Auer Set to Join GetSpeed’s Pro Mercedes-AMG for 24H Spa

DTM runner-up Lucas Auer is set to replace Maro Engel in GetSpeed Performance’s Mercedes-AMG Team Al Manar Racing entry for the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa.

Auer drove in last week’s official two-day test at the Belgian circuit, while team principal Adam Osieka told Sportscar365 that he is also due to take part in the race on July 1-2.

Engel is unable to drive GetSpeed’s No. 777 Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo at Spa due to his Intercontinental GT Challenge powered by Pirelli commitments with GruppeM Racing.

Auer will therefore link up with GetSpeed’s full-season Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS Endurance Cup drivers Luca Stolz and Fabian Schiller, maintaining an all-factory lineup for the team that finished second overall last year.

Auer last weekend made his racing comeback in the DTM opener, four months after sustaining back injuries in an accident during practice for the Rolex 24 at Daytona.

“He’s ready to go and he’s fast,” said Osieka.

“He’s been fast in DTM this year with Pirelli tires. He is best prepared for everything so there are no worries.

“He was also fast here last year, and showed last year in DTM that he was the fastest Mercedes driver, so it’s good for us.”

Auer is set for his first outing with GetSpeed, having mainly driven for Winward in the last couple of years including a recent stint in the Gold Cup class of GTWC Europe Endurance.

The 28-year-old previously competed in the Pro category at Spa with Akkodis (then AKKA) ASP in 2021 and GruppeM in 2019, finishing tenth overall on both occasions.

“He was with us at Spa for testing,” Osieka added.

“It was very good and he was immediately on the same pace compared to the other drivers.”

Engel is expected to return to the No. 777 Mercedes-AMG for the final two rounds of the Endurance Cup season at the Nürburgring and Barcelona.

As reported by Sportscar365 in February, the German ace is due to share GruppeM Racing’s Mercedes-AMG with Raffaele Marciello and Mikael Grenier in the IGTC.

Marciello, however, is expected to remain with defending 24H Spa winner Akkodis ASP for the Belgian leg of the international GT3 championship.