The excitement is palpable as the 2025 Bathurst 12 Hour Race approaches, with preparations and practice sessions buzzing at Mount Panorama, Australia. The main race day is set for Sunday, February 2, 2025, kicking off at 5:45am AEDT, and fans from around the world are gearing up for the endurance competition.
Among the key drivers, Kelvin van der Linde has made headlines during the practice sessions by clocking the fastest time of 2:02.900s on his sixth lap, demonstrating impressive skill behind the wheel of the #32 BMW M4. Van der Linde’s performance led the pack, edging out tough competition from the #75 SunEnergy1 Racing Mercedes-AMG team. The combination of Kenny Habul, Jules Gounon, and Luca Stolz pushed their Mercedes to finish just 0.3 seconds behind, recording their best lap at 2:03.214s.
Commenting on his return to Bathurst, Gounon expressed his fondness for the event, saying, "I hope I can come many, many, many more years and the event will last many, many, many long years because it’s the best. I love Australia, I love coming to Bondi Beach and having an avocado smash, a flat white with oat milk, we always enjoy it.” His enthusiasm reflects the event's significance not just as a race, but as part of competitors' experiences and traditions.
While the competition heats up on the track, the preparations for driver McLeod took an unexpected turn. Set to join the Mercedes-AMG GT3 entry with teammates Darren Currie and Axle Donaldson, McLeod was left disappointed after sponsorship issues saw him sidelined. He shared his feelings with Speedcafe, stating, "It was probably the most excited I’ve ever been for a race. I was so, so Keen. I’ve been waiting to drive one for such a long time." Despite the setback, McLeod has remained close to the event, offering support where needed as he trains and prepares for future racing opportunities.
Fans will be pleased to know they won’t miss any of the action, as the broadcast of the event promises to be comprehensive and engaging. Scheduled to begin at 1:00pm AEDT on Saturday, February 1, coverage will include qualifying, support races, and the Pirelli Pole Battle—a prelude to the main race. Viewers can expect live streaming on platforms such as Fox Sports and Kayo Sports, as well as the SRO GT World YouTube Channel for international audiences. Australia's Seven Network will also be showcasing the main event live, commencing at 5:30am on race day.
Weather conditions for the race weekend look promising as well. According to rural weather specialist Elders, the forecast suggests mostly sunny skies with temperatures peaking at around 30 degrees Celsius. Notably, this sun-drenched weather is expected to prevail with less than 1mm chance of rain, creating ideal conditions for both drivers and fans. Elders reported, "The forecast is mostly sunny for race day with a top of 30 degrees with a five percent chance of any rain across the region." This is especially welcome news for the teams, who hope for incident-free racing.
With excitement building and weather cooperating, the 2025 Bathurst 12 Hour promises to deliver thrilling moments, fierce competition, and memorable experiences for everyone involved. Fans and competitors alike eagerly await the action as they celebrate this prestigious race. Stay tuned as the clock winds down to the start of one of Australia’s most beloved automotive traditions—one where speed, skill, and strategy collide spectacularly on the iconic Mount Panorama circuit.