New challenge for MANN-FILTER at the 24 Hours of Spa
- At the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa, the MANN-FILTER Mamba will be driven by Maro Engel (GER), Mik Grenier (CAN) and Daniel Juncadella (ESP).
Ludwigsburg, June 28th 2023 - With 72 cars confirmed for the Belgium Spa-Francorchamps championship from June 29th to July 2nd, 2023, the legendary race circuit breaks its record entry list. Premium filtration brand MANN-FILTER and its partner GruppeM Racing will compete on the famous Ardennes roller coaster track and they are very much looking forward to this challenge with its 7 kilometers long race track, 21 turns and fast straights.
All three drivers know the Mamba very well. Maro Engel and Mik Grenier already contested two Intercontinental GT Challenges (IGTC) this year in the Mercedes-AMG GT3 #999 with the popular yellow green design. While Daniel Juncadella – part of last year’s winning crew of the 24 Hours of Spa and reigning IGTC drivers’ champion – performed last year with Raffaele Marciello at the ADAC GT Masters and supported him to win the championship title
Maro Engel:
The excitement ahead of Spa is huge, it will be one of the highlights in the schedule. We are well prepared and thanks to the test we feel good in the car. I am looking forward to continue our cooperation with the Mercedes-AMG Team GruppeM and my teammates Dani and Mik. Everything has been set up to let the Mamba bite properly. Still, it will come down to perfectionism and details but the feeling is a positive one.
Daniel Juncadella:
I prepare before every race in the simulator. This time will be tight with regard to practicing because I am coming straight from the US, but I am familiar with the track, and, of course, Eau Rouge is the highlight based on its history, even if it is not the most tricky corner on this track. Driving here is one of the most special feelings I’ve ever experienced and together with the 24 hour race at Nürburgring, both events are the most exciting racing events in the world in my opinion. We can see very well that people around the track are partying and camping throughout the night, it is an amazing thing to see.
Mik Grenier:
I am looking forward to the race, it is the best of the year in my opinion. The AMG is very reliable and that will be important on this track. In terms of tire degradation, our car is also good on the long runs. I expect the other brands to be strong and we have also seen in the test that the level of competition is super high this year. The weather is always a surprise and with 71 other cars on the track it will be important to survive without making any major mistakes.
Qualifying sessions start on Thursday, June 29th, the race itself is on Saturday, July 1st from 4:30 pm. The MANN-FILTER Mamba can also be followed in a live stream on the official YouTube channel of the hosting organization SRO (@GTWorld). Another live stream is also available on the websites of the official GT World Challenge Europe, Intercontinental GT Challenge and CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa. MANN-FILTER will take fans behind the scenes on its social media channels and report on the action on and off the race track.