Absolute Racing teams up with star-studded lineup for Macau FIA GT World Cup
News & Announcements Macau S.A.R. Macau Guia Circuit October 15
Tempo and Absolute Racing Team Team Up for Macau FIA GT World Cup with a Star-studded Lineup...
Tempo will join forces with Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific customer team Tempo by Absolute Racing in the FIA GT World Cup during the 72nd Macau Grand Prix. The star-studded team features Porsche works driver Laurens Vanthoor and longtime Absolute Racing partner Alessio Picariello.
Belgian driver Alessio Picariello will drive the #911 Porsche 911 GT3 R in the Duplo livery. This marks his return to the team following a strong fourth-place finish in last year's FIA GT World Cup. Since 2014, Picariello has been a key player for Absolute Racing, winning numerous titles and contributing significantly to the team's impressive results in events such as the European Le Mans Series and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Across the garage, Laurens Vanthoor returns to Macau with an impressive resume. He has won international races such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 24 Hours of Spa, and the 24 Hours of Daytona, and won the FIA GT World Cup in 2016. Fresh off a runner-up finish in the Suzuka 1000km with Absolute Racing last month, the Belgian driver is aiming for another victory at the Guia Circuit.
DUPLO, a premium household paper brand with over 90 years of history, proudly brings its brand spirit of "toughness, meticulousness, and care" to the high-octane world of racing. Known for its high quality, exquisite craftsmanship, and innovative design, DUPLO's entry into the racing world aims to resonate with consumers across Asia who value speed and performance while also prioritizing style and heritage.
The Macau Grand Prix is one of the most prestigious and challenging races in the world. Since its inception in 1954, the legendary Guia Circuit, renowned for its high-speed corners like the Mandarin Oriental and the demanding Melco Hairpin, has presented drivers with the ultimate test of precision and courage.
The FIA GT World Cup will feature a new two-stage qualifying format: the top ten drivers will compete in a "Super Pole" race, followed by a 12-lap qualifying race and a 16-lap final race to determine the champion.
The 72nd Macau Grand Prix, held on the streets of Macau from November 13-16, will once again captivate the world. Last year's event attracted coverage from 220 media outlets in 44 regions, with 94 television stations broadcasting for a total of 793 hours and the live broadcast exceeding 7.1 million views.
Team Statement
Ingo Matter (Team Director, Absolute Racing):
"Just as DUPLO represents quality and reliability in everyday life, motorsport symbolizes ultimate precision, performance, and endurance. This partnership connects two worlds with shared values—the pursuit of excellence when it matters most. The DUPLO brand on Absolute Racing's Porsche race cars not only symbolizes support for speed, but also pays tribute to the 'everyday heroes'—from the drivers who push the limits on the track to the fans who embrace life with passion and energy."
Alessio Picariello (Driver #911):
"I'm thrilled to be driving for Absolute Racing and Porsche for the FIA GT World Cup in Macau for the third time. It's always an honor to compete in such an iconic event. We've had solid performances over the past two years, but last year we came within a hair's breadth of the podium—this year we want to go even further. We're ready to give it our all and strive for even better results!"
Laurens Vanthoor (Driver #992):
"I'm really looking forward to returning to Macau – it's always been one of my favorite races. It's a crazy and exciting circuit. We've been pushing hard for victory over the past few years, and while it's been tough, the dry weather this year might give us a chance. We gained valuable experience last year and are even more confident this year. Our goal is clear: to win."
Alexandre Gibot (Managing Director, Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific):
"We're delighted to once again support Absolute Racing in the FIA GT World Cup Macau Grand Prix. The team has a strong history in this event and will be returning this year with the formidable pairing of Laurens Vanthoor and Alessio Picariello, both of whom have achieved impressive results in the Asia-Pacific region. We look forward to working with Absolute Racing once again to achieve great results."
DUPLO × Absolute Racing × Porsche 911 GT3 R
Since its founding in Germany in 1929, DUPLO has grown into a globally renowned premium tissue brand with a strong foundation in core markets such as Europe and Hong Kong. For generations, Dubao has provided high-quality products that have accompanied people through daily life and important moments, becoming a symbol of an elegant lifestyle.
Since entering the Chinese mainland market in 2009, Dubao has consistently upheld a spirit of excellence and a relentless pursuit of quality. From carefully selected virgin wood pulp to meticulously crafted production processes, each product sets an industry benchmark, earning widespread trust and becoming the preferred choice for those seeking a high-quality lifestyle.
For nearly a century, Dubao has remained true to its original mission, integrating practicality with emotional experience to provide unique brand value for consumers who value quality. This philosophy resonates perfectly with the spirit of racing—the exploration of limits and the pursuit of excellence are at the core of the Dubao brand's DNA.
Dubao deeply admires the Absolute Racing Team's courage to challenge and continuous improvement on the track. This fearless attitude aligns perfectly with Dubao's commitment to product innovation and meticulous craftsmanship.
Dubao sincerely wishes the Absolute Racing Team continued success in the upcoming Macau race.
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