Nelson Piquet Jr. will return to the Stock Car Pro Series grid for the final two rounds of the 2026 season, joining Christian Fittipaldi's squad following a renewed sponsorship agreement with lubricant manufacturer Motul.
The sponsorship renewal marks the beginning of a seventh consecutive season of partnership between Piquet and Motul, supporting his comeback for the championship's closing stretch. His scheduled itinerary features the Corrida do Milhão at the Velopark circuit in Nova Santa Rita, Rio Grande do Sul, alongside the season finale hosted at the Autódromo de Interlagos in São Paulo.
The commercial activation advances the competitive debut of Fittipaldi's new operation into 2026, which had originally been slated to enter Stock Car only in 2027. Motul marketing manager Luan Maria explained that the extension forms part of a worldwide strategy linking its products to high-performance motorsport, supported by substantial 2026 investments encompassing Stock Car, a technical collaboration with McLaren in Formula 1, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and other global categories. Piquet, who previously raced in Formula 1 and captured the inaugural Formula E crown, noted his pride in competing alongside a company committed to speed and performance.
Scuderia Bandeiras Aftermath
Piquet's signing completes the return of former Scuderia Bandeiras personnel to the championship following the squad's mid-season withdrawal. Led by chief executive officer Átila Abreu, Bandeiras withdrew from the category after the Superior Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva confirmed technical irregularity sanctions handed down by the Confederação Brasileira de Automobilismo. Abreu subsequently aired multiple public accusations across social media aimed at Lincoln Oliveira, chief executive of series organizing group Vicar.
In the wake of that dispute, former Bandeiras competitors secured alternative drives across the paddock. Rafael Suzuki rejoined Full Time shortly after the team withdrew. Rubens Barrichello pursued legal proceedings demanding 2.4 million Brazilian reais against Bandeiras before obtaining authorization from Abreu to resume racing, similarly agreeing terms with Full Time. Fittipaldi, an ex-driver and former Bandeiras team principal, announced his own team two weeks earlier on more cooperative terms that envisioned utilizing Bandeiras' existing equipment, with Grande Prêmio reporting that Fittipaldi continues working with Abreu on other business projects.
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Race League and Future Projects
While his former associates have re-entered Stock Car, Abreu remains the solitary prominent figure from Bandeiras still absent from the grid. With his professional driving career temporarily paused, Abreu has operated as an entrepreneur to develop new ventures for the organization, recently announcing the creation of Race League. The proposed competition seeks to blend Brazilian motorsport with entertainment, adopting trends popularized by Gerard Piqué's Kings League through unusual global racing dynamics, influential guests, and direct spectator participation.
For separate coverage from Brazil’s Stock Series, see Nic Giaffone's wet Chapeco practice session.
Sources: Nelsinho Piquet volta à Stock Car, e Átila Abreu fica “sozinho” fora da categoria.
