Engel “Hugely Motivated” for Elusive Bathurst 12H Win

Photo: Gruppe C Photography/SRO

Maro Engel says he’s more motivated than ever to stand on the top step of the podium at the Repco Bathurst 12 Hour after again missing out on an elusive first victory in the Australian enduro last year.

The Mercedes-AMG factory driver, who has two Alan Simonsen Pole Position trophies to his credit, is still seeking his first win after seven previous attempts, with a best finish of second in 2022.

Engel came up short 12 months ago in a race that saw his GruppeM Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo forced to add a data logger on its final stop, prior to receiving a drive-through penalty for contact with the eventual race-winning No. 75 SunEnergy1 Racing Mercedes-AMG of Jules Gounon.

While arguably considered one of the most accomplished GT drivers at Mount Panorama that has yet to win, Engel is hoping GruppeM’s recent string of success could roll into this weekend’s enduro.

The Hong Kong-licensed team was victorious in the most recent Intercontinental GT Challenge round at Yas Marina Circuit in December, with Engel teaming with Mikael Grenier and Luca Stolz for the team’s first IGTC win since the 2018 Suzuka 10 Hours.

The German ace is teamed up with Felipe Fraga and David Reynolds this weekend.

“I think it was a long time coming,” Engel told Sportscar365 about GruppeM’s win in the Gulf 12 Hours. “We had three poles last year and everyone knows the data logger dramas here at Bathurst last year.

“It’s great to come here with that behind our back. For sure it’s motivation and momentum, which we want to carry into this event.”

When asked about the prospects of grabbing the elusive Bathurst win, Engel stressed that he’s always been “hugely motivated” especially at Mount Panorama.

“I feel like I’ve always performed well here and obviously haven’t managed to win the race yet,” he said. “We’ll keep trying to perform well and hopefully one day it will happen.

“But definitely, we’ll keep coming back until it does happen. I feel like it will at some point. We just have to keep pushing it.”

He added: “I think in general we’ve been strong here over a number of years, even before the past recent years, always in with a shot.

“But I do think we have a very strong lineup again and a very strong team with GruppeM and a proven car.

“We’ve got strong chances again. Let’s see how the race plays out.”

Engel on “Spectacular” Mercedes-AMG Livery

GruppeM’s No. 130 Mercedes-AMG is decked out in a special white, silver and black color design this weekend that pays tribute to the brand’s century-plus history in motorsports.

The livery will be utilized in additional races this year that Engel is a part of.

“It’s a spectacular livery,” he said. “I really think the car looks amazing. Obviously 130 years of motorsport heritage is incredible.

“We know so many legendary races that Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG has participated in. It’s an honor for us to carry that livery and be the first to carry it.

“And for myself, I’ll have the opportunity to run it a bit more often throughout the year. That’s great and I’m really looking forward to that.”

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John