Absolute Racing confirms Campbell, Güven and Picariello for Bathurst return

Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific customer team, Absolute Racing, is returning to the Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour for the first time since 2020, with Porsche factory driver Matt Campbell and Porsche drivers Ayhancan Güven and Alessio Picariello set to race for the Shanghai-based squad.

In the team’s previous visit to Mount Panorama Circuit five years ago, Campbell secured a stunning pole position, Porsche’s first at the event. Alongside Mathieu Jaminet and Patrick Pilet, the trio put in a fantastic performance and were involved in a dramatic battle for the podium, eventually narrowly missing out in fourth.
 
Australian Campbell is a two-time winner at Bathurst, the first of which were thanks to his stunning late overtake through the Esses in 2019. Alongside Turkish racer Güven, the pair will be aiming to defend their crown, having also taken overall victory in 2024.
 
Alessio Picariello completes the trio, with the Belgian set to make his second appearance at the New South Wales-based circuit, after taking Pro-Am honours on his debut in 2024.
 
The 6.213-kilometre layout, which has been unchanged since 1987, provides a varied challenge for those brave enough to tackle it. The first half of the lap is uphill, with the long Mountain Straight leading into a series of narrow, sweeping bends as the drivers reach the highest point on the circuit. The descent down is even more exciting, with the left and right turns of Skyline, the Esses and The Dipper punishing any mistakes. The undulating Conrod Straight leads into The Chase, which consists of a fast right-hander and then a tricky chicane ahead of Murray’s Corner, the 23rd and final turn of an exhilarating lap. The event is unique on the endurance racing calendar, thanks to its dawn start, with the opening stages of the race run in darkness before the sun comes up.

Matt Campbell: “It's great to be reuniting with Absolute Racing as we secured Porsche’s first ever Bathurst pole position when we last worked together in 2020. After the success in 2024, when I won the race, we’ll be aiming to replicate this alongside Ayhancan and Alessio. It’s my home event at my favourite track in the world, so I can’t wait to start the year off in Australia.”
 
Ayhancan Güven: “I’m excited to join Absolute Racing for the Bathurst 12 Hour. Having won the event last year, it's the perfect opportunity to fight for victory again! I’m excited to work with the team and racing around the unique Mount Panorama circuit.”
 
Alessio Picariello: “It’s amazing to be heading back to Bathurst after my first outing last February. I’m excited to be in the Pro car this year with Absolute Racing, alongside two very strong teammates, who both won the overall category in 2024, while I was in the car that took Pro-Am honours. The goals are quite clear, and I’m looking forward to enjoying the whole race weekend!”
 
Fabien Fior, Absolute Racing Team Principal: “We’re thrilled to be returning to the Bathurst 12 Hour, and to do so in partnership with Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific makes it even more special. There’s unfinished business at Mount Panorama for us as in 2020, we took pole with Matt, but unfortunately finished just off the podium. We’re also excited to welcome a second Bathurst 12 Hour winner to the squad in Ayhancan Güven, along with our long-term driver Alessio Picariello, a class winner at this iconic event. We have a strong car and line-up, so our sights are set high!”
 
Alexandre Gibot, Managing Director Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific Ltd.: “The Bathurst 12 Hour is a very special event and is always an incredible way to kick off a new season. We’re delighted to be supporting Absolute Racing on their return to Mount Panorama Circuit. The team performed very strongly there in 2020, taking a superb pole position on their debut. With defending champions Matt and Ayhancan in the car, alongside 2024 Pro-Am winner Alessio, we believe the squad has everything it needs to challenge at the front once again. It’s a very challenging race and we know from previous years that anything can happen, however the team is experienced and with such a strong driver line-up, we are very excited for the event.”