The most powerful homologated race car in history of the Mercedes-AMG customer sports programme is about to make its racing debut: following an intense test and development stage, the Mercedes-AMG GT2 will have its premiere in race conditions during the ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers. Two test versions of the car with a maximum output of 707 hp (520 kW) will be taking on an extended development run in competitive conditions at the legendary Nürburgring-Nordschleife.
The double-header on 22nd and 23rd April consists of two qualification races with separate classifications in which the customer sport teams can earn a slot to participate in the Top Qualifying session preceding the ADAC TotalEnergies 24h Nürburgring. Mercedes-AMG Team HRT and Mercedes-AMG Team Schnitzelalm are each running a Mercedes-AMG GT2 in the special class SPX. Both teams are using the race participations as preparation for the ADAC TotalEnergies 24h race at the Nürburgring. For this historic occasion, Mercedes-AMG Team HRT has selected drivers Frank Bird (GBR), Elia Erhart, Thomas Jäger and Jörg Viebahn (all GER). Mikaël Grenier (CAN) and Johannes Stengel (GER) will be alternating behind the wheel of the Mercedes-AMG Team Schnitzelalm entry.
Mercedes-AMG concludes comprehensive development stage of the Mercedes-AMG GT2
The clear goal of the participation is the ongoing development of the Mercedes-AMG GT2 in the highly demanding race conditions that can be expected during the pair of ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers. To this end, the latest member of the Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing family was already pushed through a comprehensive programme. In total, the Mercedes-AMG GT2 racked up over 20,000 kilometres in testing at various European circuits. The roll-out took place at Mercedes-Benz’s own proving grounds in Immendingen in Germany. There, among others, the electrical systems were evaluated, and various prototype components were tested. The initial test runs at a permanent circuit followed at Valencia in January 2023. During these performance tests, focus was on the new components in the areas of aerodynamics, brakes, engine and wheel mounts. Following further stations at Monza, Dijon and Le Castellet, the Mercedes-AMG GT2 ran at the Nordschleife for the first time in March and managed to convince straight away.
Nearly all the drivers from the Mercedes-AMG driver line-up were involved in the comprehensive test stage and with their feedback, they contributed to the ongoing development of the car. Thomas Jäger, who will also race the Mercedes-AMG GT2 during the 24h Qualifiers, supported the engineers and mechanics during all the test sessions as a development driver with many years of experience. With a final four-day test at Portimão just before Easter, Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing concluded the successful development stage. At the track in the south of Portugal, the customer sport teams who will handle the upcoming participation at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife were present for the first time as well.
The ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers are generally considered as a significant final test in the build-up to the endurance racing season highlight, the long-standing 24-hour race at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife on 20th and 21st May. The current qualification format includes a race on Saturday evening (7.30pm CEST) with a duration of two hours. A further race will be run on Sunday (1pm CEST) with a duration of four hours. After a successful qualification, the plan is for the Mercedes-AMG GT2 to participate in the 51st running of the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring.
Mercedes-AMG GT2 to race in GT2 European Series at Autodromo Nazionale di Monza
Simultaneous with its outing at the legendary Nürburgring-Nordschleife, the Mercedes-AMG GT2 will be taking on another participation in race conditions this weekend. During the Fanatec GT2 European Series season opener at the high-speed track of Monza, Haupt Racing Team is running a Mercedes-AMG GT2 with drivers Thomas Jackermeier and Jens Liebhauser (both GER). The race weekend at the Italian circuit with its long heritage is part of the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS support package and is the first of six events on the schedule for the 2023 season. Plans include further race participations in the GT2 European Series.
“With the Mercedes-AMG GT2, the most powerful homologated race car of our Customer Racing Programme so far is making its debut. The hard work by all the engineers and technicians at Affalterbach has paid off. They have built a fascinating car that combines speed and excellent driveability at a high level. Like with all our cars, it is our ambition to bring the new Mercedes-AMG GT2 to the market fully matured and capable of winning from the onset. Therefore, testing in race conditions is very important to us and there is no better stage to do so than the Nürburgring-Norschleife. It is the ultimate challenge for every car. Anyone who succeeds in the Green Hell will succeed anywhere. I am convinced that the Mercedes-AMG GT2 will make a lasting impression right away.”
Stefan Wendl, head of Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing
“The Mercedes-AMG GT2 is a fascinating car and an optimal complement to our customer sports programme. In the development, we have paid a lot of attention to driveability and control systems; various possibilities for adjustment allow for quickly adapting to all track conditions and characteristics. The car is excellently suited for amateur drivers and promises plenty of driving pleasure for professionals as well. In terms of ergonomics, safety and driveability, the AMG GT2 is setting benchmarks in its segment. After many kilometres of testing, I am now very much looking forward to my first race participation with the Mercedes-AMG GT2.”
Thomas Jäger, development and test driver Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing.
