Mercedes-AMG Readies for Spa 24 with Veteran Lineup and Strategic Focus
As the Spa 24 Hours approaches, Mercedes-AMG remains a competitive force in the GT3 category, holding two victories in this prestigious endurance race—one in 2013 with the SLS AMG and another in 2022 with the AMG GT. Despite the current car’s age, debuting its latest evolution in 2020, the brand’s drivers express confidence in its established performance.
Four Mercedes-AMG entries will compete in the Pro category. Notable teams include Boutsen VDS (#9), Team GetSpeed (#17), and Team MANN-FILTER (#48), along with Goodsmile Racing supported by Landgraf.
Driver Dynamics
Jules Gounon, navigating both GT World Challenge and DTM events, alongside his duties with Alpine’s Hypercar in WEC, leads the driving squad for Team GetSpeed’s #17 entry. Gounon emphasized the unpredictable nature of the race conditions, noting, “With the temperature shift expected for Sunday, some brands might struggle at different phases of the race.” He also highlighted the Mercedes’ enhanced tire performance in warmer conditions, drawing from his experience at Monza.
Maxime Martin, driving the #9 Boutsen VDS car, shared insights on the longstanding challenge of the Spa circuit. “This is my 19th Spa 24, and while our car is older, it remains competitive across various track conditions. The physicality of the race will be intensified by the heat,” he said.
Maro Engel, another stalwart in the Mercedes-AMG lineup, echoed these sentiments. Having developed a deep affiliation with the brand since 2008, Engel noted, “The car remains a benchmark for handling. Even with the Balance of Performance adjustments, we have the tools to contend for victory.”
Race Strategy
The broader strategy for the weekend centers on winning the race rather than accumulating championship points. Gounon remarked, “Our championship opportunity may be lost, allowing us to focus solely on securing a win.” This race is characterized by high traffic, with 75 cars on track potentially complicating overtaking maneuvers.
Engel and his teammates, Lucas Auer and Mateo Cairoli, expect challenges from both the heat and competitive field. “It’s ultra-competitive; we must maximize our chances without compromising our strategy,” Engel stated.
As the Spa 24 Hours unfolds, both driver experience and strategic insights will be crucial in navigating one of endurance racing’s toughest challenges.
