Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir — As the Hypercars fought for overall victory under the desert floodlights, another intense contest unfolded deeper in the field. The LMGT3 class, introduced in the new era of the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2024, delivered one of the most strategic and closely fought races of the season during the championship finale.
The 8 Hours of Bahrain at the Bahrain International Circuit provided the perfect stage for GT racing: long braking zones, heavy tyre wear and dramatic temperature shifts between the hot afternoon start and the cool desert night.
With championship points still at stake, the LMGT3 field entered the race knowing that consistency and flawless execution would be the keys to success.
Early Hours: Strategy Before Speed
The opening phase of the race saw the LMGT3 grid immediately settle into a rhythm defined by traffic management and tyre conservation.
Unlike the Hypercars, GT3 machines must constantly negotiate faster prototypes while maintaining their own class battles. For the drivers, this requires exceptional awareness and discipline — particularly on a circuit like Bahrain, where overtaking zones are plentiful but risky.
Cars from Mercedes-AMG, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Porsche, and Lexus quickly formed a tightly packed lead group.
The Lexus RC F GT3 of AKKODIS ASP Team emerged as an early contender, maintaining consistent lap times and strong tyre management during the opening stints.
Meanwhile, the Mercedes-AMG GT3 entered by Iron Lynx remained within striking distance.
Nightfall and the Battle for Control
As darkness settled over the circuit, the LMGT3 contest intensified.
The cooler conditions allowed drivers to push harder, but also placed additional pressure on teams to execute pit stops flawlessly. In endurance racing, even a minor delay during a driver change can cost valuable track position.
The Lexus squad managed the transition to night racing superbly. Their stints were consistent and well-timed, allowing them to maintain control of the race through the middle hours.
Behind them, Ferrari’s 296 GT3 and several Porsche 911 GT3 R entries remained in contention, waiting for strategic opportunities as the race approached its final phase.
Final Hours: A Controlled Victory
In the closing hours of the race, the battle in LMGT3 became a contest of discipline rather than outright speed.
The Lexus entry held its advantage through a sequence of perfectly timed pit stops and consistent driving. While challengers attempted to close the gap, traffic management among the Hypercars proved decisive.
When the chequered flag finally fell after eight hours of racing, the Lexus RC F GT3 of AKKODIS ASP Team crossed the line first in LMGT3 — a fitting reward for one of the most measured performances of the race.
LMGT3 Results — Top 5
1. Lexus RC F GT3 — AKKODIS ASP Team
2. Mercedes-AMG GT3 — Iron Lynx
3. Ferrari 296 GT3 — AF Corse
4. Porsche 911 GT3 R — Manthey Racing
5. Aston Martin Vantage GT3 — Heart of Racing
A Growing Class in WEC
The LMGT3 category has quickly become an essential component of the FIA World Endurance Championship.
Replacing the former GTE class, the GT3-based category has attracted a diverse range of manufacturers and teams, creating large grids and unpredictable racing. The Bahrain finale once again demonstrated the strengths of the formula: close competition, strategic depth and strong manufacturer representation.
As the championship concluded under the bright lights of Sakhir, the LMGT3 race proved that endurance racing is not only about the overall winners. Deep within the field, another story unfolded — one of precision, patience and perfectly executed endurance racing.
