Tsunami RT will return to the Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour in 2027, confirming its second appearance at Mount Panorama with the distinctive #79 Porsche 911 GT3 R (992) EVO. The San Marino-based team will aim to improve on its challenging debut earlier this year, which ended prematurely following a major accident involving Johannes Zelger and Ralf Aron.
The team became the second entrant to confirm its participation in the 2027 edition, following Scott Taylor Motorsport’s earlier announcement. Its return represents another important commitment to Australia’s premier international GT endurance race, which will open the Intercontinental GT Challenge (IGTC) season from 11–14 February.
Despite the disappointment surrounding its first appearance, Tsunami RT remains determined to establish itself at Mount Panorama. Team Principal Valerio M. Speziali has highlighted the significance of returning to the iconic circuit, emphasising the team’s enthusiasm for the event and its ambition to deliver a stronger performance.
Tsunami RT targets improved result after difficult 2026 debut
Tsunami RT made its Bathurst 12 Hour debut in February 2026, joining an international field of GT3 competitors for the opening round of the IGTC season. The team entered the Bronze category with Zelger, Fabio Babini and Alex Fontana sharing driving duties aboard its brightly coloured #79 Porsche.
The distinctive multicoloured livery quickly attracted attention throughout the paddock, helping the team establish a recognisable presence during its first appearance at Mount Panorama. However, the circuit’s demanding characteristics presented a considerable challenge for the debutants as they adapted to one of endurance racing’s most unforgiving venues.
The team demonstrated encouraging pace during practice, with Babini placing the Porsche among the leading Bronze entries. His performance in Practice 2 formed part of an intensely competitive opening weekend at Bathurst, where several manufacturers traded fastest times throughout the sessions.
Although the team approached the race hoping to complete a successful debut, its challenge ended after 192 laps following a serious accident across the top of the Mountain. The incident brought a premature conclusion to its first Bathurst campaign and interrupted what had otherwise represented an important milestone in the team’s endurance racing programme.
Major Mount Panorama accident ends Tsunami RT’s first appearance
The team’s 2026 race ended following a dramatic incident approaching Forrest’s Elbow, which also involved the race-leading Mercedes-AMG Team Craft-Bamboo Racing entry driven by Aron.
Zelger initially made contact with the barriers near McPhillamy Park before continuing down the mountain with damage. The Porsche subsequently spun near Forrest’s Elbow, coming to rest across the racing line as several competitors approached the narrow section of circuit.
Aron, who had been leading in the #77 Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO, encountered the stationary Porsche with limited visibility and collided with it at high speed. The impact caused significant damage to both cars, while officials immediately suspended the race under red-flag conditions.
Although Zelger escaped serious injury, Aron sustained two fractures to his back, forcing him to spend several months recovering before returning to competition later in the season.
The accident also affected Craft-Bamboo Racing’s wider programme, with the team subsequently reducing its GTWC Asia entry following the Bathurst setback as it addressed the consequences of the incident.
For Tsunami RT, the retirement marked a disappointing conclusion to its first appearance at the Australian endurance classic, although the experience did not diminish its ambition to return.
Speziali reflects on challenging debut and determination to return
Tsunami RT Team Principal Speziali acknowledged the disappointment surrounding the team’s first Bathurst appearance, describing the event as an important milestone in its endurance racing development.
Despite the circumstances surrounding the accident, Speziali emphasised his appreciation for the opportunity to compete at Mount Panorama. He also welcomed the recovery of both drivers involved in the collision, identifying the team’s return as an opportunity to move forward from the difficult experience.
“Our debut at the Bathurst 12 Hour marked the beginning of a new challenge in our endurance journey and the realisation of a dream.
“Unfortunately, our first experience did not end as we had hoped following the incident.
“With both drivers doing well, we are looking forward to returning to Bathurst and getting back to what we love most: racing.
The team’s decision to return demonstrates its determination to continue developing its international endurance racing programme despite the setbacks encountered during its debut.
Tsunami RT builds on first full IGTC campaign
Tsunami RT’s 2027 Bathurst entry follows its first season competing in the IGTC, during which the team gained experience at several major international endurance events.
Following Bathurst, the organisation continued its programme across the championship’s remaining rounds, including the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa, Suzuka 1000km and Indianapolis 8 Hour. These appearances provided additional opportunities to develop its understanding of GT3 endurance racing while strengthening its operational capabilities.
The team’s participation in the 2026 CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa also underlined its international ambitions, with Zelger and Babini joining Hiroshi Hamaguchi and Nico Menzel in the #79 Porsche.
Having completed its inaugural IGTC campaign, Tsunami RT will now return to Mount Panorama with greater experience of competing against international GT3 teams. Speziali believes the lessons from 2026 will provide a foundation as the organisation prepares for another challenging season.
“After completing our first season in the Intercontinental GT Challenge, I am happy to be returning to Bathurst with our car #79. Mount Panorama will undoubtedly be one of our first major challenges of the 2027 season.
“We are ready to take it on, and preparations are already well underway as we work hard to deliver a stronger performance and, of course, improve on last year’s result.
The team will continue developing its preparations over the coming months, with the objective of completing a more competitive and successful Bathurst appearance.
Mount Panorama challenge remains central to Tsunami RT’s ambitions
Although Tsunami RT’s first Bathurst appearance ended prematurely, the experience left a lasting impression on the organisation. The team’s decision to return reflects its appreciation for the circuit’s demanding characteristics, as well as the enthusiasm of the Australian spectators and the atmosphere surrounding the event.
Mount Panorama’s 6.213-kilometre layout presents an exceptional challenge for GT3 competitors, combining steep elevation changes, narrow mountain sections and high-speed straights. The circuit offers little margin for error, requiring drivers to maintain concentration throughout the race while managing traffic and changing track conditions.
For Tsunami RT, the 2026 accident provided a particularly difficult reminder of those demands. Nevertheless, Speziali remains enthusiastic about returning and acknowledged Zelger’s contribution to the team’s programme.
“Mount Panorama is a legendary circuit and I am genuinely happy to bring the team back here, also thanks to Johannes Zelger.
“We know how demanding this challenge is: every lap requires the utmost concentration and respect for the circuit.
“As I said last year, we’re ready to make our first mark Down Under – now our second, but hopefully not our last!”
The team has yet to confirm its driver line-up for 2027, although its commitment to returning with the #79 Porsche ensures continuity with its previous Bathurst campaign.
Tsunami RT becomes second confirmed entry for 2027 Bathurst 12 Hour
Tsunami RT’s announcement follows the confirmation of Scott Taylor Motorsport as the first entrant for the 2027 edition, with the Australian team retaining its all-Supercars driver line-up of Cameron Waters, Chaz Mostert and Thomas Randle.
The trio will return aboard the team’s Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO after a promising 2026 campaign that began with pole position but ultimately ended in retirement. Their confirmed return to the Bathurst 12 Hour represents another early commitment as organisers prepare to welcome international GT3 competitors back to Mount Panorama.
The event will also introduce an expanded four-day programme in 2027, providing teams with additional preparation opportunities before Sunday’s 12-hour race. The changes follow an encouraging 2026 edition, which attracted 55,231 spectators and featured 35 cars representing several leading GT3 manufacturers.
Organisers previously confirmed the expanded February schedule as part of their efforts to build on the event’s growing international appeal.
As the opening round of the 2027 IGTC season, Bathurst will once again bring together teams from across the global GT3 racing landscape, with Tsunami RT among the earliest organisations to commit to the event.
Tsunami RT prepares for renewed Bathurst challenge in February
Tsunami RT’s return represents another important step in its endurance racing development, providing an opportunity to build on the experience gained during its inaugural IGTC campaign.
Although the team’s first Bathurst appearance ended in disappointment, its continued commitment demonstrates the importance it places on competing at prestigious international endurance events. The lessons from 2026, combined with additional experience across the IGTC calendar, should provide a stronger foundation as the team prepares for its second attempt.
The organisation will announce further details of its 2027 programme, including its driver line-up, closer to the event. Meanwhile, preparations are already underway to ensure the #79 Porsche returns to Mount Panorama ready for the demands of another 12-hour contest.
With the 2027 Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour scheduled for 11–14 February, Tsunami RT will aim to turn the disappointment of its debut into a more positive result. After a challenging introduction to Australian endurance racing, the team returns determined to complete the race and establish a stronger presence at one of the world’s most demanding GT3 venues.
