Mercedes-AMG Retains GTWC Manufacturers’ Title Again

Mercedes-AMG has secured a third consecutive Fanatec GT World Challenge powered by AWS global manufacturers’ title ahead of Lamborghini and Audi Sport.

Points for the GTWC manufacturers’ championship were taken from each brand’s highest finishing car in class at every regional series race in Europe, North America and Australia, with the amounts varying depending on race length and the number of entries.

After the conclusion of the GTWC Australia campaign at Bathurst this week, Mercedes-AMG came out on top with 17,372 points ahead of Lamborghini on 14,801.

Lamborghini registered the highest number of points in GTWC America as K-PAX Racing dominated the season, but it was outscored by Mercedes-AMG in Europe. Audi Sport led the way in GTWC Australia and ranked third in the standings on 12,085 points.

Ferrari took fourth place on 9,464 ahead of Porsche on 7,401 and McLaren on 2,046.

BMW rounded out the points table with a score of 1,008.

“Many congratulations to Mercedes-AMG for winning the global Fanatec GT World Challenge Powered by AWS for a third successive season,” said SRO founder and CEO Stephane Ratel.

“This was an especially hard-earned victory, with 2021 bringing our biggest field of competitors yet and a particularly strong effort from Lamborghini.

“I am grateful to all seven participating brands for putting their faith in the project and to the teams that represented them around the world.

“Given the difficulties presented by COVID restrictions, they deserve special praise for their commitment to the sport.

“I must also thank our partners for helping to make Fanatec GT World Challenge powered by AWS a reality and ensuring that it grows stronger year by year.

“We are proud that this global challenge supports the customer racing ethos, which remains a fundamental aspect of the GT3 category.

“With the welcome return of Fanatec GT World Challenge Asia powered by AWS in 2022, we can look forward to even more competitive season to come.”

Mercedes-AMG won the inaugural GTWC title in 2019 when it went up against Ferrari, and retained its crown last year when the number of participants expanded to four entries with the additions of Lamborghini and Audi Sport.

The German marque prevailed in the further expanded 2021 championship as the only manufacturer to score points in every race of each GTWC series.

“By winning the GT World Challenge manufacturers’ championship for the third time in a row, our Customer Racing Teams impressively proved the competitiveness of the Mercedes-AMG GT3,” said Stefan Wendl, Head of Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing.

“Of course, I’m delighted, especially since we were able to clearly prevail in a tough competition against six premium brands.

“My thanks go to all the drivers and teams who contributed to this great success and not least to the development and support team of HWA AG, who gave our customers the best possible support.”

STANDINGS: GTWC Manufacturers