BMW M Motorsport has confirmed a three-car entry for the 2026 FIA GT World Cup in Macau, with factory drivers Kelvin van der Linde, Raffaele Marciello and Augusto Farfus set to compete at the Guia Circuit on 21–22 November.
The German manufacturer will field three BMW M4 GT3 EVOs across Team WRT and Team KRC as it targets victory in the prestigious season-ending GT3 event. WRT will run two cars for van der Linde and Marciello, while KRC will field the third entry for Farfus.
The line-up combines extensive Macau experience with van der Linde’s return to the event for the first time since 2019. Marciello will pursue a third FIA GT World Cup victory, while Farfus returns following a one-year absence after finishing second in his most recent appearance in 2024.
BMW targets Macau victory with experienced three-driver line-up
BMW will return to the streets of Macau with three factory-backed drivers as it looks to convert its recent competitive performances into another FIA GT World Cup victory.
The manufacturer has challenged for victory in recent editions, with Marciello and Farfus both securing podium finishes. However, despite coming close on several occasions, BMW has not won the main race since Farfus claimed victory in 2018.
The 2026 entry reunites BMW with WRT and KRC, combining the experience of two established GT racing operations with three accomplished factory drivers. While WRT will operate the entries for van der Linde and Marciello, KRC will continue its association with Farfus.
BMW “all the more determined” to challenge for victory in 2026
BMW M Motorsport Head Andreas Roos welcomed the expanded entry and emphasised the manufacturer’s determination to return to the top step of the podium after several near misses.
“We are very pleased to be able to compete with three BMW M4 GT3 EVOs on the legendary streets of Macau in 2026. Many thanks to Teams WRT and KRC for their commitment. The GT3 season finale always has a very special atmosphere and is simply fantastic as a standalone event. “
With Raffaele Marciello and Augusto Farfus, we have two drivers with a wealth of Macau experience. Every time they are on the grid, they are among the top contenders for victory. Kelvin van der Linde will be competing on the Guia Circuit for the first time since 2019 and also for the first time for BMW M Motorsport. That’s a big challenge, but as one of the best GT drivers in the world, he will certainly be up at the front.
“After unfortunately missing out on victory in the main race in recent years despite strong performances, we are all the more determined this time to be on the top step of the podium. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for everyone involved.”
The manufacturer’s three-car approach provides multiple opportunities to challenge for victory, although the demanding Guia Circuit presents a considerable challenge. With limited overtaking opportunities and little margin for error, qualifying performance and race execution will prove particularly important.
Van der Linde returns to Macau with WRT and Shell-backed BMW
Kelvin van der Linde will make his second appearance at the FIA GT World Cup, returning to Macau seven years after his debut in 2019. However, the 2026 event will mark his first appearance on the Guia Circuit as a BMW M works driver.
The South African will compete for Team WRT in a BMW M4 GT3 EVO carrying the colours of BMW’s premium technology partner Shell. The manufacturer will unveil the car’s livery at a later date.
Van der Linde already has experience racing the Shell-backed BMW in the DTM, having joined Schubert Motorsport for the 2026 season. His campaign included a breakthrough victory at Zandvoort, where he secured his first DTM win with BMW following a competitive battle and an effective strategy.
His return to Macau will therefore provide another opportunity to build on his experience with the BMW M4 GT3 EVO, although the street circuit presents a different challenge from the permanent venues on the DTM calendar.
Van der Linde also follows his younger brother Sheldon, who previously represented BMW and Shell at Macau. The opportunity to continue that association adds further significance to his return.
“I’m really looking forward to Macau, having raced there seven years ago. I have great memories of it. Now I’m competing there with BMW M Motorsport. In recent years, Sheldon has raced there with the Shell car, and I’m proud to continue representing our name with the Shell logo on the BMW M4 GT3 EVO. I hope we can continue the podium streak.”
Although van der Linde has considerably less recent Macau experience than his BMW teammates, his GT3 background and familiarity with the car could help him challenge near the front. Nevertheless, he must adapt quickly to the circuit’s demanding layout as he targets a strong result on his return.
Marciello aims to continue impressive record at the Guia Circuit
Raffaele Marciello will return to the FIA GT World Cup with Team WRT as he attempts to secure his third victory at Macau.
The Swiss driver has an impressive record at the Guia Circuit, having won the main race in both 2019 and 2023. However, his most recent appearances have brought frustration despite consistently competitive performances.
In 2024, Marciello appeared well positioned to challenge for another victory after winning the Qualification Race. However, he retired from the main race while battling for the lead during the closing stages, denying him the opportunity to add another Macau triumph.
He returned in 2025 and once again emerged among the leading contenders. Although Antonio Fuoco controlled the main race to secure Ferrari’s first FIA GT World Cup victory, Marciello finished second in his BMW M4 GT3 EVO after defending against Laurin Heinrich’s Porsche.
The result extended Marciello’s strong record at Macau but also marked another occasion where he narrowly missed the top step of the podium.
Marciello targets third Macau victory after consecutive near misses
For 2026, Marciello will reunite with Team WRT in the GT programme, giving him another opportunity to challenge for victory with BMW machinery. His experience of the Guia Circuit, including two previous wins, makes him one of the manufacturer’s leading prospects.
“I’m really excited to be back in Macau. The past two years have been challenging. We always had good races, but unfortunately, it was never quite enough for the win. This time, I want to be back on the top step of the podium. Many thanks to BMW M Motorsport and Team WRT for the opportunity. It’s great to be back in the GT programme with Team WRT. I will do everything I can in Macau to give them what they deserve.”
Marciello’s recent performances demonstrate his ability to compete at the front, but the 2026 event will provide another test as he attempts to convert his pace into a third victory. Having finished second in 2025 and suffered a late retirement in 2024, the Swiss driver will look to end his run of near misses.
Farfus reunites with Team KRC after one-year absence
Augusto Farfus will complete BMW’s three-car line-up, returning to Macau with Team KRC after missing the 2025 edition.
The Brazilian brings substantial experience to the manufacturer, having previously won the FIA GT World Cup in 2018. He also finished second in the main race in 2024, demonstrating his continued competitiveness around the demanding street circuit.
His return further strengthens KRC’s presence at Macau as the team continues developing its international GT racing programme.
The Taiwanese outfit has already confirmed its intention to expand its activities, with a potential full-season Intercontinental GT Challenge programme in 2027 among its longer-term objectives.
KRC also gained additional international experience during 2026, competing at the Bathurst 12 Hour before expanding its presence for the Suzuka 1000km. Its Macau return consequently represents another important opportunity to compete against leading GT3 teams and drivers.
Farfus’ familiarity with the Guia Circuit should provide valuable support, particularly as KRC looks to build on the podium the pair achieved during their previous appearance together.
“It’s always something special for me to come to Macau. I really like this place and have been on the podium every time in my recent starts there. In my last race there with KRC, we finished second. Macau is always a bit of a lottery, but we’re coming back with a good feeling and hope for a strong result. Many thanks to BMW M Motorsport for this opportunity – I can’t wait to race on the streets of Macau again.”
The Brazilian’s return also gives BMW another proven Macau contender alongside Marciello. With both drivers having previously won the event and finished on the podium in recent appearances, the manufacturer enters the 2026 edition with considerable circuit-specific experience.
BMW aims to end recent Macau frustrations
BMW’s confirmed line-up reflects its determination to return to the top step of the podium at one of GT racing’s most demanding events.
Marciello and Farfus bring extensive knowledge of the Guia Circuit, while van der Linde adds another accomplished GT3 driver to the manufacturer’s challenge. The combination of WRT and KRC also provides BMW with two teams familiar with competing at international GT3 events.
However, recent editions have demonstrated the difficulties of securing victory at Macau. Marciello came close in 2024 before retiring and subsequently finished second in 2025, while Farfus also secured the runner-up position in 2024.
The 2026 FIA GT World Cup will therefore offer BMW another opportunity to build on those performances and challenge for its first main-race victory since 2018.
With three BMW M4 GT3 EVOs set to compete on 21–22 November, the manufacturer will aim to conclude its GT3 season with a victory at the Guia Circuit.
