Mercedes SLS AMG GT3 Wins in Second VLN Outing

The SLS AMG GT3 ended successfully its second racing appearance in the ninth race of the VLN long-distance championship at the Nurburgring. The winning gullwing with start number 738 was raced by the private team Black Falcon, having Thomas Jäger and Christopher Haase as leading drivers.

The sister car with start number 739 fielded by Mamerow-Racing began the race in pole position but was forced to drop out in the fifth lap after a collision with an Audi R8 LMS, while lying second. The car was driven by Bernd Schneider and Christian Mamerow. Both customer teams will be racing the gullwing in the next VLN season in 2011.

"We're all delighted with the first victory of the SLS AMG GT3 on its second outing here on the North Loop. Despite difficult weather conditions, we had a problem-free race. The gullwing is not only fast, but it also impresses with its excellent stability. Today, we again collected valuable knowledge to assist our further development work in the test program," Thomas Jäger was quoted as saying in a company statement.

"Even though I didn't get to drive today because of the early accident, we're all highly satisfied with how the overall racing weekend has gone. The SLS AMG GT3 was able to demonstrate its performance credentials both in qualifying and during the race," said Bernd Schneider.

The next race outing for the SLS AMG GT3 will be in the finale of the VLN series on October 30, 2010. Three SLS AMG GT3 cars will be at the start for the Dubai 24 Hours (UAE) on January 13 to 15, 2011.

Other interested racing teams can use the new SLS AMG GT3 in all race series under the FIA GT3 regulations, such as in the FIA GT3 European Championship, the ADAC GT Masters, the VLN long-distance championship as well as in the 24-hour races at the Nurburgring or in Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium).