When this season’s Asian Le Mans Series kicks off this weekend, SPS automotive performance will be represented with a Mercedes-AMG GT3 for the first time. The Willsbach-based team relies on an experienced trio of drivers in the Asian edition of the ACO sports car series. Valentin Pierburg (GER), Ian Loggie (GBR) and Mikaël Grenier (CAN) will take their place at the wheel of the number 20 car and battle for points in the GT-AM class.
In recent years, SPS automotive performance has gained experience in an ACO series through its outings in the Michelin Le Mans Cup. The team from Willsbach is now ready to take the next step. SPS automotive performance will line up with a Mercedes-AMG GT3 in the Asian Le Mans Series. The situation with the pandemic means that the series will take place in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as it did last year. The season consists of two back-to-back weekends, each featuring two four-hour races. This offers SPS automotive performance a good opportunity to contest a full season in the Asian Le Mans Series.
Sharing the cockpit in the black #20 Mercedes-AMG GT3 will be Valentin Pierburg, Ian Loggie and Mikaël Grenier. Last season, Pierburg finished runner-up in the Pro-Am class of the GT World Challenge Europe and also won his class in the Gulf 12 Hours at the start of January. Ian Loggie, the reigning Pro-Am champion in the British GT Championship, made his debut for the Willsbach-based team alongside Pierburg at the 24 Hours of Dubai, where the pair finished an impressive second in the GT3-AM class. Mikaël Grenier also made his first appearance for SPS automotive performance in 2022. The Canadian, in the sister car to that of Pierburg and Loggie, produced two impressive performances at the Gulf 12 Hours and the 24 Hours of Dubai, where he secured third place overall for the team in a dramatic finish.
The first two races of the Asian Le Mans Series take place on 12th and 13th February at Dubai Autodrome. Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi then hosts races three and four the following weekend, on 19th and 20th February.
Stephan Sohn, team principal of SPS automotive performance: “We are facing a new challenge in the Asian Le Mans Series. Four four-hour races over two weekends is something rather special. With roughly 25 cars, the GT class is very strong and forms the majority of the field. However, we are optimistic going into these two weekends, as we have already driven at both circuits this year, and have been very successful. Perhaps that gives us a little advantage. Despite this, it will be hard work to establish ourselves in this series and to taste success in the races.”
