The 2026 racing season opened across two very different settings. In Abu Dhabi, strategic precision and calm decision-making defined the Michelin 6H Abu Dhabi, as teams navigated a race shaped by repeated Code 60 interruptions and fuel-sensitive strategy calls. Meanwhile in Europe, winter conditions added an extra layer of challenge at Circuit Zandvoort, where the return of the Nieuwjaarsrace provided a cold, unforgiving backdrop for the Supercar Challenge’s season opener.

24H Series Middle East Trophy – 6H Abu Dhabi: Herberth Motorsport perfectly navigates Codes 60s and fuel stategy

Herberth Motorsport claimed a perfectly judged GT3 victory in the Michelin 6H Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit, navigating a race shaped by frequent Code 60 periods and strategic fuel management.

The #10 Porsche 911 GT3 R of Loek Hartog, Antares Au and Huub van Eijndhoven emerged on top after running consistently at the front. Hartog charged into the lead early on and, as the race evolved into a strategic contest, Herberth’s ability to capitalise on the neutralisations proved decisive. The winning margin was 41 seconds at the flag.

Behind the winning Herberth Porsche, Team WRT finished second with the #669 BMW M4 GT3 of Anthony McIntosh, Parker Thompson and Dan Harper, while Into Africa Racing by Dragon completed the overall podium with the #25 Ferrari 296 GT3 driven by Axcil Jefferies, Stuart White and Xollie Letlaka.

Just off the podium, HAAS RT secured fourth overall and GT3 Am victory with the #21 Audi R8 LMS GT3 of Peter and Nicolas Guelinckx alongside Amir Feyzulin. They finished half a minute ahead of GT3 Am contender and fifth overall finisher Continental Racing by Simpson Motorsport, whose Audi R8 LMS GT3 was driven by Alex Aka, Vasily Vladykin and Alex Novichkov.

Herberth Motorsport continued its strong showing by also claiming GT3 Pro-Am honours, the #269 Porsche finishing sixth overall.

Supercar Challenge – Nieuwjaarsrace Zandvoort: Mex Jansen stars in Koopman Racing BMW M6 GT3 win

The FEBO Nieuwjaarsrace 2026 marked the return of one of Dutch motorsport’s traditional season openers after a three-year absence, run in freezing winter conditions at Circuit Zandvoort and for the first time as the opening round of the Supercar Challenge. A late drive-through penalty for the leading Porsche proved decisive, allowing Koopman Racing to snatch victory with Cees Wijsman and rising GT3 star Mex Jansen in the BMW M6 GT3.

Read the full report of the Nieuwjaarsrace 2026 here.

Up next: First major endurance race of 2026

The 2026 racing season properly comes to life with a major endurance race. In the Middle East, the 24H Dubai returns to Dubai Autodrome as the first full-scale 24-hour race of the year, bringing an end to the 2025-2026 24H Series Middle East Trophy.

Meanwhile in the United States, IMSA teams head to Daytona International Speedway for the Roar Before the 24, the traditional season-opening test ahead of the Rolex 24. Read the preview here.

In Europe, winter competition continues as the GT Winter Series begins at Portimão, keeping GT racing firmly in motion across three continents.