GruppeM Racing is returning to the LIQUI MOLY Bathurst 12 Hour next year with Mercedes-AMG when the race once again stages Intercontinental GT Challenge Powered by Pirelli’s opening round.
This will be the Hong Kong squad’s third appearance at Mount Panorama after it clinched a podium there in 2019 and sixth place a year later, although the latter was subject to a 30s post-race penalty that dropped the car out of second place.
GruppeM is one of Mercedes-AMG’s go-to international teams and is expected to boast several factory stars when it visits Australia in February, just as it did at IGTC’s season finale last weekend when the squad secured a front row lockout at the Gulf 12 Hours.
Mercedes-AMG scored its first-ever Bathurst win in May when SunEnergy1’s Kenny Habul, Martin Konrad, Jules Gounon and Luca Stolz powered the Three Pointed Star to victory in a race without Pro entries. Now, with pandemic-related restrictions eased, the event is returning to its popular manufacturer-backed format.
“GruppeM were one of the first international teams to lodge an entry this year, it’s exciting to have them back,” said Bathurst 12 Hour Event Director Shane Rudzis,.
“In 2019 and 2020 they proved that they are one of the most competitive teams to tackle the Mountain and you’re never in doubt that they will be giving everything to win.
“They’ve crossed the line in the top three on the road on both occasions they have competed which is an incredible strike rate. Watching them aim for a Bathurst victory and taking on great teams from here and abroad will be a big story of the race this year.”
Bathurst opens 2023’s IGTC campaign on February 3-5.