BMW M Motorsport has confirmed a three-car factory-supported effort for this year’s FIA GT World Cup at Macau, which will see Kelvin van der Linde return to the famous street circuit for the first time since 2019.
Van der Linde and two-time FIA GT World Cup winner Raffaele Marciello will race for Team WRT, with the Belgian squad expanding from its single-car effort of 12 months ago.
“I’m really looking forward to Macau, having raced there seven years ago,” van der Linde said.
“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.”
Marciello, who switches from Rowe Racing to Team WRT for this year’s event, is still chasing his first Macau title with BMW. Marciello won the Qualifying Race in 2024 but ultimately finished a lap down in the main contest, whilst he was the runner-up behind AF Corse’s Antonio Fuoco last year.
2018 winner Augusto Farfus, meanwhile, will race for Team KRC. Farfus and KRC missed last year’s event, but finished as runner-up on their most-recent start together in 2024.
Andreas Roos, head of BMW M Motorsport, commented: “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.”
Image courtesy of BMW M Motorsport/Gruppe C Photography
