The 2026 Intercontinental GT Challenge (IGTC) season begins at the Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour, with the largest-ever Independent Cup entry in the series’ history. Seven FIA Bronze-rated drivers will contest the globe-trotting GT3 championship, led by reigning champion Kenny Habul, who secured his fifth title last season and aims to defend it.
Joining Habul are 2023 champion Jonathan Hui and former title contenders Prince Jefri Ibrahim and Ralf Bohn. Independent Cup newcomers Kerong Li and Johannes Zelger complete the Bathurst roster, while Adrian D’Silva will join the championship later in the season. The series spans five events, including the Nürburgring and Spa 24-hour classics, Suzuka 1000km, and the Indianapolis 8 Hour, with each driver only eligible to score points at four rounds.
“I’ve contested almost every Intercontinental season and can say that 2026 is without question the most stacked on record,” said Habul. “Winning Independent Cup against this calibre of drivers would probably be my greatest racing achievement. The championship and class are both very close to my heart.”
Habul achieved back-to-back titles in 2018-19 and 2021-22, a feat no other driver has repeated. This season, he faces fierce competition from experienced rivals and debutants alike, making the title fight one of the most competitive in IGTC history.
Key contenders and debutants for 2026 IGTC Independent Cup
Jonathan Hui returns to the series with the Ziggo Sport Tempesta by ARGT Ferrari, teaming with Ryan Wood, Lorenzo Patrese, and Chris Froggatt. Arise Racing brings valuable Bathurst experience from last year’s 296 GT3 campaign.
Ralf Bohn embarks on his second IGTC season with Herberth Motorsport, joining Alfred and Robert Renauer. Prince Jefri Ibrahim debuts the Chevrolet Corvette after finishing runner-up in the 2024 Independent Cup.
Debutants Kerong Li and Dorian Boccolacci move from GT World Challenge Asia to compete in the High Class Racing 911 GT3 R. Johannes Zelger shares a Tsunami RT entry with Daniel Gaunt, Alex Fontana, and Fabio Babini.
With seven strong entries, including past champions and rising talents, the Independent Cup promises thrilling competition across the 2026 IGTC calendar. Bathurst’s Mount Panorama circuit will test both speed and strategy, setting the tone for the season and offering early indicators of which drivers can challenge Kenny Habul’s reign.
