Engel, Auer Take Overall Drivers’ Title After DSQ Appeal

Photo: SRO/JEP

Maro Engel and Lucas Auer have been confirmed as overall GT World Challenge powered by AWS drivers’ champions after their third place finish from Misano was reinstated following an appeal by Winward Racing.

The drivers of the No. 48 Winward Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo now hold an unassailable points advantage heading into the GTWC Europe season finale at Portimao this weekend, thus securing the overall title.

The duo would have wrapped up the title earlier had the Winward entry not been disqualified from Race 2 of the Sprint Cup round at Misano in July. The No. 48 machine finished third on the road but was stripped of its podium (and the crucial points that it earned) following potential illegalities around its wheel bearing.

A hearing in August decided to disqualify the car on the basis that the sealing lips of the bearing were cut on both sides.

Winward had argued that the Misano Balance of Performance document made no specific mention of the bearings, unlike at the previous Brands Hatch round.

A further appeal hearing held in the Royal Automobile Club of Belgium (RACB) National Court of Appeal ahead of the season finale determined that Winward’s argument was “admissible and well founded” and that the original decision would be annulled.

Engel and Auer previously secured the GTWC Europe Endurance Cup title alongside co-driver Luca Stolz at the last endurance round at the Nürburgring.

The veteran Mercedes-AMG drivers may have now secured the overall drivers’ title, but the teams’ championship is still up for grabs in this weekend’s three-hour contest at Portimao.

Team WRT now holds a narrow five-point advantage over Winward in the overall standings.

The final Endurance Cup round of the GTWC Europe season will be held on Saturday evening.

Finlay Ringer

Finlay Ringer is a freelance motorsport journalist covering the 24H Series for Sportscar365. He is also a journalism student at City St George's, University of London, and has contributed to publications such as The Race and Autocar.