A Global Grid Under the Lights
Endurance racing always starts with ambition. However, it rarely ends without attrition. The 2026 running of the 24 Hours of Dubai proved exactly that once again.
Originally, 68 cars from around the world were confirmed across nine classes. Yet by the time the green flag waved at Dubai Autodrome, only 57 machines actually took the start. Even so, the grid remained one of the most diverse of the season. Manufacturers, privateer teams, factory supported entries, and rising talent all shared the same asphalt.
The event served as the second round of the 24H Series Middle East Championship. Therefore, championship implications were already in play before engines even fired. Teams arrived not only chasing a trophy, but also building momentum early in the year.
From the very first hour, the race settled into its familiar rhythm. Long straights. Technical corners. Traffic everywhere. Meanwhile, desert air cooled the circuit as night fell, adding another layer of strategy. Tire management and fuel windows became just as critical as outright pace.
However, endurance racing is never about the first few hours. It is about surviving the final ones.
Team WRT Sets the Pace
As the laps ticked by, one story began to form at the front. Team WRT came prepared.
After 24 grueling hours and a total of 577 laps, overall victory went to the number 669 BMW M4 GT3 EVO. The winning lineup featured Anthony McIntosh, Ben Tuck, Jordan Pepper, Kelvin Van Der Linde, and Fran Rueda. From the outset, their pace was consistent. More importantly, it was mistake free.
Consistency wins endurance races. While others faltered with penalties or minor contact, the leading BMW simply cycled through stints with precision. Each driver delivered when it mattered. Furthermore, pit stops were clean and efficient, which ultimately made the difference over such a long distance.
Even more impressive, Team WRT secured a one two finish. The sister number 27 BMW M4 GT3 EVO crossed the line second overall and second in GT3. That car was driven by Stanislav Minsky, Mathieu Vincent R. Detry, Thomas Kiefer, Julian Hanses, and Christopher Haase. Their result underlined the depth of the program. It was not a single car effort. It was a statement.
Therefore, the 24hrs of dubai once again reinforced BMW’s strength in global GT3 competition. The M4 GT3 EVO platform showed durability, pace, and balance over the entire 24 hour window.
Mercedes and Porsche Keep the Pressure On
Although BMW celebrated at the top step, the battle behind them never stopped.
Third overall went to the number 16 Mercedes AMG GT3 EVO from Windward Racing. The driver roster included Sergey Stolyarov, Daan Arrow, Maro Engel, and Luca Stolz. Notably, this same car had won the 6 Hours of Abu Dhabi just one week earlier. As a result, expectations were high.
Throughout the night, the Mercedes stayed within striking distance. However, endurance racing often comes down to marginal gains. A few minutes lost in the pits or in traffic can translate into an insurmountable gap. While Windward Racing executed a strong campaign, they ultimately could not disrupt the BMW formation up front.
Meanwhile, Porsche teams delivered across multiple categories. Herberth Motorsport claimed GT3 Pro Am honors with the number 10 Porsche 911 GT3 992. In addition, the 992 class victory went to Tierra Outdoor Racing by FACH with the number 962 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup 992. Red Ant Racing added another Porsche win in 992 Am with the number 924 entry.
Clearly, Stuttgart machinery continues to thrive in endurance formats. The reliability of the 911 platform once again proved its value over 24 hours.
Class Battles Across the Field
While overall victory often grabs headlines, the deeper story of the 24hrs of dubai always lives within the classes.
In GT3 Am, the number 69 Audi R8 LMS GT3 EVO II from Continental Racing by Simpson Motorsport secured the win. Audi’s proven GT3 weapon remained competitive despite fierce opposition.
Meanwhile, Leipert Motorsport captured first place in the GTX category with their Lamborghini Huracan Super Trofeo EVO2. The Lamborghini brought both pace and presence, especially during the cooler night sessions.
BMW continued its strong showing in GT4 as well. Cerny Motorsport’s BMW M4 GT4 G82 took top honors in class. As a result, the brand celebrated victories in multiple categories, reinforcing a well rounded performance across the paddock.
In the touring car based divisions, Junichi Umemoto and Asbest Racing secured victory in TCE TCX with their Cupra TCR DSG. Additionally, the TCE TC win went to the number 108 Toyota Supra GT4 EVO B Spec from KCMG. These categories often feature some of the closest wheel to wheel action, and this year was no different.
However, not every team reached the finish line. Of the 57 starters, only 48 completed the race. Mechanical failures and on track incidents took their toll. Endurance racing is ruthless. No car is immune.
The Spirit of Endurance
Beyond the podium results, the 24hrs of dubai showcased something even more important. It highlighted the global nature of modern motorsport.
Teams from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond converged in one location. Drivers with factory credentials shared cockpits with ambitious amateurs. Young prospects gained valuable seat time under pressure. Veterans managed traffic and fatigue with calm precision.
An honorable mention belongs to the all female TG RR team from Japan. Competing in their first 24 Hours of Dubai, they completed the full distance and finished second in their class. That achievement deserves recognition. Endurance racing demands physical stamina, mental focus, and teamwork. Simply reaching the checkered flag is a victory in itself.
Moreover, the event demonstrated how the Middle East continues to position itself as a winter hub for international racing. Teams benefit from stable weather conditions and world class facilities. As a result, the season begins with high intensity competition rather than off season testing alone.
Strategy, Survival, and Speed
What ultimately separates winners from the rest in endurance racing is not outright speed. Instead, it is the balance between aggression and patience.
Throughout the race, teams had to adapt to evolving track conditions. Daytime heat challenged tire compounds. Nighttime temperatures altered grip levels. Traffic management remained constant, especially with multi class differentials creating speed gaps across corners and straights.
Furthermore, pit strategy played a decisive role. Fuel windows, driver changes, and brake management required constant communication. A single slow stop can erase hours of hard work. Therefore, coordination between engineers, mechanics, and drivers becomes just as important as lap time.
In the closing hours, tension always rises. Fatigue sets in. Margins shrink. Yet this is precisely where experience counts. Team WRT’s ability to maintain discipline under pressure ultimately secured their dominance.
As the checkered flag fell, fireworks illuminated the circuit. Celebrations erupted in the BMW garage. Meanwhile, other teams reflected on hard fought battles and near misses.
Looking Ahead
With the second round of the championship complete, attention now shifts to the remainder of the season. However, the momentum from Dubai will carry forward.
The 24hrs of dubai remains one of the most important endurance fixtures outside Europe. It blends professional structure with grassroots passion. It also offers a proving ground for both machinery and talent.
For fans of GT racing, this edition delivered everything expected. Close class fights. Manufacturer rivalries. Strategic gambles. Mechanical drama. And ultimately, a commanding performance from Team WRT.
Endurance racing never guarantees outcomes. Yet it always rewards preparation.
This year, BMW prepared better than anyone else.
For more information about the championship and upcoming rounds, visit the official 24H Series website.
Full race results here.
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