Team WRT Claims Victory at Thrilling 2025 Bathurst 12 Hour
The 2025 Bathurst 12 Hour concluded with a hard-fought victory for Team WRT, as Augusto Farfus and the van der Linde brothers, Kelvin and Sheldon, crossed the finish line in their #32 BMW M4. This year’s race showcased a remarkably competitive field, with a record 31 of the 35 entered cars classified as GT3 vehicles, marking one of the strongest grids in recent memory.
A Grid Dominated by GT3 Powerhouses
Mercedes-AMG demonstrated significant strength in numbers, fielding the largest contingent of cars with a total of 10 entries. Porsche also made a strong showing with five cars, highlighted by the return of Earl Bamber Motorsport, sporting a livery reminiscent of their 2019 winning design. Ford, represented by a single Mustang run by the Haupt Racing Team, relied on a formidable driver lineup consisting of Broc Feeney, Christopher Mies, and Dennis Olsen to challenge for the top spots. Two Corvette entries, managed by Johor Motorsports Racing, competed in both the Pro and Pro-Am classes.
Understanding the Class Structure
The Bathurst 12 Hour is meticulously divided into classes to ensure a balanced and exciting competition. Class A remains the premier category, exclusively for GT3 cars. Class B features Porsche Carrera Cup cars, while Class C is reserved for vehicles homologated to FIA GT4 specifications. A fourth class, designated Invitational Cup (Class I), accommodates cars that don’t fit the established class structure, including IRC GT and GT2 vehicles.
Decoding GT3 Driver Categorization
Within the highly competitive Class A, GT3 entries are further categorized by driver skill level. The “Pro” (PRO) class allows for three drivers with no restrictions on categorization. The “Pro-Am” (PAM) class requires a minimum of three drivers, including at least one Platinum, Gold, or Silver-rated driver alongside two Bronze-rated drivers, or four drivers with similar requirements for the fourth driver. The “Silver” (SIL) class mandates all drivers be categorized as Silver or Bronze. Finally, the “Bronze” (BRO) class requires a minimum of three drivers, including one Platinum or Gold, one Silver, and one Bronze driver, or four drivers with the fourth also categorized as Silver or Bronze.
Viewing Options for Australian and New Zealand Fans
For Australian viewers, the 2025 Bathurst 12 Hour was exclusively broadcast on Foxtel, available on Fox Sports and via streaming on Kayo Sports. Additional coverage of Friday and Saturday practice sessions was provided on the Bathurst 12 Hour YouTube channel, though geo-blocking restrictions applied. Live coverage on Fox Sports 506 began at 1pm AEDT on Saturday for qualifying and at 5:30am AEDT on Sunday ahead of the race start, with the entire endurance event broadcast ad-free. New Zealand audiences could follow the action on Sky Sport, along with its streaming platforms Sky Go and Sky Sport Now. Notably, this year marked the first time the race was broadcast in 4K resolution, offering 16 hours of live coverage across two days. Commentary was led by John Hindhaugh and Richard Crail, alongside six-time Bathurst 1000 winner Garth Tander, with pit lane reporting from Chad Neylon and Shea Adam.
Weather Conditions and Race Schedule
The race weekend unfolded under partly cloudy skies, with a maximum temperature of 25 degrees Celsius and a minimal temperature of 13 degrees Celsius on Friday, February 13th, and a 5% chance of precipitation. Saturday, February 14th, saw similar conditions with a slightly increased 30% chance of 0-1mm of rain. Sunday, February 15th, was cloudy with the same temperature range and precipitation probability.
The event schedule included extensive practice sessions on Friday, with dedicated time for Bronze drivers. Saturday featured additional practice and qualifying rounds, culminating in a Pirelli Pole Battle to determine the starting grid. The 12-hour race commenced at 5:45am on Sunday, concluding after 1 lap following the 5:43pm mark.
Key Takeaways from the 2025 Bathurst 12 Hour
Team WRT’s victory underscored the competitive depth of the GT3 class and the importance of a well-rounded driver lineup. The race demonstrated the enduring appeal of endurance racing, attracting a strong field and a dedicated fanbase. The expanded broadcast coverage, including the introduction of 4K streaming, further enhanced the viewing experience for motorsport enthusiasts across Australia and New Zealand.
