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FIA GT World Cup: Manufacturer Focus - Mercedes

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05.11.19

Mortara, Engel and Marciello lead the Mercedes-AMG Macau Grand Prix charge

Mercedes-AMG will be looking to wrestle the FIA GT World Cup away from rivals BMW later this month, with no fewer than four manufacturer-backed drivers and two privateer racers taking on the famed Macau Grand Prix (14-17 November) behind the wheel of six Mercedes-AMG GT3 entries.

Three Platinum level drivers – including two former champions and a super-fast young gun – top the bill, whilst a trio of selected Silver rated stars will also be looking to make their mark around the 6.2km Guia street circuit

Edoardo Mortara and Maro Engel spearhead its line-up, with the former having famously won six times in Macau.

Mortara’s love affair with Macau began ten years ago when he claimed back-to-back F3 victories there in 2009 and 2010. His incredible form continued after a switch to GT racing as he triumphed during three successive seasons between 2011-2013, with his most recent win coming for Mercedes in 2017 – the marque’s second FIA GT World Cup trophy to date.

“Following my six wins at Macau, it would be unbelievably nice to be able to celebrate another win,” said Mercedes-AMG Team Craft-Bamboo Racing’s Mortara. “However, it will be a real challenge, as I haven’t raced the Mercedes-AMG GT3 that often since last year’s race at Macau and the opposition will be strong. I am expecting a really tough race.”

Mercedes’ maiden FIA GT World Cup victory came thanks to Engel during the inaugural edition back in 2015, which followed the German’s first win the previous year when the race was run under a different guise.

“The FIA GT World Cup in Macau is an undisputed season highlight,” confirmed Mercedes-AMG Team GruppeM Racing’s Engel. “It’s a race at one of the most unbelievable circuits out there. I am massively looking forward to it. Once again, it will be an incredibly hard-fought race. After all, it is about the GT World Cup title, so to say. For me, the goal is clear: I want my third win at Macau.”

Whilst Mortara and Engel will be chasing victory again for Mercedes, stablemate Raffaele Marciello is targeting a first ever success on the streets of Macau.

The Italian claimed pole position there during his F3 days and showed exceptional pace on his GT bow at the track last year, but now he is aiming to turn speed into an overall success.

“My anticipation for the FIA GT World Cup is huge,” enthused Marciello of Mercedes-AMG Team GruppeM Racing. “Together with the Nürburgring-Nordschleife and Bathurst, Macau is one of the world’s best race tracks for me.

“The past two years have shown the potential we have. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to bring it home yet. Therefore, I am all the more motivated this year. As usual, the level will be extremely high, but I will try everything to win the FIA GT World Cup trophy.”

Belgian Alessio Picariello completes the manufacturer-backed entries as he lines-up alongside Mortara at Mercedes-AMG Team Craft Bamboo Racing, whilst two further privateer entries bolster the ranks.

Hong Kong favourite Adderly Fong will be cheered on by a passionate home support as he contests the event for the Zun Motorsport Crew, whilst South Korean-born Roelof Bruins represents Solite Indigo Racing’s sole entry.

Mercedes-AMG and its proven GT3 machine are the most potent combination in FIA GT World Cup history, having won two of the four editions so far, and its stellar selection of high-class drivers suggest the marque stands every chance of adding to its win tally this time around.

The 2019 FIA F3 World Cup and FIA GT World Cup take place as part of the 66th running of the Macau Grand Prix on 14-17 November.