GetSpeed presents three-car Mercedes-AMG GT3 line-up for VLN1

Ahead of the first VLN Nürburgring Endurance Series of 2020, GetSpeed Performance has presented its line-up consisting of three Mercedes-AMG GT3s. The team led by Adam Osieka sees the return of the factory-backed #2 Mercedes-AMG GT3 and the #23 Rooster-Rojo Mercedes-AMG GT3, as well as adding a third vehicle for the French trio of François Perrodo, Emmanuel Collard und Matthieu Vaxivière.

GetSpeed newcomers Perrodo, Collard and Vaxivière will drive the #8 Mercedes-AMG GT3 painted in the colours of the Gwenn-ha-du from Perrodo’s home region of Brittany, while the #2 Mercedes-AMG Team GetSpeed will be raced by Fabian Schiller, Maximilian Buhk and Raffaele Marciello, with Janine Hill and John Shoffer returning in the #23 Rooster Rojo — although the latter is replaced this upcoming weekend by team-owner Adam Osieka due to an injury.

“The whole team is excited to finally get back to racing,” said Osieka. “We’ve used the time to prepare us optimally for the season ahead. Therefor the expectations of our performance are high.

“GetSpeed is in for three premier this race: it will be the first time that Fabian, Maxi and Raffaele start in our Mercedes-AMG Performance Team with factory support. Additionally, our three Frenchmen François, Emmanuel und Matthieu enter their first race with the three-pointed star on the grill, and finally it will be my personal AMG GT3 debut at the Nordschleife. Without doubt we’re headed for a very exciting race day.”

For Fabian Schiller his promotion to the works-supported Mercedes-AMG is the result of a successful 2019 aboard the Rooster Rojo Mercedes-AMG. The young star made his first appearance with GetSpeed in 2016.

“It’s a great honour for me to race GetSpeed’s top car,” Schiller commented. “With Maximilian and Raffaele, I will have the chance to literally reach for the stars.”

Due to a shoulder injury, John Shoffner sits out the VLN season opener. The American is replaced by Osieka in the #23 Mercedes-AMG GT3 to race alongside Janine Hill.

“I have to admit I’m not optimally prepared,” Osieka explains. “Due to time constraints I haven’t been able to drive a single metre on the Nordschleife with the AMG GT3. I only had the pleasure to race one of our cars last year at Misano. I had a lot of fun and I’m excited to experience the Evo at the Nordschleife.”

The third car will be driven by the all-French line-up of François Perrodo, Emmanuel Collard und Matthieu Vaxivière. The trio is no stranger nor to each other or the Nordschleife as they contested selected races last year with WRT.

“All three of us are happy to be back in a race car,” said Perrodo. “Our special thanks go to the organisers and authorities who made this possible. Of course, the first races are held under special restrictions, but we hope this situation won’t be necessary for too long and the fans are welcomed back at the track soon.”

The goal for Perrodo and his co-drivers is the Nürburgring 24 Hours in September.

“Until then, we want to collect as many kilometers as possible and prepare ourselves,” Perrodo continues. “For me personally, this is only the sixth or seventh race with a GT3 car. Ending the season opener with a decent result would be a great success.”

VLN Nürburgring Endurance Series opens the 2020 Nordschleife season this Saturday with the 51. Adenauer ADAC Rundstrecken-Trophy, taking place behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“For all ring fans who are just as hungry for racing as we are, it’s a tough situation,” Osieka adds. “Many people have worked hard to be able to race again and we are grateful for that. If everything works well, we will hopefully be able to race in front of an audience this year.”