The Michelin 24H Series Middle East Trophy gathers momentum as teams prepare for the second round of the 2025/2026 season, the 2026 Michelin 6H Abu Dhabi. Following an exciting curtain-raiser in Malaysia, a formidable 61-car entry list now sets the stage for an intense endurance battle at Yas Marina Circuit.
Origine Motorsport sets the early pace in 24H Series Middle East Trophy
After a strong showing in Malaysia, Origine Motorsport arrives in Abu Dhabi leading both the GT3 standings and the GT3 AM class. Bob Yuan, Leo Ye and Lu Wei will spearhead the team’s efforts in the No.87 Porsche 911 GT3 R (992), aiming to extend their championship advantage.
Meanwhile, the sister entry under the Winhere Origine Motorsport banner also carries momentum. Liu Hangcheng, part of the winning line-up in Sepang, joins forces with Deng Yi and Zhongwei Wang, strengthening the team’s multi-car assault.
GT3 grid packed with talent and experience for 2026 6H Abu Dhabi
The GT3 category headlines the event with 30 entries, featuring a blend of returning contenders and new challengers. Car Collection Motorsport, a proven force in Abu Dhabi, fields another Porsche with Aleksei Denisov, Victor Plekhanov and Damir Saitov.
Herberth Motorsport, determined to rebound after a post-race penalty in Malaysia, enters three cars. The No.91 machine leads the GT3 PRO-AM standings and will be driven by Ralf Bohn alongside Alfred and Robert Renauer. Additional entries include Antares Au, Loek Hartog and Huub van Eijndhoven, as well as Max Moritz, Vincet Kolb and Sven Müller.
Elsewhere, Dinamic GT, Fulgenzi Racing and Razoon – More Than Racing all add depth to the Porsche contingent, while EBM diversifies with both Porsche and Mercedes-AMG machinery.
Mercedes-AMG and Audi bring strong opposition as Ferrari, McLaren and BMW add variety
Winward Racing begins its title defence with a formidable Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO line-up, including Maro Engel. The team fields two entries, signalling clear intent to retain its crown.
Further competition comes from HOFOR Racing, Ajith RedAnt Racing and TFT Racing, each bringing experienced drivers and competitive packages. Team Motopark also joins the Mercedes-AMG ranks, adding to the brand’s strong representation.
Audi, however, remains a major threat. Continental Racing by Simpson Motorsport impressed in Malaysia with a podium finish from a pitlane start. The team returns with Vasily Vladykin and Alex Novichkov, alongside a yet-to-be-confirmed third driver.
HAAS RT fields two Audi entries, while Sainteloc Junior Team adds another, ensuring the German manufacturer remains firmly in contention.
Meanwhile, Ferrari’s presence strengthens the grid further. Dragon Racing fields two Ferrari 296 GT3 entries, while Scuderia Praha and MAEZAWA Racing also bring the Italian marque into the fight.
McLaren representation comes via Optimum Motorsport, which enters two 720S GT3 cars. Meanwhile, Team WRT, last year’s Abu Dhabi winner, returns with a BMW M4 GT3 EVO driven by Anthony McIntosh, Parker Thompson and Daniel Harper.
Lamborghini also features, with entries from ARC Bratislava and Leipert Motorsport adding further diversity to the grid.
Thrilling 992 Class battle awaits at 2026 6H Abu Dhabi with strong grid expected
The Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (992) class boasts a strong mid-teen entry list. Red Camel-Jordans.nl leads the standings and welcomes Fabian Danz back to partner Ivo, Luc and Rik Breukers.
Mühlner Motorsport seeks redemption after mechanical setbacks in Malaysia, while SebLajoux Racing fields two competitive entries. HRT Performance dominates numerically with six cars, including the reigning champions QMMF by HRT Performance.
Additional entries from EBM, RABDAN by FULGENZI and others ensure a fiercely competitive class.
GTX, GT4 and TCE-TCX deliver depth to 2026 6H Abu Dhabi grid
Beyond GT3 and 992, the supporting classes promise equally compelling action. In GTX, Vortex V8 aims to build on its Malaysia victory, facing challenges from Lamborghini Super Trofeo and Ginetta entries.
GT4 competition includes BMW, Audi, Porsche and Toyota machinery, with Cerny Motorsport looking to continue its winning form.
In TCE-TCX, asBest Racing leads the standings and fields four cars, highlighting the class’s depth. Additional entries from Chazel Technologie Course, Team Sorg Rennsport and CWS Engineering complete a competitive field.
Race weekend structure
Track action begins on Thursday, 8 January, with CR Track Day sessions, followed by further running on Friday. Free practice leads into qualifying, which features multiple sessions across all classes.
The main event, the Michelin 6H Abu Dhabi, starts at 15:00 local time on Saturday, 10 January. The race will conclude under the iconic Yas Marina floodlights, providing a dramatic backdrop to what promises to be a thrilling endurance contest.
As the championship battle intensifies, Abu Dhabi stands ready to deliver another chapter of high-stakes endurance racing, with every class finely poised for action.
