Italian GT outfit Tsunami RT will make its first appearance at the Bathurst 12 Hour next year, confirming the entry of a Porsche 911 GT3 R in the Bronze class for the 2026 edition of Australia’s endurance classic – the opening round of the Intercontinental GT Challenge.

The Italy-based, Ukrainian-founded team will tackle Mount Panorama for the first time as part of its expanding international GT programme, which in recent seasons has included campaigns in the Asian Le Mans Series and International GT Open.

Team principal Valerio M. Speziali said the decision to compete at Bathurst follows the team’s steady move into long-distance GT racing.

“Making our debut at the Bathurst 12 Hour is a new step in our racing journey and the realisation of a dream – a challenge we’ve long desired, pursued with determination and passion,” Speziali said.

“We know it won’t be easy; that’s exactly why we’ve chosen it. Because true growth only comes when you face the toughest challenges head-on.”

Founded in the 2000s by Ukrainian rally driver Irina Kolomeytseva, Tsunami RT began life in Eastern European rallying before relocating to Italy. The team has since developed into a regular presence in European GT racing, claiming Porsche Carrera Cup Italia Teams’ titles in 2015 and 2017. Most recently, Tsunami RT took Pro-Am class victory in the 2025 International GT Open season finale at Monza with Alex Fontana and Bashar Mardini.

The squad also contested the 2024–25 Asian Le Mans Series with a Porsche 911 GT3 R driven by Daniel Gaunt, further strengthening its endurance credentials.

Bathurst 2026 will mark Tsunami RT’s Intercontinental GT Challenge debut. Driver details are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

The 2026 Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour takes place on 13–15 February, opening next year’s IGTC season.