BATINA RACING UNVEIL NEW DRIVER LINE UP

Batina Racing have confirmed their entry for the 2026 Supercars Endurance series campaign with a Toyota GR Supra GT4 EVO2 to be shared by Portuguese duo Orlando Batina and Nuno Pires, a pairing that combines proven experience with clear-cut ambitions in the GT4 Pro-Bronze division.

After three seasons alongside Sérgio Azevedo, Orlando Batina embarks on a new chapter, this time teaming up with series returnee Nuno Pires. The Portuguese driver arrives full of confidence following a 2025 season in which he secured the GT4 Pro-Bronze title in Supercars España, cementing his reputation as one of the most consistent performers in the category.

Pires’ return to the championship is another key talking point for the squad. After an absence of around 18 months, he comes back to a series where he previously made a strong impression, having been in contention for the overall GT4 crown until the final round of the 2023 season.

For Orlando Batina, the new partnership comes with a clearly defined objective from the outset. The driver is open about his ambitions, setting his sights firmly on the class title.

“I believe that, with Nuno, we have everything we need to become champions, and that’s the target we’re setting for 2026. I think we’ve got the tools, both in terms of the team and the drivers, to fight at the front. We know the competition remains strong and there may be surprises, but our focus is firmly on the championship,” he said, also stressing the importance of consistency throughout the season: “as in previous years, consistency will be crucial. With a limited number of races, failing to score in even one can put you out of contention. So we’re determined to deliver consistency, pace, and focus.”

From Nuno Pires’ perspective, the return to the paddock is met with enthusiasm and a strong emotional connection to the championship.

“I’ve been away for a year and a half, but I’ve kept an eye on the series, which has been very competitive. There’s definitely a sense of nostalgia in coming back, along with a real desire to rejoin this project,” he explained, also highlighting the importance of partnering with Orlando Batina: “the opportunity came up to work with Orlando, who is a very quick driver and has shown great consistency in recent years. From a competitive standpoint, it makes perfect sense. There’s a combination of personal and professional values that I think is very important, and that, combined with speed, fits perfectly.”

Nuno Pires also underlined the shared ambition heading into the new season: “our goal is to fight for the GT4 Pro-Bronze title. We believe we have the pace, although we’re fully aware of how competitive this championship is, both in GT4 Pro and GT4 Pro-Bronze. We have a very capable team behind us and a car that has already proven its reliability and competitiveness. We hope all of that translates into a strong season, starting right away at the opening round in Portimão.”

The 2026 Iberian Supercars, Campeonato de Portugal de Velocidade and Campeonato de España de Supercars season officially gets underway on 16–17 May at the Algarve International Circuit, as part of the Algarve Iberian Racing Festival.