The opening round of the 2025/2026 24H SERIES Middle East Trophy at Sepang International Circuit delivered an electrifying qualifying session for the inaugural MICHELIN 12H MALAYSIA. Among tightly matched GT3 contenders, China’s Climax Racing grabbed pole position with their No. 999 Mercedes‑AMG GT3 EVO, edging out the field by a razor-thin margin of just 0.017 seconds.

Piloted by Elias Seppänen, Zhou Bihuang and Tanart Sathienthirakul (with Li Lichao joining for the race), the team posted an average lap time of 2:04.556 — just enough to deny the No. 10 Absolute Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R the pole, a performance that underlined the intensity and competitiveness of the field.

In other classes, the session set vivid grids across the board: Porsche 992-class, GT4, GTX, TCE and TCX all locked in their starting orders, promising a full and diverse field when the 12-hour endurance challenge begins.

With the grid decided by mere hundredths and a full field of contenders from GT3 to TCX, the race promises to test every dimension — speed, strategy, durability, teamwork. Sepang’s 5.543 km, 15-corner layout will push machines and crews alike as they chase lap after lap under tropical conditions.

As preparations move toward race day, full event details, timing, and updates can be followed through the official 24H SERIES Middle East channels.

www.24hseries.com