FIA GT World Cup in Macau: Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing envisages title defence

The famous Guia Circuit in Macau will once again be the venue for the FIA GT World Cup from 16-19 November. The prestigious event, under the patronage of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), returns to the international motorsport calendar after a four-year absence. The legendary Macau Grand Prix will be staged for the 70th time in 2023. Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing will tackle the anniversary edition as defending champions. In 2019, Mercedes-AMG Team GruppeM Racing and Raffaele Marciello (SUI) won the FIA GT World Cup on the streets of Macau.

Last year, the main race of the local Macau GT Cup was won by three-time champion Maro Engel (GER) for Mercedes-AMG Team Craft-Bamboo Racing. Since its GT debut in 2008, the challenging 6.115-kilometre street circuit has proven to be a successful venue for the victorious Mercedes-AMG GT3. With four consecutive Macau triumphs (2019 - 2022) and seven victories in a total of 15 editions of the Macau GT Cup, Mercedes-AMG is the sole record holder. Of the five editions of the FIA GT World Cup held so far between 2015 and 2019, three have been victorious.

Line-up: Six Mercedes-AMG GT3 complement field of competitors in the FIA GT World Cups To build on this historic success, Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing will field a high-calibre line-up of four customer sports teams and six Mercedes-AMG GT3s. Mercedes-AMG Team Craft-Bamboo Racing will once again be relying on Macau veteran Maro Engel to drive the number 77 car. Daniel Juncadella (ESP) will drive the sister car with number 91. The team is thus fielding two high-calibre Mercedes-AMG GT3s with a chance of winning the race.

After finishing second in the qualifying race and an unfortunate retirement in the 2022 race, Raffaele Marciello will be looking to defend his title in his comeback to the FIA GT World Cup. The 2019 winner will compete with Mercedes-AMG Team Landgraf's #48 Mercedes-AMG GT3. Climax Racing will enter two Mercedes-AMG GT3s for the first time in the venerable event. Jules Gounon (AND) will take the wheel of the #2 car, while his team-mate will drive the #96. The sixth Mercedes-AMG GT3 in the field will be fielded by Toro Racing, who also have a history of podium finishes at the Macau Grand Prix. Marchy Lee (HKG) will be driving the #70 Mercedes-AMG GT3.

On Thursday, 16 November, the teams with the Mercedes-AMG GT3 cars will take part in the first two free practice sessions before the 30-minute qualifying session on Friday. Qualifying is particularly important in Macau as the city's narrow streets make overtaking difficult. Friday's times will determine the starting grid for Saturday's twelve-lap qualifying race. This in turn will determine the grid positions for the main race. Experience shows that the 16-lap main race on Sunday is characterised by many interruptions. Therefore, flawless driving between Macau's skyscrapers is a prerequisite for a good result.

"The FIA GT World Cup on the streets of Macau is one of the most iconic races in the world. The world's most renowned GT3 manufacturers, teams and drivers meet here. A good result for Mercedes-AMG Motorsport is therefore of great importance. Our top-class line-up makes me very confident that we will play an important role in the fight for victory again this year. This year marks the 70th edition of the legendary Macau Grand Prix. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the organisers on this anniversary." Christoph Sagemüller, Head of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport

“Macau is one of the most traditional motorsport events for me. The Mercedes-AMG GT3 has always performed well on the both fast and demanding Guia circuit and has a remarkable record. We won the last FIA GT World Cup there in 2019 and have been unbeaten in Macau ever since. This year we have again assembled a competitive line-up of top drivers and locals with proven racing credentials. Our goal is to extend our winning streak. I am expecting a great event and am really looking forward to it.” Stefan Wendl, Head of Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing

“Being back in Macau after six years is something very special for me. In Formula 3, I was able to win in Macau in 2011, which was a pivotal point in my career. It is one of the most demanding races of the year with many top-notch drivers in the field. I am looking forward to racing with Mercedes-AMG Team Craft-Bamboo Racing together with Maro.” Daniel Juncadella, Mercedes-AMG Team Craft-Bamboo Racing #91

"Macau is always a really special highlight on the race calendar. I have been able to celebrate many great achievements there and I will try to repeat the victory from last year and to bring the title to Affalterbach again. The event has been returned to the FIA GT World Cup for the first time since 2019.The race is expected to have an even stronger entry and to be a spectacular affair for all motorsport fans.” Maro Engel, Mercedes-AMG Team Craft-Bamboo Racing #77  

“I am happy to be back in Macau. It is nice that the event is run as the FIA GT World Cup again. Therefore, we will certainly see many cars on track. I am looking forward to competing for victory in the feature race together with Mercedes-AMG Team Landgraf and of course I hope to defend my title.” Raffaele Marciello, Mercedes-AMG Team Landgraf #48

"I am much looking forward to the FIA GT World Cup. It is the first time in my life racing in Macau. I have heard a lot about this special track and I finally can`t wait to start there. For me it means to learn as fast as possible and to improve together with my team Climax, who are starting for the first time in Macau with Mercedes-AMG. I expect an intense but also exciting weekend with a lot of work for us.” Jules Gounon, Climax Racing #2