New GTX1 category joins GT3 field at Gulf 12H

The organisers of the Gulf 12 Hours have confirmed that the 15th edition of the race will take place at Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, on Sunday 14 December 2025. 

After endurance racing's summer break, the Gulf 12 Hours event reconfirms its position as a highlight of the winter GT racing calendar, with GT3 cars as the main class and the introduction of the new GTX1 category for high-performance Cup cars.

GT3 competitors will again be divided into three categories -- Pro, ProAm and Am -- all of which must feature at least one Bronze ranked driver in their line-up. In the Pro category, the Bronze driver will be required to complete a minimum of three hours of driving time, while in ProAm they will need to complete at least six hours. 

A new feature for 2025 will see the Am category exclusively reserved for Bronze drivers, who will be allowed to work with a professional driver during free practice for set-up purposes, but not in qualifying or the race.

For the first time, the Gulf 12 Hours will also include the GTX1 category, reserved for Cup cars from Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren and Porsche. To enable this initiative, the promoter will work with data recording specialists Emotag to supply GTX1 teams with a dedicated datalogger, enabling a balance of performance (BOP) that considers both car set-up and pit stop duration.