The FIA has confirmed an 18-car entry list for the ninth FIA GT World Cup, which will take place during the 73rd Macau Grand Prix from 19–22 November 2026. The field features some of international GT racing’s leading drivers, including former winners Maro Engel, Raffaele Marciello and Augusto Farfus, alongside representatives from a record eight manufacturers.
Aston Martin returns to the competition alongside Audi, BMW, Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG and Porsche, marking the strongest manufacturer representation in the event’s history. Porsche leads the entry with four cars, while BMW and Mercedes-AMG will each field three. Aston Martin, Audi and Ferrari have two entries apiece, with Lamborghini and McLaren completing the field.
The provisional entry list brings together drivers representing 13 nations or special administrative regions, including ten Platinum-rated competitors, six Gold-rated drivers and two Silver-rated entrants. The event will also introduce a dedicated Silver Cup classification, creating another opportunity for emerging GT3 drivers to compete for international recognition.
The 2026 edition carries additional significance as the FIA celebrates 20 years of the GT3 category, bringing together established manufacturers and leading GT specialists at the demanding 6.120-kilometre Guia Circuit.
Former winners headline competitive 2026 field
Three former FIA GT World Cup winners will return to Macau in November, bringing extensive experience of the circuit and its demanding street-racing conditions.
Mercedes-AMG driver Engel will attempt to secure his third FIA GT World Cup victory, having previously won the competition in 2015 and 2024. The German has also enjoyed considerable success in the Macau GT Cup, establishing himself among the event’s most accomplished competitors.
Marciello enters with an equally impressive record, having won the FIA GT World Cup in 2019 and 2023. The Swiss driver finished second in 2025 after challenging Ferrari’s Antonio Fuoco, and he will aim to return to the top step with BMW machinery.
Farfus completes the trio of returning winners. The Brazilian secured the 2018 title with the BMW M6 GT3 and finished runner-up during his most recent appearance in 2024.
Their participation gives the field considerable Macau experience, although several other drivers have also demonstrated their competitiveness at the venue. Laurin Heinrich finished third in 2025, while Alessio Picariello and Dorian Boccolacci return after previous appearances with Porsche machinery.
The combination of established winners and newer contenders should provide a competitive challenge throughout qualifying and the two races.
Porsche fields largest manufacturer entry
Porsche will lead the 2026 grid with four 911 GT3 R entries, fielded through Absolute Racing and its associated programmes.
Laurin Heinrich will drive the #8 AO by Absolute Racing Porsche, bringing the team’s distinctive Rexy identity to Macau for the first time. The German previously finished third in the 2025 FIA GT World Cup and recently helped AO by Absolute Racing secure victory at the Suzuka 1000km.
The Suzuka-winning partnership will reunite at Macau, giving Heinrich another opportunity to challenge for victory after his podium success last year.
Absolute Racing will also field Dorian Boccolacci in the #618 Porsche, while Tempo by Absolute Racing completes the manufacturer’s programme with two entries.
Alessio Picariello will drive the #911 car, returning after finishing third in the 2025 Qualification Race. The Belgian has considerable experience in international GT and endurance competition and will aim to convert his previous Macau performances into a stronger result.
Meanwhile, Thomas Preining will compete in the #992 Porsche following another successful season in the DTM. The Austrian recently secured the 2026 championship, adding another major title to his racing record.
Despite its international GT3 success, Porsche has yet to secure an FIA GT World Cup victory. Its four-car entry therefore provides several opportunities to challenge for the manufacturer’s maiden triumph.
BMW combines Macau winners with Van der Linde
BMW M Motorsport has assembled an experienced three-car line-up, with Team WRT fielding two M4 GT3 EVOs and Team KRC operating the third entry.
The manufacturer previously confirmed Kelvin van der Linde, Raffaele Marciello and Augusto Farfus as its drivers, combining two former FIA GT World Cup winners with one of international GT racing’s leading competitors.
Van der Linde will drive the #31 Team WRT BMW, marking his first Macau appearance since 2019. The South African has accumulated extensive GT3 experience across Europe and other international championships, although he will face the challenge of adapting to the Guia Circuit with BMW machinery for the first time.
Marciello will compete in the sister #32 entry, seeking a third FIA GT World Cup victory following his successes with Mercedes-AMG. The Swiss driver has remained competitive since joining BMW and will return to Macau after finishing second in 2025.
Farfus completes the manufacturer’s programme in the #89 Team KRC BMW. His previous victories and podium finishes make him another strong contender, particularly as he reunites with the operation that supported his runner-up finish in 2024.
BMW last won the competition in 2018 through Farfus, and its expanded line-up gives the manufacturer three opportunities to end that drought.
Mercedes-AMG returns with Engel, Auer and Fong
Mercedes-AMG will return to the FIA GT World Cup after missing the 2025 edition, entering three GT3 Evos across Craft-Bamboo Racing and Tigani Motorsport.
The manufacturer’s comeback follows its decision to withdraw from last year’s event because of concerns surrounding the preparation and costs associated with mandatory torque sensors.
Craft-Bamboo Racing will operate two cars, with Engel driving the #77 entry and Hong Kong racer Adderly Fong competing in the #76 Mercedes-AMG.
Engel returns following his 2024 victory, aiming to add another FIA GT World Cup title to his extensive Macau record. Meanwhile, Fong will switch from Audi to Mercedes-AMG machinery as he looks to challenge both the overall field and the newly introduced Silver Cup classification.
Tigani Motorsport will make its Macau debut with Lucas Auer in the #711 Mercedes-AMG. The Austrian brings considerable experience from GTWC Europe and DTM competition, although he will face his first GT3 race at the Guia Circuit.
Mercedes-AMG has won five of the previous eight FIA GT World Cups, making it the competition’s most successful manufacturer. Its return therefore adds another major contender to an already competitive entry list.
Ferrari seeks consecutive victories after Fuoco’s 2025 triumph
Ferrari enters the 2026 event aiming to defend its FIA GT World Cup title after Antonio Fuoco secured the manufacturer’s maiden victory at Macau last year.
The Italian delivered a commanding performance in 2025, winning both the Qualification Race and Main Race from pole position. His victory in the 16-lap Main Race ended Ferrari’s wait for an FIA GT World Cup triumph, with Marciello finishing second and Heinrich completing the podium.
Although Fuoco will not defend his title, Ferrari has confirmed two competitive entries for the 2026 edition.
Yifei Ye will return with Winhere Harmony Racing in the #96 Ferrari 296 GT3 EVO, bringing previous Macau experience and considerable success in international endurance racing. Ye finished fifth in last year’s Main Race after helping Ferrari secure a one-two during the Qualification Race.
Alessio Rovera will drive the #83 Ferrari for 33R HAR Racing, providing another experienced competitor for the Italian manufacturer. Rovera has established himself through success in GT and endurance racing, including appearances in the FIA World Endurance Championship.
The pairing gives Ferrari two strong contenders as it attempts to secure consecutive FIA GT World Cup victories against a larger manufacturer field.
Aston Martin returns as Audi fields Bamber and Eriksson
Aston Martin will return to the competition with a two-car entry operated by Comtoyou Racing, while Audi will field two R8 LMS GT3 EVO IIs through separate teams.
Comtoyou Racing has selected factory driver Marco Sørensen for its #7 Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 EVO. The Danish driver brings extensive GT and endurance racing experience, including championship-winning performances with Aston Martin.
The sister #24 entry will feature Jamie Day, who will make his FIA GT World Cup debut. His participation also provides Aston Martin with a contender for the new Silver Cup classification.
Audi’s programme includes a notable addition, with Earl Bamber switching to the manufacturer for his Macau appearance. The New Zealander will drive the #15 Audi Sport Asia Team Absolute entry, bringing experience from championship-winning programmes in the FIA WEC and IMSA.
Bamber previously competed extensively with Porsche before joining Cadillac’s Hypercar programme. His first appearance in Audi machinery therefore introduces another interesting element to the 2026 field.
Meanwhile, Joel Eriksson returns with Phantom Global Racing in the #66 Audi. The Swedish driver demonstrated competitive pace during the 2025 event, eventually finishing fourth in the Main Race after recovering from a difficult opening lap.
Both Audi drivers will aim to build on the manufacturer’s previous Macau success, including Laurens Vanthoor’s FIA GT World Cup victory in 2016.
Lamborghini and McLaren complete manufacturer representation
Lamborghini and McLaren will each field one car, completing the record eight-manufacturer entry list.
Luca Engstler will represent Lamborghini in the #63 Huracán GT3 EVO2 operated by Absolute Corse. The German has accumulated considerable GT3 experience, including victories in major endurance events, and returns after competing at Macau in 2025.
Engstler finished among the leading contenders during last year’s Qualification Race but retired from the Main Race following an opening-lap incident.
His return gives Lamborghini another opportunity to challenge for victory as the manufacturer continues its international GT3 programme.
McLaren will be represented by Optimum Motorsport, which has confirmed Benjamin Goethe for its #5 720S GT3 EVO.
Goethe returns after finishing tenth in the 2025 Main Race, having recovered from difficulties during the Qualification Race. The German driver has enjoyed success across international GT competition and will aim to improve on that result during his second Macau appearance.
Although both manufacturers have fewer entries than their rivals, the single-car programmes feature drivers with previous experience of the Guia Circuit, potentially helping them challenge the larger factory-supported operations.
FIA GT World Cup introduces Silver Cup for 2026
The FIA will introduce a dedicated Silver Cup classification during the 2026 event, providing additional recognition for emerging GT3 drivers competing alongside established professionals.
The category forms part of the governing body’s efforts to strengthen opportunities for younger and developing drivers within international GT racing.
Rather than creating a separate race, the Silver Cup will operate within the overall 18-car field. Silver-rated competitors will therefore challenge the same circuit and race against the same opposition as the Gold and Platinum-rated entrants.
The provisional entry list includes ten Platinum-rated drivers, six Gold-rated competitors and two Silver-rated drivers.
Fong and Day will contest the new classification while representing Mercedes-AMG and Aston Martin respectively.
The FIA has also introduced a dedicated podium ceremony and a share of a USD 22,000 prize fund, providing additional incentives for Silver-rated competitors.
The new Silver Cup initiative adds another competitive element to the event, allowing the two eligible drivers to pursue class honours while attempting to challenge established GT3 specialists overall.
FIA celebrates 20 years of GT3 racing
The ninth FIA GT World Cup will form part of the FIA’s celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of the GT3 category.
Since its introduction in 2006, GT3 has developed into one of international motorsport’s most successful racing platforms, attracting manufacturers and customer teams across numerous championships.
The FIA GT World Cup has become a prominent showcase for the category, bringing leading professional drivers and factory-supported machinery to one of the world’s most demanding street circuits.
FIA GT Commission President Lutz Leif Linden welcomed the strength of the 2026 entry list, highlighting the importance of the event for the championship and the wider GT3 community.
“As GT3 celebrates its 20th anniversary, the FIA GT World Cup remains the category’s ultimate showcase with eight manufacturers participating. The Macau Grand Prix occupies a unique place on the global motor sport calendar, combining one of the world’s most demanding circuits with a strong presence in a region that is hugely important for premium manufacturers and their iconic GT models. The strength of this year’s entry underlines both the success of the GT3 platform and the enduring appeal of competing for FIA World Cup honours on the streets of Macau, an event that year after year attracts a stellar line-up of drivers from the worlds of GT and endurance racing for a truly unique GT3 sprint contest.”
The record manufacturer participation reinforces the competition’s position within international GT racing, particularly as Macau continues attracting factory drivers from major championships.
Complete 2026 FIA GT World Cup entry list
The FIA has confirmed the following 18 drivers and teams for the ninth edition of the FIA GT World Cup:
- #5 Optimum Motorsport — Benjamin Goethe — McLaren 720S GT3 EVO
- #7 Comtoyou Racing — Marco Sørensen — Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 EVO
- #8 AO by Absolute Racing — Laurin Heinrich — Porsche 911 GT3 R
- #15 Audi Sport Asia Team Absolute — Earl Bamber — Audi R8 LMS GT3 EVO II
- #24 Comtoyou Racing — Jamie Day — Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 EVO
- #31 Team WRT — Kelvin van der Linde — BMW M4 GT3 EVO
- #32 Team WRT — Raffaele Marciello — BMW M4 GT3 EVO
- #63 Absolute Corse — Luca Engstler — Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2
- #66 Phantom Global Racing — Joel Eriksson — Audi R8 LMS GT3 EVO II
- #76 Craft-Bamboo Racing — Adderly Fong — Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO
- #77 Craft-Bamboo Racing — Maro Engel — Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO
- #83 33R HAR Racing — Alessio Rovera — Ferrari 296 GT3 EVO
- #89 Team KRC — Augusto Farfus — BMW M4 GT3 EVO
- #96 Winhere Harmony Racing — Yifei Ye — Ferrari 296 GT3 EVO
- #618 Absolute Racing — Dorian Boccolacci — Porsche 911 GT3 R
- #711 Tigani Motorsport — Lucas Auer — Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO
- #911 Tempo by Absolute Racing — Alessio Picariello — Porsche 911 GT3 R
- #992 Tempo by Absolute Racing — Thomas Preining — Porsche 911 GT3 R
The provisional field includes representatives from 13 nations or special administrative regions and eight GT3 manufacturers, creating one of the strongest entries in the competition’s history.
Macau prepares for ninth FIA GT World Cup
The 2026 FIA GT World Cup will take place from 19–22 November as part of the 73rd Macau Grand Prix, with the Main Race scheduled for Sunday, 22 November.
The Guia Circuit remains one of motorsport’s most demanding venues, combining long straights with narrow mountain sections and barriers that leave drivers with little margin for error.
Those characteristics make qualifying particularly important, with competitors needing to secure strong starting positions before navigating the challenges of racing through Macau’s streets.
The 2026 event will also feature the FIA Formula Regional World Cup, FIA Formula 4 World Cup and the final round of the Kumho FIA TCR World Tour, bringing together competitors from several major international championships.
Fans will be able to watch the FIA GT World Cup live and free of charge through the FIA’s official YouTube channel.
With three former winners returning, four Porsches challenging for the manufacturer’s first victory and Ferrari seeking consecutive triumphs, the 2026 FIA GT World Cup promises another competitive edition.
The addition of the Silver Cup and record representation from eight manufacturers also provide further significance as the event celebrates two decades of GT3 racing.
For the drivers, however, the objective remains unchanged: mastering the Guia Circuit and securing one of international GT racing’s most prestigious individual victories.
