Mercedes-AMG emerged victorious in the 13th Gulf 12 Hours held in Abu Dhabi

In a spectacular showcase of endurance racing prowess, Mercedes-AMG GruppeM Racing emerged victorious at the 13th edition of the Gulf 12 Hours, held at the iconic Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. The Mercedes-AMG GT3, skillfully driven by Maro Engel, Luca Stolz, and Mikael Grenier, completed an impressive 348 laps to secure the coveted Lenovo Gulf 12 Hours title.

Record-breaking attendance and High-Speed Action

The international racing weekend witnessed record numbers in attendance as motorsport enthusiasts gathered to soak up the winter sunshine and experience the exhilarating 12-hour endurance race. The #99 GruppeM Racing Mercedes-AMG, claiming pole position after a challenging qualifying session, led the pack right from the start, delivering thrilling high-speed action throughout the race.

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Maro Engel’s Triumph and Manufacturer’s Championship

Maro Engel’s exceptional performance not only sealed the Gulf 12 Hours victory but also crowned Mercedes-AMG as the Manufacturer’s champion of the 2023 Intercontinental GT Challenge Powered by Pirelli. The German marque’s triumph left title contenders Team WRT in the BMW trailing by 12 seconds, marking a significant milestone for Mercedes-AMG.

Valentino Rossi and Team WRT’s Podium Finish

Motorsport legend Valentino Rossi, alongside teammates Dries Vanthoor and Nick Yelloy, showcased their skill and determination, guiding Team WRT to a podium finish. Despite narrowly missing the Gulf 12 Hours title, Rossi expressed optimism about his endurance racing career, adding an intriguing dimension to the event.

Resilience and Impressive Comeback

Mercedes-AMG’s second factory team, 2 Seas Motorsport, faced adversity with an exhaust issue during the race but displayed remarkable resilience, fighting back to an impressive fourth position. Driver Jules Gounon, in the #14 Mercedes-AMG GT3, was crowned the official 2023 IGTC Drivers Champion, adding another layer of triumph for Mercedes-AMG.

Climax with Independents’ Class Victory

The title contentions reached their climax with Jonathan Hui securing victory in the Independents’ Class with Sky Tempesta Racing, adding a final flourish to the Gulf 12 Hours event.

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Immersive Fan Experience

As the on-track action unfolded, fans flocked to Yas Marina Circuit for a two-day racing spectacle. They enjoyed pit lane walks, exploring the Gulf 12 Hours garages, and tested their skills on racing simulators, making it an immersive and unforgettable experience.

Gulf 12 Hours: Looking Ahead to 2024

The Gulf 12 Hours has left a lasting impression, promising an even more exhilarating weekend of racing on December 15, 2024. Motorsport enthusiasts eager for more information can visit Yas Marina Circuit’s official website.

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Mercedes-AMG’s dominating performance at the Gulf 12 Hours reaffirms its position at the forefront of endurance racing, setting the stage for another thrilling chapter in 2024.