BMW is planning a major tilt at the 2017 Bathurst 12-Hour title with an M6 GT3 piloted by three legendary Australian drivers.

In a move few would have seen coming, Tony Longhurst will be joined by Mark Skaife and Russell Ingall, the former arch rivals putting aside past differences for the prospect of success at an event that has now established itself as one of the premier endurance races in the world.

Skaife, ingall and longhurst

The car will be run by Steven Richards Motorsport, who will run a second M6 GT3 for the team boss and a pair of as-yet unnamed drivers. The team has been running the car in this year’s Australian GT Championship, a challenging debut year bringing a best result so far of ninth.

Bmw racing team

Only Peter Brock and Jim Richards have tasted more success at Bathurst than Skaife, who alongside Larry Perkins and Craig Lowndes has six Bathurst 1000 titles to his name along with five Australian Touring Car Championships.

Cup winners

The 2017 Bathurst 12-Hour takes place from February 3-5.