Liu to Defend Title With Absolute, Picariello

Anthony Liu has aligned with Absolute Racing for his title defence in Fanatec GT World Challenge Asia powered by AWS, switching to Porsche machinery to partner up with Alessio Picariello.

The Chinese driver took last year’s title aboard a Craft-Bamboo Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo, partnering with Fabian Schiller and Daniel Juncadella throughout the course of the season.

However, Liu has now opted to return to Absolute for the first time since 2019 and form part of its two-car Porsche effort to share the No. 1 911 GT3 R with Picariello.

The Belgian racer, for his part, remains with the team for a second Fanatec GT Asia campaign after teaming up with Vutthikorn Inthraphuvasak for all but two rounds last year.

“I’m happy to be back in Fanatec GT Asia with Absolute Racing and to partner with the reigning champion, Anthony,” Picariello said.

“The goal is clear for everyone, and I’m looking forward to helping him defend his crown and getting Absolute, Porsche, and myself our first one.”

The second Porsche, which will compete for Silver Cup honors, will be shared between Eshan Pieris and Tanart Sathienthirakul.

“We are delighted to welcome back Anthony, Alessio, Eshan, and Tanart,” said team manager Fabian Fior.

“We know all of them very well and with them we’ve got strength in depth across both our Porsche entries.

“I firmly believe we have all the necessary ingredients to mount challenges for the GT3 Overall and Class titles with both cars.”

In addition to its pair of Porsches, Absolute will also field Audi and Ferrari machinery in the championship.

It confirmed its Audi driver lineup on Tuesday, while the driver crew for its pair of Ferrari 296 GT3s are yet to be named.