Top five after impressive fightback for SPS automotive performance

Dexter Müller and Yannick Müller (both SUI) battled their way to some valuable points after an impressive fightback at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in the PROAM class of the International GT Open. Starting from eighth on the grid, the SPS automotive performance duo in the #54 Mercedes-AMG GT3 crossed the finish line in fourth place.

For the first time since 2007, the International GT Open staged one endurance race, lasting 2 hours and 20 minutes, instead of two sprints. The Swiss duo of Dexter Müller and Yannick Mettler once again set their sights on a podium in the PROAM class at the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit. An incident in free practice caused the team in the black and white #54 Mercedes-AMG GT3 to lose valuable practice time, as they prepared for the demanding track in the Belgian Ardennes. After Saturday’s two qualifying sessions, the combined lap time meant eighth place on the grid in the PROAM class.

Start driver Müller gained a position on the opening lap. The #54 then set about consistently climbing up the PROAM standings. Mettler, at the wheel of the Mercedes-AMG GT3 for the second part of the race, continued to make progress with a good stint. A number of incidents and safety car phases shook the order up at times. Müller and Mettler were unperturbed and continued their fightback. As the race entered its final third, they were already on course for a podium finish. However, the number 54 car lost ground as a result of another safety car phase during the final pit stop window. Despite producing fast lap times, Mettler was no longer able to catch the third-placed car in his final stint. In the end, the #54 Mercedes-AMG GT3 came home fourth in the PROAM class to score valuable points in the title race.

SPS automotive performance returns to action at the same venue on Tuesday. This week, Spa-Francorchamps hosts the official tests for the highlight of the season, the TotalEnergies 24 Hours of Spa.

Stephan Sohn, team principal SPS automotive performance: “Generally speaking, we can be satisfied with the result. It is obviously a shame that we narrowly missed out on the class podium, as a result of the last safety car phase. Despite this, we still take a lot of points with us from Spa.”

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