Mercedes-AMG Rules Out GT2 for 2020; Still “Open-Minded”

Photo: Gruppe C

Mercedes-AMG has ruled out producing a car for the launch season of SRO Motorsports Group’s new GT2 formula next year, but is still “open-minded” and interested in the class.

Head of customer racing Stefan Wendl says the brand’s focus for the remainder of 2019 is on its updated GT3 car, launched last week at the Nürburgring, while a “refresh” of its GT4 car is also coming soon.

“It will for sure not be for 2020,” Wendl told Sportscar365 when asked when a possible GT2 model could launch.

“I can rule it out to have it for 2020. We are fully focused on the new GT3 and also later in the year, you can also expect something to refresh the GT4 car, for 2020.”

Despite ruling it out for the maiden season, Wendl remains supportive of the concept, which was launched almost 12 months ago and is aimed to fit between GT3 and GT4 cars.

Porsche is the only officially confirmed manufacturer so far, although several other brands are interested, with another major manufacturer expected to reveal a car soon.

The class will debut with an all-Porsche race in support of the Total 24 Hours of Spa next month, while the first multi-manufacturer race is set to take place as part of the Blancpain Sports Club race at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in September.

“I can only say we are really open-minded and we are sure that we would have a base model to be ready for [GT2],” said Wendl.

“At this stage, we want to see how it develops. On one hand it’s interesting, but we are not sure about the feedback.

“It’s ambitious for Am drivers, who this is only made for, to give them the most powerful cars ever. We will see, we are open-eyed and we’ll take a look at this.

“We are in very close communication with the SRO to see what’s going on, and if necessary, we could be ready in short time.”

Jake Kilshaw

Jake Kilshaw is a UK-based journalist. He is a graduate of Politics and International Relations.