Mercedes-AMG will return to the FIA GT World Cup in Macau this November with a three-car effort split between Craft-Bamboo Racing and event newcomer Tigani Motorsport.
The German manufacturer skipped the 2025 edition because concerns surrounding the cost and preparation required for FIA-mandated torque sensors prevented it from committing to the event. However, Mercedes-AMG will return to the Guia Circuit from 19–22 November with three GT3 Evos and a driver line-up featuring four-time Macau GT winner Maro Engel, Adderly Fong and Lucas Auer.
Craft-Bamboo will operate two cars, while Australian outfit Tigani Motorsport will make its Macau debut with Auer.
Mercedes-AMG targets strong 2026 return to Macau for FIA GT World Cup
Mercedes-AMG Head of Customer Racing Stefan Wendl welcomed the manufacturer’s return and highlighted the strength of the two customer teams supporting its programme.
“We are delighted to be back on the grid for the prestigious FIA GT World Cup in Macau with a very strong lineup. My thanks go to our customer racing teams Craft-Bamboo Racing and Tigani Motorsport for running our entries.
“Macau is both a highlight and a challenge. Torque sensors have been mandatory in the FIA GT World Cup since last year. As we do not yet have any experience with them on the Guia Circuit, we are placing particular emphasis on preparation and simulation work. Mercedes-AMG Motorsport has a successful history in Macau, and of course we want to build on that.”
The torque-sensor requirement played a central role in Mercedes-AMG’s decision to miss last year’s event. Consequently, preparation and simulation will take on additional importance as the manufacturer develops its first Macau-specific experience with the system.
Engel returns in search of fifth Macau victory
Engel will spearhead the Craft-Bamboo effort as he attempts to add another victory to his strong record on the Guia Circuit.
The German has won the Macau GT race four times and claimed victory on his most recent appearance in 2024. His return therefore gives Mercedes-AMG an experienced reference as the manufacturer works through the technical demands introduced since its last visit.
Fong will drive Craft-Bamboo’s second Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo. The Silver-rated driver switches from Audi machinery and brings extensive experience of the Macau street circuit into his new programme.
Together, Engel and Fong give Craft-Bamboo a combination of proven Macau success and significant local circuit experience as Mercedes-AMG re-establishes its presence at the event.
Tigani Motorsport prepares for Macau debut with Auer
Tigani Motorsport will expand its programme beyond Australia to make its first appearance at the FIA GT World Cup.
The Australian team has built extensive experience through GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS and the Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour. Macau will now provide a new challenge as it enters one of GT racing’s most demanding street events with Auer.
Although the Austrian has never raced a GT car around the Guia Circuit, he already knows Macau from his Formula 3 career. He will therefore combine familiarity with the venue with the challenge of adapting his Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo to its narrow streets and limited margin for error.
Mercedes-AMG return could strengthen 2026 grid
Mercedes-AMG’s absence contributed to a reduced 16-car FIA GT World Cup entry in 2025. Its three-car return should immediately add depth to the 2026 field, while the introduction of a new Silver Class could attract further entries.
The manufacturer also returns with considerable history at Macau and one of the event’s most successful current drivers in Engel. However, the lack of previous Guia Circuit running with the mandated torque sensors creates an additional technical challenge before the cars arrive in November.
Preparation will therefore play a key role as Mercedes-AMG attempts to resume where it left off in 2024. With Craft-Bamboo returning with two cars and Tigani stepping onto the Macau grid for the first time, the manufacturer will attack its FIA GT World Cup comeback with three distinct opportunities for success.
