In just a few days, it will be time: the legendary 24h Race at the Nürburgring (18–21 May 2023) will once again captivate motorsport fans from around the world. A vehicle that will be in the spotlight at this year’s edition is the new Mercedes-AMG GT2, which will be taking part in its first 24-hour race. EFP:racing by TECE pilot Elia Erhart is part of this very special project. In the twice-around-the-clock challenge, the Röttenbacher will share driving duties with Mercedes-AMG test and development driver Thomas Jäger, as well as Frank Bird and Jörg Viebahn.

“The anticipation is really huge — on the one hand because of the highly anticipated 24h premiere of our Mercedes-AMG GT2, but also because of the incredible fan atmosphere that will once again take over the Nürburgring Nordschleife,” beams Elia Erhart.

From a sporting perspective, the main objective for the driver quartet is to successfully complete the test programme with the Mercedes-AMG GT2. “I very much hope that we can complete the distance without major problems. What makes me very confident is our strong showing at the 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers. But of course, we all know that a lot of unforeseen things can happen — especially in a 24-hour race,” Erhart continues.

At the 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers, the number 46 Mercedes-AMG GT2, driven by Erhart for the Mercedes-AMG Team HRT, had a successful baptism of fire. The team won the SPX class in both the Saturday night race, which lasted two hours in extremely difficult weather conditions, and the second race on Sunday afternoon, which was twice the distance. Additionally, Erhart and his three teammates made a strong impression in the overall classification, finishing Sunday’s race as the best non-GT3 vehicle in an impressive 14th place overall.

“The vehicle already delivered a lot of driving pleasure at the 24h Qualifiers, and the result also speaks for itself. I’m really looking forward to continuing at the 24h Race. If we can get through it without incidents, we’ll definitely be able to challenge one or two GT3 cars. A big thank you to all our partners who are making this commitment possible.”

Last year, Elia Erhart achieved a remarkable 14th place overall at the 24h Race at the Nürburgring with the Audi R8 GT3 EVO II of équipe vitesse.

Strong performance at the 12h Spa-Francorchamps remains unrewarded

On the first weekend of May, EFP:racing by TECE drivers Elia Erhart and Pierre Kaffer competed in the 12h Spa-Francorchamps with the #1 Audi R8 GT3 EVO II. It looked like they would be fighting for a podium finish alongside their two teammates. In qualifying, they placed the vehicle third overall, which also meant pole position in the PRO-AM category.

However, after nearly five hours of racing, the driver quartet was rudely caught up in a collision that cost them over eleven laps. “Of course, that was extremely unfortunate because up until then, we were on course for a podium finish. We were able to complete the race, more than the 24h. But despite the excellent work of the entire SCHERER SPORT PHX team, a top overall result was no longer possible.”

Text: Media-DaCo (Daniel Cornesse)
Photos: main racing team

---