Ford will take the Mustang GT3 to Mount Panorama for the first time in 2026, confirming a factory-backed entry for the Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour. The programme will be run by Haupt Racing Team, operating under the HRT Ford Racing banner, marking a major step in Ford’s expanding global GT3 strategy.

Bathurst joins Ford’s global GT3 targets

For Ford, Bathurst now sits alongside endurance racing’s most prestigious venues. Ford Racing Global Sports Car Manager Alex Allmandinger underlined the significance of the event, describing racing on Mount Panorama as comparable in stature to Le Mans, Daytona, the Nürburgring and Spa: “Like racing at Le Mans, Daytona, Nürburgring or Spa, competing on ‘The Mountain’ gives an entirely new line of sight on our commitment to international motorsports. Being able to take the Mustang GT3 to Mount Panorama is a milestone moment for Mustang and Ford Racing.”

While Ford has a long history at Bathurst through Supercars, the 12 Hour represents new ground for the Blue Oval. Allmandinger continued: “Racing in Australia is not new for Ford. Racing at Bathurst is not new either. But racing in the 12 Hour, that is a new and exciting challenge we are looking forward to taking on.”

HRT leads the charge after strong European debut

HRT was selected to lead the Bathurst effort following its role as the spearhead of Ford’s European Mustang GT3 programme in 2025. The German squad delivered overall and class victories on the Nürburgring and secured the Mustang GT3’s first championship title in ADAC GT Masters. According to Allmandinger, HRT’s results made it a natural partner for Ford’s next step.

Updated Mustang GT3 and expanded 2026 programme

HRT has already confirmed 2026 as a major expansion year for its Mustang GT3 effort. The team will contest selected Intercontinental GT Challenge events, alongside full campaigns in DTM, ADAC GT Masters, GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup, and a continued Nordschleife programme, including the 24 Hours of Nürburgring.

The Mustang GT3 will race in its first stage of evolution next season, featuring targeted optimisations across several areas. HRT will also use the GT Winter Series in Spain and Portugal for early-season mileage and to introduce young drivers to the car.

HRT CEO Ulrich Fritz said preparations across all programmes are already well underway, with the team aiming to build on the strong foundation laid during the Mustang’s debut season.

“The insights we gained last year will help us further improve our performance and build on our strong results,” he said. “It is sure to be an exciting year.”

Double debut

The 2026 Bathurst 12 Hour will take place on 13–15 February, with the race marking the first appearance of the Ford Mustang GT3 at Mount Panorama. It will also be Haupt Racing Team’s debut at Bathurst.

2026 BATHURST 12 HOUR GRID UPDATE