Sergio Pires will return to the GT World Challenge Australia (GTWC) powered by AWS in 2026, this time with a new teammate, Brendon Leitch. The pair will race in the #44 Mercedes-AMG GT3 for the full season with Tigani Motorsport. Leitch, who has been a prominent figure in various GT series, switches from Melbourne Performance Centre, where he has competed for the past few seasons.
A winning partnership for GTWC Australia 2026: Tigani Motorsport fields Sergio Pires and Brendon Leitch
With Leitch joining Tigani Motorsport, Pires secures a highly experienced co-driver who has proven himself on the global stage. Leitch’s track record spans some of the most significant motorsport events, including the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia, the 24H Series, and the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Leitch’s rise in motorsport began in New Zealand Formula Ford and other junior formulas. He then transitioned into GT racing, scoring impressive results in series such as Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia. The 2019 season saw Leitch finish as runner-up in the Pro-Am Class of Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia, with two wins and eight podiums to his name. Since then, he has gone on to win multiple titles, including the 2021 24H Series championship and the 2022 Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe Pro Class.
Leitch’s most recent success came in 2024, where he claimed victory in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo World Finals. His GT World Challenge Australia debut came in 2024, where he achieved a famous victory with the late Tim Miles at Phillip Island.
“I’m extremely happy to be back. It’s a fantastic championship, and I’m returning with a strong team and co-driver, which makes it even more exciting,” said Leitch. He praised his transition to Tigani Motorsport, stating, “The transition has been very smooth. Nathan has been incredibly welcoming, along with Sergio, Marcel (Zalloua) and Jayden (Ojeda). It’s a great environment to work in, and the team has taken massive steps forward over the past 12 months.”
Pires’ growth in the Pro-Am class
For Sergio Pires, this season marks an exciting new chapter. After stepping up to the Pro-Am class in 2023, he quickly adapted to the elevated competition and pressure. Pires, one of the most experienced Am drivers in the GT World Challenge Australia field, will benefit from Leitch’s vast knowledge and expertise, as they form a strong partnership for the upcoming season.
Pires reflected on his progress in the Pro-Am class, saying, “The move to Pro-Am has proven to be a pivotal moment in my development, as the increased level of competition and intensity immediately raised the bar, delivering exactly the kind of challenge I was seeking and laying a solid foundation heading into the new campaign.”
He continued, “One of the biggest adjustments in Pro-Am has been adapting to the relentless pace and heightened race management demands. With such a competitive field, even minor mistakes come at a cost. Managing traffic, tyre life and delivering consistent stints have become critical components of success, but I am confident I have the ability to meet those demands.”
Pires has been with Tigani Motorsport since 2022, and he speaks highly of the team’s professionalism.
“I’ve been with the Tigani crew since 2022 and haven’t looked back. The team operates at a high professional standard, and I feel very supported here. There’s a strong culture and the team is great fun to be around.”
As for his goals in 2026, Pires has a clear vision: “My personal goal this year is to continue improving every round, refining my consistency, race craft and qualifying pace. If I can keep progressing, there is no doubt we can fight at the front of the Pro-Am class, with podiums and good results to follow.”
Leitch’s high expectations for 2026
Leitch, who will share the #44 Mercedes-AMG GT3 with Pires, has been impressed by both the team and his co-driver. “Tigani Motorsport feels exactly how a good team should – competitive, motivated and hungry. The crew want to win just as much as we do as drivers,” he said.
Despite limited experience with the Mercedes-AMG GT3, Leitch has been enjoying the process of getting acquainted with the car. “I don’t have much experience driving a Mercedes-AMG at all, having only driven the old Gullwing AMG back in 2018, but it’s a great car to drive. A lot of what makes it so good comes down to the preparation, and the experience so far has been fantastic. It’s a lot of fun — and it sounds awesome too.”
Leitch also spoke highly of Pires, stating, “I’ve known Sergio for a couple of years and have always considered him one of the best Bronze drivers in the country, even the world. He’s really fast, we both share the same goal of winning, and he’s great to be around. He’s focused on the details, just like I am.”
The road ahead for Tigani: LIQUI MOLY GT Festival Phillip Island to mark start of 2026 GTWC Australia campaign for Leitch and Pires
The duo will make their debut together at the upcoming LIQUI MOLY GT Festival at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit from 27-29 March 2026. Both Pires and Leitch are eager to hit the track and begin their partnership in earnest.
Pires’ experience in the series and Leitch’s impressive pedigree make them a formidable duo as they aim for podiums and victories throughout the season, alongside the already-announced James and Theo Koundouris, Luke Youlden and Nathan Halstead.
