24H Series - Abu Dhabi 6hr - 2026

And just like that, the 2026 season is underway already. First race down and we have only just got this album finalised the evening before we start the second event, the Dubai 24hrs.

Herberth Motorsport delivered a superbly executed performance at Yas Marina Circuit to claim victory in the Michelin 6H Abu Dhabi, expertly navigating a race defined by multiple incidents and frequent Code 60 caution periods. The No.10 Porsche 911 GT3 R (992) driven by Loek Hartog, Antares Au and Huub van Eijndhoven emerged on top after a strategic and resilient drive in constantly changing conditions.

The winning trio was in contention from the very start, with Hartog charging from fourth on the grid to seize the lead on the opening lap. Their success carried added significance, coming exactly ten years after Au’s motor racing debut and marking van Eijndhoven’s first appearance in a GT3 endurance race. Hartog praised the collective effort, highlighting how the team maximised opportunities during the numerous Code 60 periods to control fuel strategy and maintain track position.

Au echoed those sentiments, underlining the strength of the team and celebrating both the milestone anniversary of his career and van Eijndhoven’s impressive debut. Herberth Motorsport also enjoyed further success, with its No.269 Porsche 911 driven by Max Moritz, Vincent Kolb and Sven Müller securing the GT3 PRO-AM victory in sixth overall.

The overall podium was completed by the Team WRT BMW M4 GT3 EVO of Anthony McIntosh, Parker Thompson and Dan Harper in second place, and the Into Africa Racing by Dragon Ferrari 296 GT3 of Axcil Jefferies, Stuart White and Xollie Letlaka in third. GT3 AM honours went to HAAS RT’s No.21 Audi R8 LMS GT3 EVO II of Peter and Nicolas Guelinckx and Amir Feyzulin, finishing fourth overall.

Local success was celebrated in the 992 category, where Qatar’s QMMF by HRT Performance claimed both outright 992 and 992 AM victory with its Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (992) driven by Ahmed Al-Emadi, Jassim Al-Thani and Faesal Al Yafei. Elsewhere, Vortex V8 secured the GTX class win despite not reaching the chequered flag, while Cerny Motorsport won GT4 with its BMW M4 GT4. The TCE-TCX class victory went to Chazel Technologie’s Alpine A110 Cup.

From a championship perspective, Herberth’s No.10 Porsche now leads the GT3 standings heading into the Middle East Trophy finale in Dubai, where points will be awarded at both mid-distance and the finish, with teams counting their two best results from the three races.

On track, the race unfolded in dramatic fashion. Hartog’s aggressive start broke Winward Racing’s front-row lockout, and although early Code 60s repeatedly neutralised the field, Herberth steadily asserted control. Strategy calls, pit timing and driver changes during the interruptions continually reshuffled the order, while incidents and mechanical issues eliminated several frontrunners, including both Winward Mercedes-AMGs.

The closing stages were again punctuated by caution periods, but the No.10 Porsche remained unchallenged. Hartog ultimately crossed the line 41 seconds clear to seal a deserved victory. A late pass elevated the WRT BMW to second, while post-race penalties dropped the Audi R8 out of podium contention, promoting the Ferrari into third.

Results -

GT3 -

1 - Herberth Motorsport - Au/Hartog/Aijndoven - Porsche 911 GT3 R

2 - Team WRT - McIntosh/Thompson/Harper - BMW M4 GT3 Evo

3 - Into Africa by Dragon Racing - Letlaka/White/Jefferies - Ferrari 296 GT3

GTX -

1 - Vortex V8 - Amrouche/Boillot - Vortex 2.0

2 - GT3 Poland - Lewandowski/Lewandowski - Lamborghini Huracan Super Trofea Evo2

Porsche 992 -

1 - QMMF by HRT - Al-Emadi/Al-Thani/Al-Yafei - Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (992)

2 - Seblajoux - Perrin/Vince/Perrot - Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (992)

3 - Rabdan Motorsport - Almeri/Zochling/Alketbi - Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (992)