BATHURST, 14 February 2026 – The roar of GT3 engines has returned to Mount Panorama as the 2026 Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour enters its penultimate day of action. With a capacity grid and 11 full-time Supercars stars joining international aces, the event is living up to its reputation as Australia’s premier international endurance race.
Today, Saturday 14 February, serves as the critical build-up to tomorrow’s dawn start, featuring the final practice sessions and the high-stakes qualifying rounds that will determine the starting grid for the 12-hour journey.
Event Schedule: 13–15 February 2026
The 2026 programme is spread across three days of intense track activity. While Friday focused on initial practice, today and tomorrow host the marquee sessions.
| Day / Date | Session / Event | Time (AEDT) |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, 13 February | Practice Sessions 1–4 | Various |
| Saturday, 14 February (Today) | Qualifying Part 1 | Morning / Midday |
| Saturday, 14 February (Today) | Qualifying Part 2 | 3:50 PM (Approx) |
| Sunday, 15 February (Tomorrow) | Race Start: Bathurst 12 Hour | 5:45 AM |
| Sunday, 15 February | Race Finish | 6:00 PM |
Circuit Specifications
Mount Panorama remains one of the most challenging permanent street circuits in the world. When not hosting major events like the 12 Hour or the Bathurst 1000, the track serves as a public road with a 60 km/h speed limit.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Circuit Length | 6.213 km |
| Direction | Anti-Clockwise |
| Top Speed | 300 km/h |
| Average Speed | 178 km/h |
| Fastest Point | Conrod Straight |
Latest Updates from the Mountain
As of Saturday afternoon, the paddock is buzzing with several key storylines:
- Qualifying Intensity: Teams are currently preparing for the final qualifying segments. Under the 2026 regulations, the second part of qualifying is scheduled to commence around 3:50 PM to lock in the front-runners.
- The Grid: A stacked field of 36 entries representing 12 different manufacturers is present. Notable entries include the #32 BMW M4 GT3 EVO featuring a tribute livery to Australian artist Ken Done.
- Supercars Stars: 11 full-time Supercars drivers, including Chaz Mostert, Will Brown, and Broc Feeney, are competing against international specialists from the Intercontinental GT Challenge (IGTC).
- Weather Watch: Conditions at the mountain are being closely monitored, as the early 5:45 AM start tomorrow often brings low visibility and cooler track temperatures before the midday heat.
How to Watch
Fans in Australia can catch the action live on Foxtel and Kayo Sports. The main race broadcast will begin prior to the 5:45 AM start on Sunday, 15 February. International viewers can typically follow the action via the official Bathurst 12 Hour social media channels and live streaming platforms provided by the GT World Challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Bathurst 12 Hour start in 2026?
The race is scheduled to start at 5:45 AM AEDT on Sunday, 15 February 2026. It is a traditional “dark-to-light” start, with the sun rising over the mountain during the first hour of racing.
How many cars are entered in the 2026 race?
The 2026 event features a capacity grid of 36 cars, a significant increase from previous years, showcasing 12 different automotive brands.
Is the track open to the public during the event?
No. While Mount Panorama is a public road for most of the year, it is closed to standard traffic under the Mount Panorama Act (1993) for the duration of the race weekend.