Mercedes-AMG, BMW, Audi covered by 0.03s in Bathurst

Mercedes-AMG, BMW and Audi have filled the top three spots in a close first Bronze session at the 2026 Meguiar's Bathurst 12 Hour.

After 40 minutes of practice, the #45 RAM/GWR Mercedes-AMG led the way, courtesy of a late flyer by Australian driver Brett Hobson.

Hobson clocked a 2:05.3176s, which proved just 0.0225s quicker than the #89 Team KRC BMW M4 GT3 EVO of Dutch driver Maxime Oosten.

Third was the #55 Jamec Racing Team MPC R8 LMS Evo II of local driver Brad Schumacher, who reeled off consecutive laps good enough for third.

Schumacher opened the session, contested by 21 of the weekend's 35 cars with a 2:14.8743s, before two-time 12 Hour winner Kenny Habul put the 75 Express Mercedes-AMG on top with a 2:10.1429s. Habul would end up fifth.

The #27 Heart of Racing by SPS Mercedes-AMG marched ahead at the hands of Eduardo Barrichello. The #27 wound up fourth by the end of the session.

Schumacher (2:09.9074s) jumped ahead, before Oosten dipped into the 2:06s with a 2:06.5974s.

Fabio Babini then put the #79 TSUNAMI RT Porsche into second, before Kerong Li (2:06.2798s) and Oosten (2:05.3401s) moved the marker. Oosten's time held sway for the balance of the session before Hobson set the ultimate pace, albeit by just 0.02s.

All cars return to the track for Practice 3 at 2:10pm local time.