Misson: title defence - 6 Ferraris and 12 drivers for MERTEL Motorsport in the GT Cup Europe 2024
Back on the track(s) ! Recapitulating a very successful first season in GT Cup Europe MERTEL Motorsport enters the 2024 season with a bang !
6 cars and 12 drivers will line up with MERTEL to compete in different categories with their Ferraris 488 Challenge EVO. From PRO/AM lineups to drivers which are making the first steps into GT racing with MERTEL, from returning to new drivers in the series.
And that not being enough, MERTEL also introduces the first full female driver cockpit as well as female engineers and mechanics taking command.
MERTEL Motorsport will have a blast to enter the GT Cup Europe at Portimao in April.
We can’t wait to start into the competitive season!
MERTEL Motorsport, the team from Ferrari Dealer MERTEL Italo Cars Nürnberg with Owner Siegried Mertel and Team Principal Mario Grummt has its headquarter in Nuremberg, Germany. “We have worked extremely hard over the winter to expand the very successful 2023 project. Adding numerous new drivers, cars and team members has been and still is an enormous effort shouldered by all the passionate people at MERTEL Motorsport and MERTEL Italo Cars Nürnberg – OFFICIAL FERRARI DEALER. Nevertheless we feel the positive feedback and are more sure than ever that racing in the CUP car category is an incredible possibility to unite all stakeholders under the roof of GT racing.” comments Team Principal Mario Grummt.
Let’s introduce our drivers for the GT Cup Europe 2024.
#80
LUDWIG, Luca
VELASCO, Ivan
The green PRO/AM car has its mission to defend the DRIVERS championship title. Ivan Velasco as reigning champion takes the wheel with GT car pro driver Luca Ludwig. The combination of the talented Spaniard and the German Nürburgring Mastermind shall be a serious contender for the other competitors. Painted completely in the team colors of green and black the car will be an easy to spot racecar.
#81
LOBERA, Alvaro
NAVARRETE, Fernando
Again, a 2023 driver rejoins the series, just paired with a new partner. Fernando Navarrete, our 2023 well experienced and extremely quick Spanish driver shares the office with Alvaro Lobera, a former Ferrari Challenge and Touring Car driver. The car is placed to be a contender for the AM/AM category overall win and is highly dedicated to deliver a speedy performance like in 2023. Painted in white and black, the car follows the teams design adapted to the main sponsors color scheme.
#82
CHEN, Leon
SPEAKERWAS, Mark
“Oranje” – not only the national color of the Netherlands but also the favorite color of Leon Chen, a business man with a long history of racing. Teaming up with Mark Speakerwas, a long time Italian GT car racer. They fight in the AM/AM category for reactivating their huge experience in racing. Their target is to be among the serious rivals when fighting for the podium positions.
#83
VAZQUEZ, Alba
VAN DEN HENGEL, Laura
Entering the 2024 season MERTEL Motorsport brings innovation to the GT Cup Europe – a full female squad with Spanish Alba Vazquez and Dutch Laura van den Hengel. Both women have years of experience in karting and touring cars, now both taking the step up to the world of GT racing. Their car is colored white and turquoise with signaling neon-yellow mirrors and rear wing and will therefore be a great spotable car among the GT Cup Europe particpants.
#84
BOZZONI, Stefano
MELGAR, Arturo
Returning from 2023 is well-experienced gentleman driver and successful Italian entrepreneur Stefano Bozzoni who hit the podium last year in AM/AM. He will be supported by young rising star Arturo Melgar from Spain. Both pilot the 488 Challenge Evo with the blue and black livery of main sponsor CAME.
#85
CABEZAS, Jorge
FROSIO, Anny
2023 champion Jorge Cabezas (Spain) rejoins the team with his cockpit partner Anny Frosio. The Swiss female race driver has collected experience in track days, trainings and guest starts in amateur races. Under the guidance of Jorge her level of driving should put the yellow and black car into a solid midfield position.
