Campbell, Buus, Picariello in Absolute Porsche for Bathurst

Photo: Xynamic /Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific

Absolute Racing has confirmed its Pro class entry for February’s Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour, featuring a star-studded lineup of Porsche drivers.

Reigning IMSA GTP champion Matt Campbell, a two-time Bathurst 12H overall winner, will be joined at the wheel by 2025 GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS Endurance Cup champion Alessio Picariello and fellow Porsche-contracted driver Bastian Buus in the team’s Porsche 911 GT3 R.

It will mark Absolute’s third trip to Bathurst, with its first coming in 2020, where Campbell scored pole.

Absolute has enjoyed another active season working alongside Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific, competing across various championships.

The Shanghai-based outfit has had Porsche entries in GT World Challenge Asia powered by AWS and Thailand Super Series throughout the campaign, taking podiums in both.

Additionally, the team finished second overall in this year’s Suzuka 1000km and more recently secured a top three finish in the FIA GT World Cup Qualification Race in Macau.

“We are delighted to be returning to the Bathurst 12 Hour, and to do so in Porsche colors makes it even more special,” said team principal Fabien Fior.

“We have fond memories of this event, having secured pole position and led the race in 2020, and leading it again in 2024.

“This time, we will be aiming to convert that pace into the podium finish that has so far eluded us, while enjoying the incredible support of the local fans.

“We can count on three excellent drivers – Matt and Alessio form a strong and familiar core within the Absolute Racing line-up, while Bastian will be a valuable addition. I believe we have everything in place to make it happen.”

Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific managing director Alex Gibot added: “We have a competitive lineup at Absolute Racing, with Matt, Bastian and Alessio all having raced at the event previously,

“Bathurst 12 Hour is such a challenging enduro with the night start and the complex track layout, but we know that with the experience of the squad and the driver line-up the team has, Absolute Racing can be in strong contention at the sharp end of the field.”

Campbell will be making his third Bathurst 12H appearance with Absolute.

“I’m looking forward to seeing lots of familiar faces and I think we’ve got a strong lineup with Bastian and Alessio,” he said. “As an Australian it’s one of the highlights of the season, so we’re aiming to have a strong weekend and battle for a podium finish.”

Picariello added: “It’s one of the coolest events of the year and one of the best race tracks in the world and always brings extra excitement thanks to being early in the season.

“To return with Absolute Racing is a pleasure, and alongside Matt and Bastian, I believe we have all the ingredients to succeed in our Porsche 911 GT3 R.”

Buus, meanwhile, made his Bathurst debut in 2024 in a Phantom Global Racing Porsche, finishing fourth overall, and is now set for his second start.

“I know Matt and Alessio well so I’m sure that we will have a great event. With the driver line-up and the experience of the team, I’m confident that we can fight at the front throughout the enduro. It’s now all about our preparation leading up to the big weekend in February.”

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John