Waters led a Mercedes-AMG top-three lockout ahead of Craft-Bamboo Racing’s Lucas Auer and Luca Stolz for 75 Express.

It’s the sixth Allan Simonsen Pole Position Award win for Mercedes-AMG.

Waters topped the timesheets with a 2:01.0790s, the second fastest time ever at Mount Panorama at the Bathurst 12 Hour.

Stolz looked like he might eclipse Maro Engel’s lap record set in 2023 of 2:00.8819s, but failed to convert the fastest first sector into the top time.

“It’s unbelievable to get pole here and win the Allan Simonsen Trophy,” said Waters.

“Allan was an amazing bloke, I met him a few times, so to do that is super special.

“I can’t thank my team enough, they’ve done an amazing job.

“Really through practice they tuned it up, having Baz and Chaz and putting all our Supercars experience really tuned the car up and it’s been a dream to drive.”

2026 Bathurst 12 Hour grid: Where every car will start

Scott Andrews was the best of the Pro-Am entries in eighth driving the #44 Tigani Motorsport Mercedes-AMG.

Factory Lamborghini driver Marco Mapelli starred in the #93 Wall Racing Huracan, putting the Bronze entry in sixth.

With the GWR Australia/RAM Motorsports Mercedes-AMG deciding to step up to Pro-Am mid-event, it leaves just one Silver entry in the hands of Rylan Gray/Bayley Hall/Marcos Flack/Jean-Baptiste Simmenauer. That car will start 29th after a torrid build-up blighted by gremlins on the #15 McLaren 720S.

The Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour gets underway at 5:45am AEDT on Sunday.

Results: Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour Pirelli Pole Battle, Mount Panorama