Mettler: Chasing points with two youngsters
THAT, too, IS PROMOTION FOR YOUNG RACERS Professional Yannick Mettler is moving from the GT Open to the World Challenge. With him, young Basel driver Miklas Born and Australian Jordan Love hope for top results in the Silver Cup. The goal of finishing on the podium in the five endurance races of the GT World Challenge Europe is set for the trio with the starting number #40 on [...]
The goal of taking podium places in the five endurance races of the GT World Challenge Europe is ambitious for the trio with the starting number #40 on the Mercedes-AMG GT3 from SPS Automotive Performance in Germany. A starting field of up to 45 GT3 cars is expected for each race weekend, and even more than 70 for the 24 Hours of Spa.
Four strong classes in one field
The starting field is divided into several classes: PRO (drivers with factory or FIA Gold status), SILVER CUP (FIA Silver status), AM (FIA Bronze status) and PRO/AM (mixed). While the factory-supported teams generally race for overall victory, there is equal competition for wins and championship points within the individual categories.
The "silver class" is made up of a mix of up-and-coming young riders, experienced semi-pros and recognized professionals without factory rider status - and Yannick Mettler is one of them.
Return to the tried and tested
Last season, the Lucerne-based race driver, instructor and driver coach captured two pole positions, one win, four podiums and fourth overall in the championship with an Italian Bentley team despite missing one of six events.
Mettler now wants to build on these successes in the GT World Challenge. He is already familiar with the SPS Automotive Performance team from the 2019 Le Mans Cup.
Yannick Mettler: "I have very fond memories of the season we shared with SPS, and of course I have always been in contact with the team since then. Especially after last year's mixed results, it feels good to be back in action with familiar faces and two promising teammates. With the GT World Challenge, one of the top-class GT3 series is now waiting for us, which will be really exciting!"
Two young teammates
For his teammates, it will be their first GT3 season in both cases, which means a certain learning process is to be expected, especially at the beginning of the season. However, the former Formula 3 winner is convinced that the trio will quickly get up to speed.
The younger of the two teammates, compatriot Miklas Born, is also a protégé of the "Mission:Pro" junior development program, which Mettler initiated last year together with his management. On the way to Born's TCR championship title in the 24hH Series, the two Swiss were already successful as teammates.
A played team
Of course, the "master" is particularly pleased that they will be attacking together again. He also expects a lot from the young Australian, who drove in Europe for the first time in 2020 at Fach Auto Tech. After intensive preparations in recent weeks, he is convinced that he is well positioned.
Yannick Mettler: "We are closely linked through our collaboration and are a well-coordinated team, which brings advantages in many areas. Jordan is also a great guy and with his experience from the Porsche Supercup he should also quickly have the GT3 Mercedes under control. I think the three of us will complement each other very well."
Countdown to the start of the season
The season starts next week with the official tests at the Circuit Paul Ricard in Paul Richard in Le Castellet. The season opener will take place at Monza on April 17/18, provided that short-term corona measures in Italy do not cause a postponement or cancellation.
