MERCEDES has added a cluster of international aces to the increasingly star-studded 2023 Bathurst 12 Hour field.
The Affalterbach brand will account for 10 of the 28 cars on the grid next week, including four in the Pro class.
Triple Eight had already announced Maximilian Götz would join its Supercars drivers Shane van Gisbergen and Broc Feeney in a high-profile Supercheap Auto-backed effort, supported by a Boost Mobile Pro-Am entry for Richie Stanaway, Jamie Whincup and Prince Jefri Ibrahim.
Earlier today, SunEnergy1 Racing confirmed a continuation of its 2022-winning roster minus Martin Konrad, leaving a trio of Jules Gounon, Luca Stolz and Kenny Habul.
Among the newly named squads is the return of Daniel Juncadella for 2022 runners-up Craft-Bamboo Racing.
The ex-Force India Formula 1 reserve driver will have Lucas Auer and Nicky Catsburg for company.
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Juncadella’s teammate from last year’s Bathurst 12 Hour, Maro Engel, meanwhile switches across to the GruppeM entry alongside Mikael Grenier and Raffaele Marciello.
Engel is well known to Australian motorsport fans for his status as a foundation Erebus Motorsport Supercars driver, and for his infamous outburst directed at van Gisbergen in 2017.
“The Liqui Moly Bathurst 12 Hour is one of the toughest races of the year and is of great importance to Mercedes-AMG Motorsport,” said Christoph Sagemüller, head of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport.
“This is reflected in the highly competitive standard of our teams and the record number of entries for both factory-supported and Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing teams.
“On top of that, I am proud that we have again been asked to provide the Safety Car for this year’s race. After all, safety is always a priority for Mercedes and AMG, and that of course also goes for motorsport.
“Having won the Bathurst 12 Hour in 2022, we are excited about the return of the Pro category this year and look forward to the challenge of defending this title in what will undoubtedly be a tough race against a top-class grid.
“The Mount Panorama circuit is certainly one of the most challenging race tracks in the world, and I’m thrilled to be going in person to this unique race.”
The race itself will kick off at 5:45am AEDT on February 5.
