Auer Leads Winward’s Gold Cup Mercedes-AMG Crew

DTM front-runner Lucas Auer will spearhead Winward Racing’s lineup in the new Gold Cup class of Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS Endurance Cup.

The Austrian has been named alongside reigning Italian GT champion Lorenzo Ferrari and Bronze driver Jens Liebhauser in the team’s No. 57 Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo.

The five-round campaign is set to mark Auer’s first full-length Endurance Cup spell after prior one-off appearances, most notably at the TotalEnergies 24 Hours of Spa.

Auer will combine his Endurance Cup drive with a DTM program for Winward, courtesy of the two championships having no overlapping race weekends this year.

Ferrari is also set for his Endurance Cup debut after winning the Italian GT Endurance and Sprint titles with Audi Sport Italia last year.

The 19-year-old Silver-rated Italian has also previously driven Mercedes-AMG GT3 machinery with AKM Motorsport on the domestic scene.

Liebhauser completes a brand-new Winward lineup and arrives from Boutsen Ginion where he drove a BMW M6 GT3 in the Pro-Am category last year.

Gold Cup crews must consist of one Platinum or Gold, one Silver and one Bronze-rated driver.

“I’m delighted that we can field such a strong trio,” said team boss Christian Hohenadel.

“Jens is one of the fastest amateurs, Lorenzo is a rising star in motor racing, and Luggi belongs to the best drivers at present.

“No need to say anything more about the all-round qualities of the Mercedes-AMG GT3. I hope and am confident that we can have a say in the battle for the Gold Cup.”

Winward entered the Silver Cup class in 2021 with a Mercedes-AMG driven by Mikael Grenier, Russell Ward and Philip Ellis.