Paradine Competition has confirmed that BMW factory driver Augusto Farfus will return to the team for a full 2026 GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup campaign in the Bronze Cup class.
The Brazilian will partner team owner Darren Leung aboard the #991 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, beginning with the opening Sprint Cup round for Bronze entries at Misano on July 17-19.
Farfus is no stranger to the Paradine Competition operation, having previously shared a car with Leung at Zandvoort in GTWC Europe Sprint Cup competition, where the pair scored a podium finish. He also represented the team earlier this year at the Michelin 24H Dubai, helping secure fourth overall.
A long-standing member of the BMW M Motorsport factory roster, Farfus brings extensive GT racing pedigree to the programme. His achievements include overall victories in the Nürburgring 24 Hours, class wins at the Rolex 24 At Daytona and victory in the FIA GT World Cup at Macau in 2018.
Leung, meanwhile, has already established himself as a frontrunner in the Sprint Cup Bronze class. The British driver claimed the 2024 Bronze Cup title alongside Dan Harper after taking two wins and a further three podium finishes during the season. He followed that with two more podiums and a pole position at Valencia last year.
“It’s great to come back to Paradine Competition for the Sprint Cup season,” said Farfus. “I really enjoyed it last year when I joined Darren in Zandvoort. I did not know what to expect because it was my first time in Sprint Cup, but I really enjoy the format and sharing the car with Darren is always a pleasure.
“So I said to Darren I would come if he needed me for other rounds. Unfortunately, it didn’t work then, but this year it will be nice to do a full campaign to try to have a shot at the championship.”
Leung added: “It’s nice to have a pretty full programme with Augusto this year. We are going to have lots of time together to really get into the details.
“He has spent a huge amount of time helping me over the last couple of years. So I’ve no doubt that working with him I’ll be able to learn another thing or two from one of the most experienced and accomplished guys in the paddock.”
Following the Misano opener, the Bronze Cup Sprint campaign will continue at Magny-Cours, Zandvoort and Barcelona.
Images courtesy of Paradine Competition
