BMW M Motorsport’s BMW M4 GT3 displayed impressive pace in the FIA GT World Cup Macau, securing a dominant 1-2 finish in the qualifying race with Marciello and Vanthoor. However, the main race was impacted by wet conditions and incidents. While Farfus and van der Linde claimed podium positions, the team’s overall goal of a main race victory was hindered. The incident-filled race, coupled with the BMW M4 GT3’s performance limitations in wet conditions, prevented the team from capitalizing on their strong qualifying result.
FIA GT World Cup Macau: Victory in the qualification race, two podium finishes in the main race at the Guia Circuit
Mixed emotions for the BMW M Motorsport teams and drivers after the FIA GT World Cup in Macau (CHN). Throughout much of the weekend, the pace of the four BMW M4 GT3s on the Guia Circuit was very strong, culminating in a one-two finish for Raffaele Marciello (SUI) and Dries Vanthoor (BEL) in Saturday’s qualification race. Consequently, the duo started the main race from the front row.

Macau. Mixed emotions for the BMW M Motorsport teams and drivers after the FIA GT World Cup in Macau (CHN). Throughout much of the weekend, the pace of the four BMW M4 GT3s on the Guia Circuit was very strong, culminating in a one-two finish for Raffaele Marciello (SUI) and Dries Vanthoor (BEL) in Saturday’s qualification race. Consequently, the duo started the main race from the front row. However, under very challenging conditions due to the rain, they were unable to capitalise on the strengths of their cars. Both were eliminated following incidents. This time, it was Augusto Farfus (BRA) and Sheldon van der Linde (RSA) who celebrated on the podium, finishing second and third, respectively.





Overall, despite the two podium finishes, the disappointment over the missed victory in the main race prevailed due to the course of events on Sunday. Marciello and Vanthoor initially defended first and second places, but it quickly became clear that other cars coped better with the wet conditions than the BMW M4 GT3, whose performance had already been reduced compared to the competition after qualifying on Friday. Vanthoor came under pressure from the eventual winner Maro Engel (GER, Mercedes), who hit him in the rear during an overtaking attempt and pushed him into the barriers. As a result, Vanthoor’s race was over. Marciello fought with Antonio Fuoco (ITA, Ferrari) for the lead. Both cars engaged in a tough duel, which ended with a slight collision and a slide into the runoff area for both.



Due to the incidents, Farfus and van der Linde advanced from starting positions five and six to the front and were able to celebrate on the podium. Farfus reached the podium last year, finishing third, and for van der Linde, it was his first podium at his second Macau start. The weekend was also special for the South African for another reason. He competed in a special design in the style of Chinese Manhua comics, developed by BMW M Motorsport together with Premium Technology Partner Shell. It featured a dragon and van der Linde as an animated character. This character was also available on-site as merchandise for guests and fans.

Elevate journeys in tech-driven mobility at Traffic Network Ph powered by BMWGroup.

Website: trafficnetworkph.com | Facebook: facebook.com/TrafficNetworkPH | Instagram: instagram.com/trafficnetworkph/ | X(Twitter): https://x.com/TrffcNtwrk_Ph | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/traffic-network-ph/ | Tk: https://www.tiktok.com/@trafficnetworkph

OFFICIAL RELEASE: BMWGroup | PUBLISHED BY: TRAFFIC NETWORK PH