Under the fading Tuscan light at Mugello, Qualifying for the 2026 Michelin 12H Mugello delivered a captivating blend of precision, pressure and outright speed. As the opening round of the European Series gathered momentum, teams pushed to the limit across three tightly contested GT3 sessions. In the end, it was a perfectly executed team performance—capped by a stunning final lap—that secured pole position and set the tone for what promises to be a fiercely competitive endurance race.
Perfect execution by Engel delivers pole in final GT3 2026 12h Mugello Qualifying session
Maro Engel produced a decisive performance in the final GT3 qualifying session to secure pole for GetSpeed Team PCX Racing. Building on the strong foundations laid by Jordan Boisson and Benjamin Paque, Engel delivered when it mattered most.
His lap of 1m44.390 seconds stood as the fastest of the day, placing the No.28 Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO 0.2 seconds clear of the competition.
After the session, Engel highlighted both the team effort and the thrill of the circuit: “First of all, big credit to these guys – Jordan and Ben did a great job in qualifying and the team gave us a great car”, said a delighted Engel, “My word, this track on new tyres and low fuel is a lot of fun, I really enjoyed that. It’s great for us to start tomorrow from pole position, I’m happy about that, but obviously we know it’s a long race. For today, it’s a good result.”
Sainteloc falls just short despite strong pace
Sainteloc Junior Team came agonisingly close to pole after leading on aggregate heading into Q3. Elia Erhart’s impressive lap in Q2 had placed the Audi R8 LMS GT3 EVO II in prime position.
However, Pierre Kaffer’s late entry into the final session left limited time to respond to Engel’s pace. Despite pushing hard, he could not bridge the gap, and the No.18 Audi of Kaffer, Erhart and Stephane Tribaudini secured second on the grid.
Proton and RedAnt secure strong starting positions
Proton Competition demonstrated consistency across all three sessions to claim third place on the grid. Constantin Dressler initially set the pace in Q1 before the team strategically managed tyres to maintain competitiveness.
Manuel Lauck’s strong Q2 effort kept Proton in contention, ensuring the Porsche 911 GT3 R (992) EVO remained among the frontrunners.
Alongside them, Ajith RedAnt Racing secured fourth with its Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO. The Redant brothers and Kobe de Breucker maintained solid pace throughout, rounding out a competitive second row.
Herberth Motorsport followed in fifth, while ARC Bratislava secured GT3 AM pole with a disciplined qualifying performance.
2026 12H Mugello: Session-by-session breakdown of a fierce GT3 Qualifying fight
Q1: Sainteloc sets the benchmark
The opening session saw Proton initially take control before GetSpeed briefly moved ahead. However, a late surge from Stephane Tribaudini produced a 1m46.762s lap—comfortably the fastest of the session—to give Sainteloc provisional pole.
Q2: Battle intensifies across the field
In Q2, the pace increased significantly. Era Motorsport’s Jake Hill set an early benchmark, improving twice to lower the fastest lap of the day at that point.
Soon after, Benjamin Paque delivered a superb 1m44.934s lap to elevate GetSpeed. Nevertheless, Elia Erhart responded with a 1m45.401s effort, returning Sainteloc to the top on aggregate.
Q3: Engel seals the deal
With less than two tenths separating the leaders, the final session delivered a dramatic conclusion. Cooler track conditions allowed drivers to push harder, and Engel capitalised immediately.
He set the fastest lap on his first attempt and improved further to secure pole, leaving Kaffer unable to respond despite a determined effort.
Result
Mühlner controls 992 category as Italian teams excel in support classes in 2026 12H Mugello Qualifying
Mühlner Motorsport dominated the 992 class throughout Qualifying. Conrad Tox Leveau edged a close battle in Q1, while Paul Meijer reinforced the team’s advantage in Q2.
Martin Rump then completed the job in Q3, securing a clear pole position for the No.921 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (992 I). Red Camel-Jordans.nl followed in second, with SebLajoux Racing taking 992 AM pole.
Dinamic Motorsport shines in GTX
Dinamic Motorsport delivered a commanding performance in GTX. The Maserati MC20 GT2 showed exceptional pace across all sessions, with Mauro Calamia’s Q3 lap underlining the team’s dominance.
Not Only Motorsport perfect in TCE-TCX
In TCE-TCX, Not Only Motorsport produced a flawless qualifying display. Each driver improved on the previous session, culminating in Alberto Antonucci sealing pole with a controlled and consistent run.
All eyes on the race ahead after fierce 2026 12H Mugello Qualifying
With the grid set, attention now turns to the race itself. The Michelin 12H Mugello will unfold across two segments, demanding both speed and strategic discipline.
Given the tight margins in GT3 and strong performances across all categories, the stage is set for a compelling endurance contest at one of Europe’s most iconic circuits.
