Malaysia’s Viper Niza Racing Team delivered a determined and disciplined performance at the 2026 12 Hours of Paul Ricard, but a series of late-race safety interruptions ultimately denied the team a potential podium finish in the GT3-AM category.

Held under near-perfect weather conditions across two days at the 5.822km Circuit Paul Ricard in France, the endurance race proved to be a test of preparation, consistency, fuel management, and pit strategy. While Viper Niza Racing successfully executed its race plan, the outcome was heavily influenced by multiple late-race Code 60 periods that reshaped the battle for positions.

The Malaysian outfit appeared on course for a strong GT3-AM result, with several rival teams expected to make additional fuel stops before the chequered flag. However, three separate Code 60 incidents during the final 90 minutes of the race changed the complexion of the contest. The first neutralisation came with 1 hour and 20 minutes remaining to recover a stranded car, followed by another with 35 minutes left after a vehicle caught fire. A final Code 60 was deployed just three minutes from the finish to clear debris from the circuit.

According to Team Principal and lead driver Douglas Khoo, the team had enjoyed a trouble-free race and was in a favourable position before the late interruptions.

Without the Code 60 periods, several competitors would have been forced into additional refuelling stops. Instead, the neutralised race conditions allowed them to save time and complete unscheduled fuel stops, effectively erasing Viper Niza Racing’s strategic advantage.

Despite the setback, the team completed 303 laps to finish 10th overall from a 32-car field and secured fifth place in the GT3-AM class.

Victory in the race went to Hofor Racing, which completed 306 laps in its Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo. GetSpeed Team PCX Racing finished second, 36 seconds behind, while Sainteloc Junior Team claimed third place with its Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo II.

The result also impacted the championship standings. Having arrived at Paul Ricard tied for the lead in the overall points table, Viper Niza Racing now sits third in the GT3-AM championship with 80 points. Hofor Racing leads with 96 points, while GetSpeed Team PCX Racing occupies second place with 90 points.

Khoo remained optimistic about the team’s title prospects, emphasising the importance of consistency over the remaining rounds of the season.

Starting the race from 13th overall and seventh in GT3-AM following qualifying, Viper Niza Racing made an immediate impression. Dominic Ang opened the race and climbed to ninth overall within the first half hour before reaching as high as sixth place during the opening stint.

After a scheduled stop for fuel and a driver change, Khoo took over and completed a solid 90-minute stint before handing the car to Melvin Moh. Moh steadily worked his way through the field, lifting the team to 10th overall by the end of the opening four hours. When racing concluded on Saturday evening after six hours, Viper Niza Racing held 10th overall and sixth in class before the cars were placed under parc fermé conditions overnight.

Sunday’s final six hours began strongly, with Moh rapidly advancing to sixth overall and briefly running as high as third before making another pit stop. Khoo then resumed driving duties, while Ang later rejoined the race and fought back from 16th to eighth overall during his stint.

The responsibility of bringing the #65 Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO home ultimately fell to Moh, who guided the car to the finish in 10th overall and fifth in the GT3-AM class.

With valuable championship points secured despite the disappointment, Viper Niza Racing now turns its attention to the next round of the season, the 12 Hours of Nürburgring, which takes place from 3 to 5 July.

Viper Niza Racing continues to receive support from Motul, IWC as its Official Watch Brand, Momentum Autoparts, and Sparco Italy as the team pursues its championship ambitions in the remaining rounds of the season.