The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as the Michelin 12H Mugello gears up for its explosive season opener, boasting a staggering 31-car entry list that promises fierce competition among six distinguished manufacturers. The reigning champions, Proton Competition, formerly known as Proton Huber Competition, are poised to defend their title with an impressive Porsche 911 GT3 R, ready to unleash their dominance on the track.
But Proton won’t be alone in their quest for glory. The formidable Herberth Motorsport team is also stepping into the fray, fielding two powerful Porsche entries. Having recently clinched a second-place finish in the Michelin 24H Series Middle East trophy, they are riding high on momentum, especially after securing a championship victory in the GT3 Pro-Am category.
The Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo will make its presence felt through an impressive roster of five teams. GetSpeed is set to unleash a pair of Mercedes-AMGs, while Hofor Racing, Viper Niza Racing, and the returning MP Racing from Italy add to the firepower. Notably, Ajith RedAnt Racing, featuring the popular Indian film star Ajith Kumar, will also showcase a Mercedes-AMG, enhancing the glamour quotient of the event.
On the Audi front, the recent Middle East trophy GT3-Am champions, Continental Racing by Simpson Motorsport, are ready to bring the heat with an Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo II. They will be joined by seasoned competitors HAAS RT and the Sainteloc Junior Team, both of whom will return to the track with their powerful Audi machines.
The Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO from ARC Bratislava, last season’s GT3-Am runner-up, is another entry to watch as they aim to elevate their performance this year. Meanwhile, Era Motorsport will roll out the sole Ferrari 296 GT3 on the grid, a car that previously secured a third-place podium at Mugello, looking to improve on its past performance.
Aston Martin rounds out the competitive lineup with a single entry from E2P Racing, showcasing the brand’s commitment to the GT racing scene. The 992 class will be a hotbed of action, featuring a robust 11 entries, including the top three finishers from the previous race, ensuring that the competition will be fierce.
HRT Performance will field an impressive trio of Porsche 992 Cup cars, complemented by a sister entry from QMMF by HRT Performance. The GTX class promises a thrilling variety of entries, with the class veterans Vortex V8 entering two of their Vortex 2.0 cars. The Maserati name is making a grand return to Mugello, with Dinamic Motorsport fielding a sleek Maserati MC20 GT2, while Italian team PB Racing aims for GTX victory with their Lotus Exige V6 Cup R.
In the TCE-TCX class, the SEAT Leon Cup Racer by asBest Racing will go head-to-head with the Ligier JS2 R from Not Only Motorsport, adding another layer of excitement to this highly anticipated event.
Supporting the weekend’s festivities will be action from Creventic’s newly rebranded Prototype Cup Europe, along with the Radical Cup Europe and TCR Europe, ensuring a packed schedule for motorsport enthusiasts.
Mark your calendars for March 20-22, as the Michelin 24H Series kicks off its thrilling campaign at Mugello. The race, spanning 12 hours, will unfold over two exhilarating days, with five-and-a-half hours of racing on Saturday, followed by an overnight break before the final six-and-a-half hours conclude the intense battle on Sunday. Prepare for an unforgettable experience as these elite teams and drivers clash at one of the most scenic tracks in the world.
