BMW M Motorsport assembles an exceptional line-up with four BMW M4 GT3s, four works drivers, and two former winners

The FIA GT World Cup in Macau (CHN) is a highlight at the end of a racing season – and this year, BMW M Motorsport will approach this highlight on the legendary Guia Circuit with an exceptional line-up. Four BMW M4 GT3s will be driven through the narrow streets of the Asian metropolis by four BMW M works drivers on 16th/17th November. Included in the line-up are the two-time Macau winner and defending champion Raffaele Marciello (SUI), the 2018 Macau winner Augusto Farfus (BRA), as well as Sheldon van der Linde (RSA) and Dries Vanthoor (BEL).  

This year marks Raffaele Marciello's Macau debut with BMW M Motorsport. In 2023, he achieved his second-double of winning the qualification and main races on the Guia Circuit, following his first in 2019. It was also his farewell weekend with Mercedes. Last year, Augusto Farfus finished third in the main race driving the BMW M4 GT3 entered by ROWE Racing, also making it to the podium. The Brazilian celebrated his major triumph in 2018 with the BMW M6 GT3, clinching the qualifying and main race double. He also had a podium finish in the qualifying race in 2017 as the runner-up.

Sheldon van der Linde is set for his second appearance in Macau following his debut last year. He will once again compete in the BMW M4 GT3 adorned with an exceptional Manhua design from BMW M Motorsport's Premium Technology Partner Shell. In 2023, the South African claimed a strong fifth place in the qualifying race but unfortunately retired from the main race due to a tyre issue while in contention for a podium finish. Vanthoor participated in Macau in 2018 and 2019, notably recording the second-fastest qualifying time in 2019.

Dries Vanthoor will drive one of the two BMW M4 GT3s for Team WRT. Additionally, the team, led by Team Principal Vincent Vosse, will field Sheldon van der Linde's car. Augusto Farfus will race for the Asian team KRC, which competes with the BMW M4 GT3 in the Fanatec GT World Challenge Asia powered by AWS and has already celebrated podium finishes in its class. Raffaele Marciello's BMW M4 GT3 will be entered by Team TORO Racing powered by MCG. The Chinese squad is making its fifth appearance in Macau. TORO Racing celebrated a win and third place in 2020, second place in 2021, and dominated the GT4 category with a one-two finish in 2023. Since 2019, TORO Racing has been competing with BMW M Motorsport cars. Marciello's crew will be bolstered by staff from the Motorsport Competence Group (MCG), co-founded by Hans-Peter Naundorf, which has been managing race operations for BMW M Motorsport, including those of ROWE Racing, since 2016.

Comments on the line-up:

Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “With this line-up of top-class teams and drivers, our goal can only be to win the FIA GT World Cup in Macau for BMW M Motorsport for the second time after 2018. All our drivers have already proved that they are among the best of the best on the unique Guia Circuit. Of course, this includes the former champions Raffaele Marciello and Augusto Farfus. Team WRT has also triumphed there, and MCG has celebrated multiple podium finishes with ROWE Racing cars. The BMW M4 GT3 was fast from the start at its debut in 2023 and seems to be perfectly suited for the very special demands of the street circuit. I am looking forward to experiencing this highlight at the end of the racing season with its extraordinary atmosphere once again.”

Augusto Farfus: “It is always an honour to be allowed to race in Macau. My victories in 2018 and the podium last year are unforgettable. Many thanks to BMW M Motorsport for their renewed trust! This time I will be competing with a new team, which will be a new challenge and experience. My goal is to do a flawless job and attack the podium again. Overall, BMW M Motorsport has a very strong line-up. I am very happy to be part of it again.”

Raffaele Marciello: “I have won the last two editions of the FIA GT World Cup, but this time the situation is completely new for me as I will be driving the BMW M4 GT3 there for the first time. I have always had good fights with BMW in the past, especially with Augusto in 2018 and also in 2017. Now I am very much looking forward to being on the other side. I will do everything in my power to bring the trophy back to Munich.”

Sheldon van der Linde: “I can't wait to return to Macau and take a second shot at the podium, which I narrowly missed on my debut last year. This is my favourite event of the year, which I've been looking forward to since leaving Macau. Confidence is the key to success on this epic street circuit. Therefore, it will be important to bring together my experience and knowledge from last year so I can start full throttle. I can't wait for it to begin!”

Dries Vanthoor: “I am very glad that Macau is part of my racing calendar again this year. The event, the city, and the track are fantastic. From a sporting perspective, I still have a score to settle with the FIA GT World Cup from my previous starts. I hope to be able to settle that score with BMW M Motorsport now. We have a very strong line-up with four top cars. Hopefully, this will pay off for us.“