Porsche has confirmed a four-car entry for the 2026 FIA GT World Cup in Macau, with Laurin Heinrich, Thomas Preining, Alessio Picariello and Dorian Boccolacci set to compete at the Guia Circuit from 19–22 November. The German manufacturer will return to the prestigious street race with Absolute Racing and its associated operations as it targets a maiden victory at the event.
Among the confirmed entries is AO by Absolute Racing, which will reunite with Heinrich following its dominant victory at September’s Suzuka 1000km. The collaboration will bring AO Racing’s distinctive Rexy-liveried Porsche 911 GT3 R to Macau for the first time, adding another chapter to the team’s expanding international racing programme.
Meanwhile, newly crowned DTM Champion Preining will join Picariello under the Tempo by Absolute Racing banner, with Boccolacci completing Porsche’s four-driver challenge. All four drivers have previous experience at the Guia Circuit, providing the manufacturer with a competitive line-up as it looks to build on its podium finishes in 2025.
Porsche confirms four-car challenge for 2026 FIA GT World Cup
Porsche will field four cars across Absolute Racing’s Macau operation, strengthening its challenge for victory at one of international GT racing’s most prestigious events. The line-up combines drivers with extensive experience across GT World Challenge, DTM, IMSA and the Intercontinental GT Challenge.
All four competitors have previously raced at the Guia Circuit, an important advantage given the circuit’s demanding characteristics and limited opportunities for overtaking. The narrow streets, sharp corners and unforgiving barriers require precision throughout the weekend, while qualifying performance often plays a decisive role in determining the outcome.
The four-car entry announced ahead of the event also reflects Porsche’s ambition to build on its recent international GT3 success. Heinrich, Preining, Picariello and Boccolacci have all achieved significant results during 2026, including victories and podium finishes at some of the world’s leading endurance racing events.
However, the FIA GT World Cup presents a different challenge from their regular campaigns. With each car driven by a single competitor, the event places greater emphasis on individual racecraft and outright qualifying pace rather than the driver changes and longer-term strategy associated with endurance racing.
AO by Absolute Racing reunites following Suzuka 1000km victory
One of the most anticipated entries will be AO by Absolute Racing’s Porsche, which brings the team’s distinctive Rexy identity to Macau for the first time. The American outfit will reunite with Absolute Racing following their successful collaboration at the 2026 Suzuka 1000km, where Heinrich, Picariello and Julien Andlauer secured victory.
The trio competed in the #8 Porsche 911 GT3 R Evo, featuring a special samurai-inspired Bushi Rex design. Despite qualifying sixth, they established themselves among the leading contenders during the opening stages before mounting an impressive challenge for the lead.
Heinrich played a particularly important role in the team’s success, moving through the field and overtaking several rivals before passing Christopher Mies’ Ford Mustang GT3 for first place. From there, the Porsche crew controlled the remaining stages, eventually finishing more than 51 seconds clear of its closest competitors.
The victory ended Porsche’s 32-year wait for another Suzuka 1000km triumph, while Absolute Racing also secured third place with its sister entry. The result represented AO Racing’s first overall victory in the Intercontinental GT Challenge and strengthened its relationship with the Asian outfit.
Their renewed collaboration at Macau will now provide an opportunity to translate that success into a different racing environment, with Heinrich taking sole driving responsibility in the Rexy-liveried Porsche.
Heinrich targets first Macau victory after 2025 podium
Heinrich returns to the FIA GT World Cup for his third appearance, having established himself as one of Porsche’s leading contenders at the Guia Circuit. The German finished third in the 2025 Main Race with Schumacher CLRT, securing a podium behind Ferrari’s Antonio Fuoco and BMW’s Raffaele Marciello.
His performance represented Porsche’s strongest result in the event, demonstrating his ability to compete near the front despite the challenges presented by Macau’s demanding street layout. Heinrich also brings considerable experience with AO Racing, having played an important role in the team’s successful IMSA GTD Pro programme.
Following his recent Suzuka victory, the German will aim to continue that momentum and improve on last year’s podium finish. He expressed particular excitement about representing AO Racing at Macau and bringing Rexy to the circuit for the first time.
“I’m very happy to be back in Macau!” Heinrich said. “It’s a massive race for Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific and it will be my third time competing there. The podium I picked up last year has made me even hungrier for success as we now aim for the top step. My first race with AO by Absolute Racing was our incredible success at Suzuka 1000km last month so hopefully we can continue this strong performance. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to race Rexy on the streets of Macau and I’m confident that the team will once again provide me with a competitive car.”
Preining returns to Macau as two-time DTM Champion
Preining will also feature in Porsche’s Macau line-up, returning to the event after missing the 2025 edition. The Austrian enters the FIA GT World Cup with considerable momentum following a successful 2026 season, during which he secured his second DTM Drivers’ Championship.
The 28-year-old clinched the title at the Hockenheimring season finale, finishing third in Sunday’s race to secure the Championship with 225 points. The result added to his maiden title from 2023, confirming his status as a two-time DTM Champion with Manthey Racing.
His success followed a strong second half of the season, during which he consistently challenged near the front and established a decisive advantage over rivals Maro Engel and Marco Wittmann. Although Preining faced significant competition throughout the campaign, his consistency ultimately proved decisive in the Championship battle.
Beyond his DTM achievements, Preining also enjoyed success in international GT3 competition during 2026. He was part of the Porsche line-up that won the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa, adding another major endurance racing victory to his record.
He will now compete with Tempo by Absolute Racing at Macau, aiming to translate his recent success into a strong performance on the Guia Circuit.
Picariello seeks redemption after difficult 2025 Macau race
Picariello will return to the FIA GT World Cup with Tempo by Absolute Racing, continuing his established relationship with the team. The Belgian arrives following his successful Suzuka 1000km campaign alongside Heinrich and Andlauer, where the trio delivered Porsche’s first victory at the Japanese endurance classic since 1994.
However, his most recent Macau appearance ended in disappointment despite a promising start to the weekend. Picariello finished third in the 2025 Qualification Race, securing a strong starting position for the Main Race and establishing himself among the leading Porsche contenders.
Unfortunately, his challenge ended almost immediately after an incident during the opening lap. The Belgian spun into the barriers following contact, bringing his race to a premature conclusion as several competitors encountered difficulties navigating the narrow circuit.
The retirement denied Picariello an opportunity to build on his promising qualifying performance, although he had demonstrated the pace required to compete near the front. His return with Tempo by Absolute Racing will therefore provide another opportunity to challenge for a strong result.
The Belgian’s recent success at Suzuka should also offer encouragement, particularly as he reunites with an operation familiar with his driving style and technical preferences.
Boccolacci completes Porsche’s experienced driver line-up
Boccolacci will complete the manufacturer’s four-car challenge, making his second consecutive appearance at the FIA GT World Cup. The French driver has enjoyed a competitive 2026 season across international GT3 competition, securing podium finishes at both the Bathurst 12 Hour and Suzuka 1000km.
His Suzuka result came with Absolute Racing, where he shared the #7 Porsche with Ayhancan Güven and Alessandro Ghiretti. The trio finished third overall, completing a double podium for Absolute Racing as the AO by Absolute Racing entry secured victory.
Boccolacci contributed to the team’s competitive performance throughout the race, helping keep the #7 Porsche among the leading contenders. The result added another major international GT3 achievement to his growing record and reinforced his familiarity with Absolute Racing’s operations.
His return to Macau will provide an opportunity to build on those performances, although the sprint format presents different challenges from the endurance races he has contested throughout the season. With no teammates to share driving duties, Boccolacci will need to maximise his own performance across qualifying and both races.
Nevertheless, his knowledge of the Porsche 911 GT3 R and previous experience at the Guia Circuit should provide a valuable foundation as he prepares for another appearance.
Porsche aims to end FIA GT World Cup victory drought
Although Porsche has enjoyed considerable success in international GT3 racing, victory at the FIA GT World Cup has remained elusive. The manufacturer came close in 2025, securing podium finishes in both the Qualification Race and Main Race without reaching the top step.
Picariello finished third in Saturday’s Qualification Race, while Heinrich claimed the final podium position in Sunday’s Main Race. However, neither driver could prevent Fuoco from delivering Ferrari’s first FIA GT World Cup victory.
The 2025 Macau Main Race also highlighted the difficulties associated with the event, as several leading competitors encountered incidents during the opening stages. With limited run-off and narrow sections throughout the circuit, even minor mistakes can end a driver’s challenge.
Porsche will therefore return in 2026 with both encouragement from its previous podiums and an understanding of the challenges ahead. The expanded four-car line-up provides several opportunities to compete near the front, although strong qualifying performances will be important.
The manufacturer’s recent victories at Spa and Suzuka further underline its competitiveness, giving all four drivers confidence as they prepare for Macau.
Strong international results reinforce Porsche’s challenge
Porsche’s confirmed line-up features drivers who have demonstrated their competitiveness across several major championships during 2026. Their recent successes provide a strong foundation for the manufacturer’s latest attempt to secure victory at Macau.
Preining arrives as the newly crowned DTM Champion and a winner of the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa, while Heinrich and Picariello played central roles in AO by Absolute Racing’s Suzuka triumph. Boccolacci also contributed to Absolute Racing’s double podium at Suzuka, adding to his earlier success at Bathurst.
These achievements demonstrate the depth of experience within Porsche’s four-driver squad, particularly across demanding GT3 racing environments. However, the Guia Circuit presents a unique challenge, requiring drivers to adapt quickly to the narrow streets and limited overtaking opportunities.
The manufacturer will also face considerable competition from rival operations. BMW has already confirmed a three-car challenge featuring Raffaele Marciello, Kelvin van der Linde and Augusto Farfus, while other leading manufacturers will also target victory at the prestigious event.
Consequently, Porsche’s recent success will provide encouragement rather than any guarantee of a strong result. The team must still deliver competitive qualifying performances and execute both races effectively to challenge for its maiden FIA GT World Cup victory.
Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific confident ahead of Macau
Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific Managing Director Alexandre Gibot welcomed the manufacturer’s confirmed entries, highlighting the experience of the drivers and the strength of its continued partnership with Absolute Racing.
The manufacturer has maintained a significant presence in international GT racing throughout the season, with its customer and factory-supported programmes securing major victories and podium finishes. The renewed AO by Absolute Racing collaboration will also provide another opportunity to strengthen its presence in the Asia-Pacific region.
“We’re looking forward to heading to Macau with four top class entries ready to take on the FIA GT World Cup. We’re looking forward to working together once again with Absolute Racing and to welcome back the partnership between AO by Absolute Racing, after their success at Suzuka 1000km. All four of our drivers have experience around the Guia Circuit so we’re hopeful that together, with the combination of an excellent team supported by a robust technical infrastructure, we can fight towards the front again. The Macau Grand Prix is a prestigious event in the Asia-Pacific region and it’s one we are keen to take success at, so we can’t wait to get out on track there next month and aim for victory.”
The manufacturer’s ambitions reflect the strength of its recent results and the experience within its Macau line-up. With four drivers capable of challenging near the front, Porsche will aim to convert its previous podium finishes into victory.
Absolute Racing targets GTWC Asia titles before Macau
Before turning its full attention to the FIA GT World Cup, Absolute Racing will compete in the GT World Challenge Asia season finale at Shanghai on 31 October–1 November. The Hong Kong-based outfit enters the event aiming to secure both the Overall Drivers’ and Teams’ Championships, providing another opportunity to conclude its regular racing campaign with silverware.
The Shanghai weekend will therefore represent an important milestone before the team shifts its focus towards Macau. Having enjoyed success across several international competitions during 2026, Absolute Racing will aim to maintain its competitive momentum as it prepares for the final major event of its season.
The FIA GT World Cup will present a different challenge from GTWC Asia, particularly because of its single-driver format and the unique characteristics of the Guia Circuit. However, Absolute Racing’s familiarity with the event, combined with its extensive experience operating Porsche GT3 machinery, should provide a strong foundation.
The team’s recent Suzuka success also demonstrates its ability to compete against leading international operations, giving it confidence as preparations continue.
Porsche prepares for highly competitive Macau finale
The 2026 FIA GT World Cup will offer Porsche another opportunity to achieve a breakthrough result at one of international GT racing’s most prestigious venues. With four experienced drivers and several major victories already secured this season, the manufacturer enters the event with a competitive line-up.
Heinrich will aim to improve on his 2025 podium while making Rexy’s Macau debut, whereas Preining will look to add another major achievement to his title-winning season. Picariello returns seeking a stronger result after last year’s early retirement, while Boccolacci will attempt to build on his international GT3 podiums.
Nevertheless, victory at the Guia Circuit will require more than recent success. Strong qualifying performances, precise driving and the ability to avoid incidents will be essential as Porsche faces several established rivals.
With Heinrich, Preining, Picariello and Boccolacci confirmed, the manufacturer’s objective remains clear: to secure its first FIA GT World Cup victory when the event takes place from 19–22 November.
