Gulf 12 Hours unveils strong GT3 roster for 2023 showdown in Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi is gearing up for the return of the Middle East’s premier endurance race, the prestigious Lenovo Gulf 12 Hours championship, at Yas Marina Circuit this weekend.

The 13th edition of the regional classic will feature the strongest lineup yet, with 28 GT3 cars confirmed for multiple championship deciders.

Starting on Saturday, Dec. 9, the event will see racing legend Valentino Rossi in action as the Italian star aims to wrap up his season with his first Lenovo Gulf 12 Hours title.

Rossi, alongside his teammates Nick Yelloy and Dries Vanthoor, is taking the battle for the championship to 2022 champions AF Corse and their powerful trio of Ferrari 296 GTS’, piloted by an impressive crew featuring American duo Jean Claude Saada and Conrad Grunewald.

The GT cars hunting for silverware in Abu Dhabi represent a world-class selection of constructors as Audi, Ferrari, Mercedes, McLaren, BMW and Porsche feature in the AM, ProAM, and Pro categories. Entrants will be competing for the three coveted titles in the ultimate round of the Intercontinental GT powered by Pirelli, including the Independent Cup honors.

Fans can expect to see familiar favorites and new faces, with 10 of the 12 previous Gulf 12 Hours champions confirmed to race again in Abu Dhabi, including back-to-back title winners, 2 Seas Motorsport, AF Corse and Kessel Racing. The 2023 grid will also welcome Haas RT, as the team makes its ProAM debut with Audi.