished second, with the Cupra TCR DSG completing the podium after a steady and consistent run.
A race defined by precision and resilience
In summary, the Spa 12H once again demonstrated the demands of endurance racing. Teams needed not only outright speed but also adaptability, strategic awareness and mechanical reliability.
Optimum Motorsport excelled in every area. They combined flawless execution with intelligent decision-making and controlled driving to secure a standout victory. At the same time, fierce battles across all classes and ever-changing conditions ensured the event delivered drama from start to finish.
As the championship progresses, this performance sets a high benchmark—and confirms Optimum Motorsport as a team to watch in the races ahead.
