Malaysia’s Viper Niza Racing Team is set to embark on an ambitious 2026 European campaign, beginning with the challenging 12 Hours of Mugello in Italy from 20 to 22 March. The endurance race marks the opening round of the prestigious Michelin 24H Series, where the team aims to build on valuable experience gained during its debut full season last year.

For 2026, Viper Niza Racing has committed to contesting all five rounds of the series, signaling a stronger and more determined push for championship success. Following Mugello, the season continues with the 12 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium in April, the 12 Hours of Paul Ricard in France in June, the 12 Hours of Nürburgring in Germany in July, and concludes with the 24 Hours of Barcelona in Spain in September.

Despite missing the Mugello opener in 2025 due to logistical setbacks, the team delivered an impressive performance across the remaining rounds. Competing in just four races, Viper Niza Racing secured 6th overall and finished 4th in the GT3-AM class standings—an achievement that underscored its rapid adaptation to European endurance racing.

Team Principal and lead driver Douglas Khoo reflected on the team’s progress, noting that the previous season was both demanding and rewarding. The experience, he explained, has accelerated the team’s development and positioned them as a more competitive force heading into 2026.

The team’s 2025 highlights included a strong debut at Spa-Francorchamps, where they claimed 6th overall, 4th in GT3, and 2nd in the GT3-AM class. Although a retirement at Misano disrupted their momentum, they rebounded with a podium finish in class at Paul Ricard and completed the season with a respectable showing in Barcelona.

For the upcoming season, Khoo will lead an all-Malaysian driver and technical line-up alongside long-time teammates Dominic Ang and Melvin Moh. Preparation has been extensive, including simulator sessions to familiarise themselves with Mugello’s demanding layout, as well as a complete overhaul of their race car to ensure peak performance and reliability.

The Mugello Circuit presents a formidable challenge for the season opener. Steeped in history dating back to 1920, the modern circuit—constructed in the early 1970s—features a 5.245 km track with 15 corners, many of which are high-speed and technically demanding. Its long main straight and flowing sections test both driver skill and machine endurance.

Owned by Scuderia Ferrari since 1988, Mugello gained global attention when it hosted the 2020 Tuscan Grand Prix, marking Ferrari’s 1000th Formula One appearance. The circuit is also a regular venue for the Italian Motorcycle Grand Prix.

Recent editions of the 12-hour race have seen a mix of manufacturers claiming victory, including Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi, highlighting the competitiveness of the field. With no clear dominant force, Viper Niza Racing enters the 2026 season with a realistic opportunity to challenge for top honours.

Backed by key partners such as Motul, IWC Schaffhausen, Momentum Autoparts, and Sparco, the team is aiming for consistency across all rounds. Their primary objective is to secure valuable points at every race while targeting an overall top-three finish in the GT3-AM standings.

As the lights go out at Mugello, Viper Niza Racing begins not just another race, but a determined campaign to establish itself among Europe’s elite endurance racing teams.