Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific has confirmed that it will support four entries at next month’s FIA GT World Cup at the Macau Guia Circuit, all of which will be run by Absolute Racing.
Porsche factory drivers Laurin Heinrich and Thomas Preining, and Porsche contracted drivers Alessio Picariello and Dorian Boccolacci, will drive the quartet of Porsche 911 GT3 Rs (992.2), which will be entered under three different banners, in pursuit of the German marque’s first victory in the event.
This will include an FIA GT World Cup debut for AO Racing, with Laurin Heinrich set to race the #8 AO by Absolute Racing Porsche in a continuation of the collaboration which yielded victory in last month’s Suzuka 1000KM.
“I’m very happy to be back in Macau,” declared Heinrich, who finished third overall last year.
“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.”
With a new challenge has also come a new character from the AO Racing camp, as Rexy switches from green to red to compete as Chìjīn Rex (featured).
Gunnar Jeannette, AO Racing team principal, said: “Rexy isn’t ready for the off-season quite yet! After a great start to our partnership with Absolute Racing in Suzuka, we are looking forward to watching Laurin race the streets of Macau in our crimson and gold T-Rex.”
Picariello and Preining will race for Tempo by Absolute Racing, which Picariello and Laurens Vanthoor competed for last season.
Picariello finished third in the Qualification Race last year, and has since added a Suzuka 1000KM victory with Absolute to his resume.
“I’m very much looking forward to what is one of the most special weeks of the season at the Macau Grand Prix,” Picariello said.
“It’s amazing to be there for a fourth consecutive year with Porsche, and I’m proud to represent Tempo by Absolute Racing once again. We had a very solid weekend in 2025, securing a podium in the Qualification Race, so I’m more eager than ever to get back out there.”
Two-time DTM drivers’ champion Preining, meanwhile, is returning to the race having missed last year’s edition.
“I’m really excited to return to Macau for my third entry into the FIA GT World Cup with Porsche,” Preining commented.
“I’m confident that the team will deliver a great car and we’re now working on being as prepared as possible to ensure we have a successful weekend next month. It’s been a great season for me in Europe and the United States, so I’m aiming to extend this into the Asia-Pacific region and finish the year on a high.”
Former Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific selected driver Boccolacci will simply compete under the ‘Absolute Racing’ banner, for his second consecutive appearance in the FIA GT World Cup having raced for Phantom Global Racing last season.
“I’m delighted to be racing in Macau for the second consecutive year! I learned a lot there in 2025, and I’m confident that with the experience gained we can have a positive weekend,” Boccolacci said.
“Anything can happen in Macau as there are a lot of competitive teams and drivers, so everyone has a chance. It’s always incredibly special to compete at this circuit, being so close to the barriers at such high speeds. It will be great to drive for Absolute Racing again after our podium finish together at the Suzuka 1000km last month as we aim to continue this positive momentum.”
The quartet of Porsches joins the previously-confirmed Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo II for Earl Bamber in Absolute Racing’s FIA GT World Cup fleet.
Absolute Racing director Fabien Fior commented: “We’re pleased to be back in Macau with Porsche, this time with four competitive entries aiming for success! This event is very special, and we were happy to stand on the podium in the Qualification Race during last year’s edition.
‘This time with Alessio, Thomas, Laurin and Dorian we have an incredible line-up and we’ll be hoping to use their previous experience around Guia Circuit to deliver us a strong set of results. We’re looking forward to once again collaborating with Tempo, JD and AR Box and to partner once again with AO Racing for this amazing event as we look to achieve another positive performance.”
Alexandre Gibot, managing director Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific Ltd, said: “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 2026 FIA GT World Cup will be held at the Macau Guia Circuit from 19th to 22nd November 2026.
Images courtesy of AO Racing and Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific
