Bird, Ferrari “In the Shop Window” With GruppeM Drive

Frank Bird and Lorenzo Ferrari are hoping to show themselves as the “full package” as they join GruppeM Racing for the Lenovo Gulf 12 Hours, having been selected by Mercedes-AMG after the brand’s end-of-year Young Driver Test.

The two drivers are set to share the No. 77 Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo with factory driver Lucas Auer, forming part of the German manufacturer’s three-car Pro contingent at the Intercontinental GT Challenge powered by Pirelli finale.

The two drivers were selected from a pool of 22 names, which took part in a test at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia where they were coached by a team of Mercedes-AMG factory drivers and drove GT3 cars matched for weight and fitted with identical Pirelli tires.

“There was a knockout stage, we had a qualifying session and then into a race run,” Bird told Sportscar365.

“So luckily we were the two that came on top, and then this was the prize drive to come here with GruppeM. So yeah, really thankful.

“It’s just a huge opportunity, really. A step on the right ladder, right in the eyes of AMG and all the bosses. We’ve got all the tools to do the job. So, hopefully, we can do the best result possible.”

Bird said that the duo is putting themselves “in the shop window” at Yas Marina Circuit, hoping to one day secure a spot on the factory driver roster.

“It’s a step on the right ladder,” he said.

“We’re being introduced to all the big bosses and stuff like that. We’re in the shop window, kind of. Obviously, the end goal is to be a factory driver. This is the step on the right trajectory type thing.

“Just keep doing what we’re doing, and hopefully, in a couple of years, we end up in the same position as our teammates.”

Ferrari, who previously raced with Akkodis ASP Team in Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS Endurance Cup, similarly indicated he is treating the race as an opportunity to prove himself in the hope of securing future opportunities.

“I think Mercedes is looking for a mature driver,” Ferrari said.

“So not only the speed, but a complete driver. I think we have to show that, that we’re capable of not doing mistakes, following the team strategies and following the plan of the team.

“And then I think we have a great opportunity. You never know in life, but it’s a step forward. I hope it goes well for me and him, obviously. And I hope we do a good race.”

Bird said himself and Ferrari are “like sponges” around their more experienced co-driver Auer, trying to learn as much as possible.

“He’s a really good guy. He’s really funny outside the car. We’re all getting on quite well. I think it’s a good combination there.

“He’s got so much experience, especially in the AMG. He did this race last year. So, we’ve been like sponges really, taking in all the information and comparing the data, video, that kind of stuff. So, he’s an asset to have.

“I think it’s just about doing just the right thing all the time, really. It’s just about pacing yourself, not going too hard too early, just learning off everyone.

“We’ve also got the sister car as well with three factory drivers. So we’ve got all the stuff around us and just taking all the information, learn from what they’re doing and stuff like that.

“Just got to show them that we’re the full package. Hopefully we can do enough this weekend.”