The 2025 Intercontinental GT Challenge kicks off this weekend with the Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour, taking place from January 31 to February 2. Four major manufacturers—BMW, Mercedes-AMG, reigning champions Porsche, and returning competitors Ferrari—are confirmed for the highly anticipated series, which features a stellar line-up of GT3 entries.
A total of 19 GT3 cars will take to the iconic Mount Panorama circuit, with 14 of those entries coming from the four participating manufacturers. The event marks the beginning of an exciting global calendar that includes legendary circuits such as the Nürburgring Nordschleife, Spa-Francorchamps, Indianapolis, and Suzuka, which returns to the schedule for the first time since 2019.
A High-Calibre Grid for Bathurst
The Bathurst 12 Hour once again boasts an exceptional entry list. Charles Weerts, the reigning Intercontinental GT Challenge champion, will drive one of two factory-backed BMWs, while Porsche’s line-up includes two-thirds of last year’s victorious crew: Matt Campbell and Ayhancan Güven. Mercedes-AMG reunites its winning trio from previous years—Kenny Habul, Luca Stolz, and Jules Gounon.
Ferrari, making its first appearance in the IGTC since 2022, adds an element of unpredictability. The marque’s entry is spearheaded by Arise Racing, the reigning GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS champions, featuring a striking Pro class line-up.
Familiar Format, Fierce Competition
The IGTC format remains unchanged from 2024. While all registered manufacturer entries can score points, only the two highest-placed finishers will contribute to the overall constructors’ championship standings. Meanwhile, the drivers’ championship awards points to the top 10 finishers.
Fans can watch selected practice sessions, qualifying, the Pirelli Pole Battle, and the race live via SRO’s GT World YouTube channel starting Friday, 31 January. In Australia and New Zealand, the event will be broadcast on Seven and Fox Sports, with the full schedule to be confirmed shortly.
BMW’s Final GT3 Outing with the M4
BMW has a storied history at Bathurst, but despite its dominance in previous production car classes, the marque has yet to secure a GT3 victory with either the M6 or M4. This weekend marks the final factory outing for the M4 before it transitions to the new Evo specification for 2025.
Last year, Sheldon van der Linde demonstrated the outgoing model’s potential by securing pole position and setting the fastest lap. This time, he returns alongside his brother Kelvin, who recently joined BMW’s factory roster. Completing the formidable Team WRT line-up is former IGTC champion Augusto Farfus.
However, much of the spotlight will be on WRT’s second BMW entry, featuring none other than Valentino Rossi. Making his third Bathurst appearance, Rossi will team up with Weerts and Raffaele Marciello, the latter still seeking his first Bathurst win despite an illustrious career.
Ferrari’s Star-Studded Return
Ferrari’s return to the IGTC is one of the most intriguing storylines of the weekend. Arise Racing’s Pro class entry will be led by reigning Supercars champion Will Brown, current GT World Challenge Australia title-holder Chaz Mostert, and Ferrari factory driver Daniel Serra.
Mostert, in particular, could prove to be a game-changer. A two-time Allan Simonsen Pole Award winner and Bathurst 1000 champion, he has both the speed and track experience to make a significant impact. Meanwhile, the second Ferrari entry fields a Pro-Am line-up featuring Jaxon Evans, Elliot Schutte, FIA WEC factory driver Alessio Rovera, and GT World Challenge Australia runner-up Brad Schumacher.
Mercedes-AMG Aiming to Reclaim the Crown
With eight entries—including four boasting Pro line-ups—Mercedes-AMG stands a strong chance of reclaiming the Bathurst crown it lost to Porsche in 2024. Two of these, run by GMR and Craft-Bamboo Racing, feature full factory support.
Meanwhile, the 75 Express team—formerly SunEnergy1—reunites the formidable trio of Stolz, Gounon, and Habul. Despite Habul’s non-professional driver status, they came within 2.6 seconds of a hat-trick victory last year, making them serious contenders once again.
The Mercedes-AMG ranks also include Supercars legend Craig Lowndes, who joins Cam Waters and Thomas Randle in Scott Taylor Motorsport’s entry. However, the strongest challenges may come from Mercedes’ full-factory squads. Maro Engel, the fastest-ever GT3 qualifier at Mount Panorama, partners with Mikaël Grenier and Maxime Martin, who recently switched from BMW. The Craft-Bamboo trio of Maximilian Götz, Lucas Auer, and Jayden Ojeda also have the potential to fight for victory.
Porsche Looks to Build on 2024 Success
Porsche may be without the iconic Grello Manthey team this year, but the manufacturer is still well-positioned for success. Last season, Laurens Vanthoor, Campbell, and Güven ended Gounon’s winning streak, and now Campbell and Güven are back with Absolute Racing—an outfit with which Campbell secured pole in 2020.
Joining them is last year’s Pro-Am winner Alessio Picariello, as they aim to defend Porsche’s manufacturers’ title. A second 911 GT3 R entry, backed by The Bend Motorsport Park, will compete in the Pro-Am class. Factory driver Laurin Heinrich will lead the team, but their success will depend on the performances of Yasser and Sam Shahin, alongside pro driver Morris Schuring.
A Thrilling Season Opener Awaits
With a star-studded line-up, manufacturer rivalries, and an unforgiving circuit, the 2025 Bathurst 12 Hour promises to be a spectacular opening round for the Intercontinental GT Challenge. As teams and drivers prepare for the gruelling dawn-to-dusk battle, motorsport fans can expect a thrilling start to the season at Mount Panorama.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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