Bathurst debut 'a dream' for Italian GT squad locked in for 2026
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Italian-based Porsche GT squad Tsunami RT will make a down under debut at the 2026 Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour.
The team has confirmed the entry of a Porsche 992 GT3.R in the Bronze class in the 2026 running of Australia’s International Enduro.
From their foundations in the 2000s, Tsunami RT has evolved into a strong Italian-based contender in European GT competition, the Asian Le Mans Series and one-make Porsche racing.
It marks the first time the team will have tackled both Mount Panorama and the Intercontinental GT Challenge; however, they are not unfamiliar with tough long-distance GT racing.
The team tackled the 2024/25 Asian Le Mans Series with a Porsche 992 GT3.R and a driving squad that included well-known Kiwi Daniel Gaunt. They also contested the International GT Open Championship in 2025, including recently claiming the Pro-Am class win with Alex Fontana and Bashar Mardini in the Monza season finale’.
Previously, they claimed a pair of Porsche Carrera Cup Italia team’s titles in 2015 and 2017, respectively, and have emerged as a powerhouse in karting in Italy with an extensive run of victories in recent years.
The team has also been known for fielding spectacular liveries on their Porsche entries in the GT Open championship – as witnessed by their recent efforts at the Monza series finale.
"Making our debut at the Bathurst 12 Hour is a new step in our racing journey and the realization of a dream. A challenge we’ve long desired, pursued with determination and passion,” said Team Principal, Valerio M. Speziali.
“We’re beyond grateful and deeply excited to join such an extraordinary field. It’s an honour to compete in one of the world’s most prestigious endurance events and to bring Italian passion and spirit to this legendary stage.
“For us at Tsunami RT, this race captures the very essence of challenge: to push beyond limits, to test our preparation and to measure our passion against one of motorsport’s greatest proving grounds.
“Over the past year we’ve embraced the world of endurance racing with passion and commitment. We’ve worked and we are still working tirelessly to prepare for one of the most iconic and demanding circuits on the planet.”
Speziali said the lure of Bathurst drew the team towards making their trip Down Under for the first time.
“Mount Panorama is not just a circuit, it’s a legend,” he said.
“Every corner tells a story. Every mistake has a cost. Every lap demands total focus. 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.
Stay tuned, as exciting news about our line up will be coming soon. Bathurst 12 Hour awaits and we’re ready to make our first, but certainly not our last, mark Down Under"
The 2026 Meguiar's Bathurst 12 Hour will be held across the February 13-15 weekend next year. Tickets, camping, corporate experiences and more are all on sale now via the official event website, Bathurst12hour.com.au, and Supercars Travel.
