Ups and downs for SPS automotive performance in Suzuka

In its debut at the Suzuka 1000km, SPS automotive performance finished seventh in the Bronze category. The Mercedes-AMG GT3 #27 with drivers Ian James (GBR), Zacharie Robichon (CAN) and Alex Riberas (ESP) started from tenth place in the Bronze class under the Heart of Racing by SPS entry and achieved a top 10 finish in its class on the demanding Grand Prix circuit in its first appearance in Japan.

The three-part qualifying session for the fourth round of the 2025 Intercontinental GT Challenge was marked by several interruptions, making it difficult for everyone involved to set an optimal lap time. As a result, the Mercedes-AMG GT3 with start number 27 only qualified for tenth place in the Bronze category.

At the start of the six-and-a-half-hour race, which Ian James was taking the wheel for, the blue Mercedes-AMG GT3 managed to avoid all the battles. As a result, the #27 car moved up to fifth place in its class by the halfway point of the race. However, numerous incidents slowed the team's progress due to subsequent race neutralisations. In the final stages of the Suzuka 1000 km, the #27 Mercedes-AMG GT3 had to make two unscheduled pit stops – partly due to suspected damage – which set the team back several positions. Final driver Zacharie Robichon crossed the finish line after dark in 21st place overall, which also meant seventh place in the Bronze category.

The SPS automotive performance team will be back in action this coming weekend (19th – 21st September) for the penultimate race weekend of the International GT Open at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.