Strakka Racing’s second Mercedes-AMG GT3 line-up for the Bathurst 12 Hour next month has been confirmed, and is set to feature Mercedes AMG factory drivers Maximillian Buhk and Maximillian Götz and ex-McLaren GT factory driver Alvaro Parente.
The trio will partner Cameron Waters, Nick Leventis, Lewis Williamson and David Fumanelli who will compete in the Silverstone-based team’s sister car, which will run for Pro/Am honours.
“I am excited for another challenge this year and I’m happy to be back with Strakka debuting in their new Mercedes-AMG GT3,” says Parente.
“Bathurst is a great race track and I have collected some great results there over the past two years. I am more than ready to go back this year and fight for the win. Massive thanks to Strakka Racing for giving me this opportunity.”
Strakka has tested the first of its AMG GT3 chassis, completing over 130 laps in both wet and dry conditions at Barcelona and Silverstone.
“We have been doing a lot of preparation with the drivers in the simulator over recent weeks to ensure that we are one step ahead”, says racing director Jay Davenport. “We’ve made great progress for the upcoming event at Bathurst and are determined to give it all we’ve got.”
For Buhk and Bathurst debutant Götz, it’s a partnership re-united, the duo raced together in the Blancpain Endurance Series in the past, winning the 2013 Spa 24 Hours and 2014 Blancpain Sprint Series (which Götz won alone after Buhk missed a round) with HTP Motorsport.
“Having just missed out on the win in 2014, I’m delighted to be heading back to Bathurst to give it another go to try and make it to the top step of the podium,” said Buhk.
Gӧtz added: “I am excited to race at Bathurst for the first time in February with Strakka. Last year I watched the race on TV, and now I am able to compete at one of the best tracks in the world with a new team. Being able to continue as part of the AMG family, alongside my teammates Maxi and Alvaro gives us a strong chance to bring home some great results.”
The 2018 Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour takes place on February 2-4.
