Dexter Müller and Yannick Mettler (both SUI) once again have their sights set on the podium when they line up for SPS automotive performance in the #54 Mercedes-AMG GT3 at round three of the International GT Open at Spa-Francorchamps. This year’s race at the “Ardennes Rollercoaster” will be an endurance race.
After the first four races of this season’s International GT Open, Müller and Mettler find themselves fourth in the PROAM class – level on points with the third-placed pair. Two podium finishes in the first few events of the year have put the Swiss duo in a promising position in the title race ahead of the weekend at Spa-Francorchamps. Müller and Mettler have set themselves the goal of another top-three result in the black and red #54 Mercedes-AMG GT3 at the challenging circuit in the Ardennes.
The event in Belgium is one of the highlights on the race calendar and is different this year to the other weekends that make up the 2022 season. For the first time since 2007, the International GT Open will stage an endurance race lasting 2 hours 20 minutes, instead of the usual format of two sprint races lasting 70 and 60 minutes. The grid positions will be determined using the mean of the fastest lap times of both drivers, who will take to the track in two separate qualifying sessions. The race features a mandatory three pit stops with driver changeovers.
As double points are up for grabs in this race, the team is looking to use this special format to establish itself among the front-runners in the PROAM class and put itself in a good position for the rest of the season.
The highlight of this season’s International Open starts at 12:30 CEST on Sunday 19th June at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit.
Yannick Mettler, Mercedes-AMG GT3 #54: “As a racing driver, you always particularly look forward to Spa. Over the shorter distance, we have a bit of a disadvantage against the opposition’s turbo cars. However, the fact that we have an endurance race here could suit us. We are definitely up for it and hope to back up the good form we have shown in recent races.”
