ASP Rules Out Mercedes-AMG Return in GT3 Competition

Akkodis ASP team principal Jerome Policand has ruled out the possibility of his stable running Mercedes-AMG machinery in GT3 competition again, insisting that his relationship with the German manufacturer is “finished” outside of its presence in GT2 racing.

Auto Sport Promotion recently made its FIA World Endurance Championship debut as part of its new relationship with Lexus, running a pair of RC GT3s in the LMGT3 category.

The team experienced a challenging debut race at Losail International Circuit, with the No. 87 car finishing last in class while its sister No. 78 machine retired with undisclosed engine issues.

As part of its new adventure into WEC, ASP will go absent from Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS for the first time in more than a decade.

The Policand-led stable is one of Fanatec GT Europe’s stalwart teams, having had a presence on the grid since the inaugural season in 2011 and picking up numerous titles in both Sprint and Endurance Cup along the way.

Speaking to Sportscar365, the Frenchman reiterated the previously stated position that his team will not compete in the championship at any capacity this season, saying there’s “no chance” to do so.

“No, not this year,” he said. “This year, we concentrate on WEC. Even the aero map could be different and to be honest, we are doing GT3 in WEC, GT4, GT2.

“It’s impossible. No chance we will run in GT World Challenge this year. For next year it could be an option because maybe we have two or three cars, maybe four cars. But let’s start with this one.

“We are completely in a rush. We will not run a car in GT World Challenge. It’s not like [you can snap your fingers].”

In ASP’s absence, Mercedes-AMG will be represented in Fanatec GT’s Pro ranks by three teams, with Boutsen VDS notably joining the Stuttgart brand’s ranks after switching from Audi over the winter.

They’re joined by GetSpeed Performance and Winward Racing, with Boutsen and Winward representing Mercedes-AMG in the Sprint Cup with full-factory lineups.

For his part, Policand indicated that any return to Fanatec GT Europe would not be running Mercedes-AMG but would instead happen with the same Lexus RC F GT3 that the team currently campaigns in WEC.

Policand revealed that he’s completely severed ties with the brand in GT3 competition, claiming he will “never” compete with Mercedes-AMG again.

“Mercedes is over now, it’s finished,” Policand said. “In GT2, yes. In GT2 because there is only Mercedes in GT2 and it’s an amateur series. But for GT3 now, it’s only Lexus or Toyota.

“I will never run a GT3 from AMG, even if I get some cars for track days.”

Policand’s comments indicate an end to a relationship that began in 2016 and delivered a second consecutive Endurance Cup title last year. ASP also won the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa with Raffaele Marciello, Jules Gounon and Daniel Juncadella in 2022.