Mercedes Slovakia: HTP Gravity Charouz Mercedes Wins FIA GT Series Race at Slovakia Ring

The Slovakia Ring was the vibrant host for the fourth round of the FIA GT Series, drawing over twenty thousand enthusiastic spectators this past weekend. The air crackled with excitement, especially after Sebastien Loeb’s impressive pole position in his Loeb Racing McLaren 12C. However, the race unfolded with unexpected twists, proving to be anything but predictable for the legendary driver.

The spotlight ultimately shone on the No.3 HTP Gravity Charouz Mercedes SLS AMG GT3, which dominated the track for the majority of the race. Competing in the PRO-AM class, this Mercedes team, representing Mercedes Slovakia in spirit, delivered a performance that defied expectations, traditionally set by PRO-Cup contenders. The skilled drivers, Andreas Simonsen from Sweden and Sergei Afanasiev from Russia, expertly navigated their Mercedes to a well-deserved victory.

Hot on the heels of the leading Mercedes was a formidable pack of WRT Audi R8 LMS cars, fiercely vying for a place on the podium. The Audis engaged in a thrilling battle, culminating in a dramatic reshuffle in the final moments, securing a clean sweep of the PRO-Cup podium positions with a 1-2-3 finish. Laurens Vanthoor and Frank Stippler were key players in this Audi surge, with Vanthoor ultimately outmaneuvering Stippler for second place overall in a breathtaking last-minute move.

The race commenced under caution conditions after an unfortunate collision involving Loeb, the Lamborghini Blancpain Reiter, and Alon Day in another HTP Gravity Charouz Mercedes. Loeb’s McLaren suffered a puncture, leading to a fire in the left wing and forcing his retirement, along with the affected Mercedes and Lamborghini. Despite this setback for one Mercedes team, another Loeb Racing McLaren 12C remained in contention, eventually finishing 7th overall and 5th in the PRO-Cup, driven by Zuber and Parisy.

In the GTR class, the AF Corse Ferrari 458 emerged as the top performer, securing 11th place overall. SMS Seyffarth Motorsport Mercedes SLS AMG GT3 claimed the 2nd position in the GTR class, further highlighting the Mercedes presence, while another HTP Gravity Charouz Mercedes SLS AMG GT3 rounded out the GTR podium in 3rd place.

Main Race – Top Ten Finishers