World first at the Red Bull Ring: SPS automotive performance will run the Mercedes-AMG GT Track Series under competitive conditions for the first time in the Fanatec GT2 European Series. During the test run in the Styria region of Austria, the new car from Affalterbach will be driven by a prominent pair of drivers.
At the end of May, the Red Bull Ring in Austria hosts the second event of this season’s Fanatec GT2 European Series. SPS automotive performance will line up with the brand-new Mercedes-AMG GT Track Series for the first time on the initiative of the SRO Motorsports Group at the Grand Prix circuit in Styria. As soon the Mercedes-AMG GT Track Series was unveiled, the SRO Motorsports Group announced its intention to enter the non-homologated racing car in the Fanatec GT2 European Series by invitation. SRO is now turning this plan into reality with the entry at the Red Bull Ring. The Mercedes-AMG GT Track Series test vehicle will be extensively undergoing a trial run under racing conditions to conclude the extensive development and testing phase. The development process under racing conditions ensures that the car delivers reliable performance even under extreme conditions and offers the future customers maximum driving experience. Limited to just 55 models, the new car has an output of 540 kW (734 hp) and has been specially developed for track days and clubsport events. Due to the exclusive limited edition, this will also be one of the few opportunities to have a close-up view of the Mercedes-AMG GT Track Series.
There will be two prominent names in the cockpit: Stéphane Ratel, founder and CEO of SRO Motorsports Group, and DTM legend and Mercedes-AMG brand ambassador Bernd Schneider will drive the Mercedes-AMG GT Track Series on that weekend. Ratel and the SRO Motorsports Group organise many GT series all over the world, including the global Fanatec GT World Challenge Powered by AWS, the Intercontinental GT Challenge Powered by Pirelli, and the Fanatec GT2 European Series, and are also rights holders for the GT2, GT3 and GT4 car formats. Bernd Schneider is a racing legend, particularly in Germany. He contested over 200 DTM races between 1986 and 2008, winning the title on five occasions to make him the record holder in this iconic series. In 1997, Schneider clinched the FIA GT1 World Championship and raced in the Formula 1 World Championship from 1988 to 1990. In his further role as development driver, Bernd Schneider gathers valuable learnings that contribute to the successful completion of the development programme.
From 20th to 22nd May, the Fanatec GT2 European Series starts at the Red Bull Ring as part of the support programme for the ADAC GT Masters race weekend.
Stephan Sohn, team principal SPS automotive performance: “Running the Mercedes-AMG GT Track Series in competitive conditions is a great and interesting challenge. The most important goal for the first step will be to get through the weekend without any issues and to gather valuable data. Also, our driver line-up is tailor-made for this test. We will be very motivated in the way we approach this magnificent task.”
Bernd Schneider, Mercedes-AMG brand ambassador: “I am really looking forward to this event. Driving the Mercedes-AMG GT Track Series under race conditions for the first time together with Stéphane Ratel and SPS automotive performance is a great and unique opportunity. Mercedes-AMG has designed a great car that combines many years of experience in motorsport and in developing performance cars.”
