Felix Rosenqvist will line up in the 70th edition of the Total 24 Hours of Spa next week (26-29 July), returning to the famous Belgian race two years on from taking an emotional podium at the showpiece event of GT3 endurance competition.
Rosenqvist is set to drive a Mercedes-AMG GT3 run by RAM Racing, joining the British squad’s regular Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup drivers Euan Hankey (GBR), Salih Yoluç (TUR) and Darren Burke (GBR) in the Pro-Am class.
Rosenqvist previously contested the 2016 running of the 24 Hours of Spa, also behind the wheel of a Mercedes-AMG GT3, with the Swede entrusted driving duties for a full 11 hours of the race as his rapid speed proved crucial in turning a five-minute stop/go penalty into an unlikely outright podium in second place.
”The 24 Hours of Spa remains one of my most surreal experiences in motorsport, and thinking about that race in 2016 still brings a smile to my face – although I was very tired at the time!,” Felix Rosenqvist recalls. “Just taking part in that race, and ultimately stand on the podium, was one of the most rewarding moments of my career, and I really can’t wait to be back. I know the Mercedes-AMG GT3 very well and I’m thankful to RAM Racing for giving me the opportunity to push it to the limit once again at this incredible event.”
Next weekend marks the 70th edition of the twice-around-the-clock classic in the Belgian Ardennes, with 67 cars entered (16 in Pro-Am). RAM Racing will contest the race for the second time, having debuted last year. The team won the 2015 24 Hours of Paul Ricard and also finished second in the Dubai 24 Hours the same year.
“We’re really looking forward to welcoming Felix into RAM Racing for the 24 Hours of Spa,” says team principal Dan Shufflebottom. “We already have a very strong Blancpain GT Series line-up and he will bolster it perfectly. Not only have I seen his fantastic performances on track, I have only ever heard positive comments about him as a team player. I hope, together, we can put the Mercedes-AMG GT3 on the top step of the Pro-Am podium next weekend.”
The 24 Hours of Spa kicks off with a driver parade in town on Wednesday 25 July. Track action begins on Thursday, 26 July, with free practice and qualifying. The lights go out for the start of the race at 16.30 (local time) on Saturday the 28th.
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