Valentino Rossi is a component of the BMW WRT line-up for the Bathurst 12 Hours

BMW has revealed the star-studded line-up of its two Pro class entries for the 24-hour race on February 2 in what might be the ultimate clash between Germany's three biggest brands on the Bathurst 12 Hours.

WRT has named Augusto Farfus and the van der Linde brothers Sheldon and Kelvin as drivers of the #32 M3 GT3, while Valentino Rossi, Raffaele Marciello and Charles Weerts will share the #46 entry.

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Given Audi's limited support within the GT3 category, the Bathurst race might be the last time the three German brands face off in an Australian classic won by each brand.

Audi won the primary two races held under GT3 regulations, in 2011 and 2012, and again in 2018 when Robin Frijns, Dries Vanthoor and Stuart Leonard won for WRT, which paradoxically was then an Audi team supported by factory.

Mercedes-Benz won for the primary time in 2013 with Erebus Motorsport, before Kenny Habul, Jules Gounon and Luca Stolz won twice for SunEnergy1 Racing, in 2022 and 2023 (Martin Konrad also led to victory in 2022) .

Porsche has won the event twice – local driver Matt Campbell won each times, alongside Earl Bamber Motorsport's Dirk Werner and Dennis Olsen in 2019, after which last 12 months with Ayhancan Güven and Laurens Vanthoor.

Feeney bids Audi for the Bathurst 12 Hour

Broc Feeney, Triple Eight Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 race engineer

Photo: Edge Photographics

Meanwhile, Audi's probabilities of winning the Bathurst 12 Hours have just improved with the confirmation of the Pro R8 LMS Evo II within the Pro class.

Jamec Racing and Team MPC will run the automobile for Supercars star Broc Feeney, 2024 Nurburgring 24 Hours winner Ricardo Feller and GT World Challenge Australia champion Liam Talbot.

The deal got here together late within the evening after Jamec Racing's Steven McLaughlin and MPC's Troy Russell decided to drive the automobile, despite Audi's decision to maneuver away from supporting the GT category.

“We weren't initially going to run – we've had support from Audi in the past, but unfortunately they've cut back on factory support around the world,” McLaughlin said.

“Audi has been quite strong internationally throughout 2024, and once we knew we could sign Ricardo Feller, we were capable of put this program together.

“We know what he is capable of at the top and we were only interested in starting if we had a chance to win the race. We are not there to make up the numbers.”

Feeney, 22, has made 4 starts within the event, ending fifteenth and winning the category in 2020, followed by third, fifth and sixth, all in Mercedes cars, as a part of the Triple 8 in 2022-2024.

“It's a great opportunity to get some pre-season laps in a huge event, one of my favorites,” said Feeney, who finished second to teammate Will Brown within the 2024 Supercars Championship.

“When I talked to Troy [Russell, MPC co-owner]we were each on the identical page and didn't need to waste any time unless we could go there and fight for the win. Thanks to the drivers, the team and the automobile, we’ve got every likelihood of achieving great results.

“It was a great last minute but they are very confident in their package and I am excited.”

Ironically, Feeney shall be racing with Brown, who will partner Chaz Mostert and Daniel Serra within the Ferrari 296 GT3, in addition to fellow Supercars drivers Cam Waters, Thomas Randle and Craig Lowndes in Mercedes-AMG.

The entry means MPC will now field two cars, a Pro entry alongside the Hallmarc Racing Bronze R8 for Marc Cini, Lee Holdsworth and Dean Fiore.