Mercedes-AMG GruppeM Racing finished P1 in the region’s premier endurance race finale in Abu Dhabi

Motorsport legend Valentino Rossi finishes on the podium with Team WRT alongside teammates Dries Vanthoor and Nick Yelloy

Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, UAE, 12 December 2023: Following 348 laps of intense wheel-to-wheel racing, the Mercedes-AMG GT3 driven by Maro Engel, Luca Stolz, and Mikael Grenier crossed the chequered flag first to clinch the Lenovo Gulf 12 Hours title with GruppeM Racing at Yas Marina Circuit.

With record numbers in attendance across the international racing weekend, motorsport enthusiasts soaked up the winter sunshine in Abu Dhabi as they experienced the 13th edition of the regional endurance classic at Yas Marina Circuit, with thrilling high-speed action throughout.

After an eventful qualifying session that resulted in multiple red flags and subsequent withdrawals by Car Collection Motorsport and 7Tsix, the #99 GruppeM Racing Mercedes-AMG secured pole position and went on to lead from the front of the grid after the race start.

Maro Engel completed GruppeM’s victorious 12-hour stint to crown the German marque as the Intercontinental GT Challenge Powered by Pirelli Manufacturer's champion of 2023, cruising past title contenders Team WRT in the BMW, who secured a podium finish 12 seconds behind.

Racing legend Valentino Rossi, and teammates Dries Vanthoor and Nick Yelloy, helped the Team WRT finish second in the overall 2023 IGTC standings with manufacturer BMW. Although Rossi missed out on his first Gulf 12 Hours title, the Italian driver reflected positively on the weekend and looks forward to continuing his endurance racing career.

Mercedes-AMG’s second factory team, and back-to-back Gulf 12 Hours winners, 2 Seas Motorsport had suffered an exhaust issue during the race but managed to fight back to an impressive P4, awarding driver Jules Gounon in the #14 Mercedes-AMG GT3, the official 2023 IGTC Drivers Champion title.

The title contentions were lastly decided by Jonathan Hui winning the Independents’ Class with Sky Tempesta Racing.

With the action heating up on track, fans drove in numbers to enjoy the 2-day racing spectacle rounding out their weekend with an immersive motorsport experience, with pit lane walks to catch a glimpse of the Gulf 12 Hours garages to racing simulators to test out their top speed around the Yas Island Track.

The Gulf 12 Hours is set to welcome back motorsport fans for another exhilarating weekend of racing on 15 December 2024. For more information, visit: https://www.yasmarinacircuit.com/en/motorsports/gulf-hours.

ENDS

ABOUT ETHARA

Ethara is shaping the future of entertainment, sport, culture, event services, and asset management regionally and internationally. Headquartered on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, and with offices in Dubai and Riyadh, the company employs over 300 professionals who offer an unrivalled wealth of expertise, experience, knowledge and skills. Ethara, meaning ‘thrill’ in Arabic, operates an impressive portfolio of assets, including Yas Marina Circuit, Etihad Park, Etihad Arena and the Yas Conference Centre. The company works with leading events companies, IP owners, and entertainment partners locally and internationally to deliver world-class, first-to-market events and experiences. For further information, visit: www.ethara.com

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ABOUT YAS MARINA CIRCUIT

Yas Marina Circuit is the United Arab Emirates’ most exciting sporting and entertainment multi-purpose venue. Located on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the circuit is home to the annual FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX and much more. In addition to the extensive year-round program of professional and grassroots motorsport events and experiences including Drag and Yas Track Nights, the circuit has emerged as a thriving hub for entertainment and community events in the UAE.

Yas Marina Circuit is also a champion of sustainability in motorsports, receiving the Three-Star Environmental Certification from the FIA, the governing body’s highest recognition of sustainability. The award is an acknowledgement of the circuit’s long-standing commitment to environmental management with the objective of standing with Formula One in becoming Net-Zero Carbon by 2030.

As the region’s most technologically advanced facility, the circuit is also a leading MICE venue, regularly hosting a diverse range of corporate meetings, conferences, and events. Whether you want to experience the thrill of karting at our Kartzone, driving an Aston Martin GT4 at over 200km/hour on an F1 circuit, work towards your racing license at the Yas Racing School, get fit at TrainYas, participate in one of our many sporting events, or simply catch up with friends at Yas Central, Yas Marina Circuit truly is The Meeting Place of Champions.