Long time Monaco resident Maro Engel and his Mercedes-AMG Team Mann-Filter teammates Lucas Auer and Daniel Morad capped off the 2024 Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe season with a decisive victory at the six-hour race in Jeddah, securing the overall Endurance Cup drivers’ title. The dramatic finale, held at the stunning Jeddah Corniche Circuit, was a showcase of precision racing and resilience.
For Engel, the win marked his first Endurance Cup triumph since 2018 and added another milestone to his illustrious career. The team’s dominant performance underscored Mercedes-AMG’s strength, with this victory bringing the manufacturer’s total Endurance Cup wins to 10, placing it second only to BMW’s 12.
The race was a nail-biting affair, with title hopes for several teams hinging on every lap. Engel and Auer’s consistency throughout the season, combined with Morad’s skill, proved the deciding factor. The trio’s win was hard-earned, with Engel storming through the field to clinch the top spot in a highly competitive grid.
While Engel celebrated his success, other teams reflected on a season of close calls. AF Corse – Francorchamps Motors narrowly claimed the overall Endurance Cup title without a single race win—a feat achieved through consistent top-ten finishes. Meanwhile, Grasser Racing’s #163 Lamborghini, a standout competitor all season, saw its championship hopes dashed in the final laps.
The finale also highlighted the diversity of talent across the series. Saintéloc Racing delivered standout performances in the Gold and Silver Cups, while Rutronik Racing took home the Bronze Cup teams’ title, solidifying its reputation as a rising force in GT racing.
As the dust settles on the 2024 season, the series looks ahead to 2025, with the action set to begin in April at Circuit Paul Ricard. For Engel, the Jeddah victory serves as both a career highlight and a platform to build upon as he prepares for another year of intense competition.
Image courtesy of Gruppe C Photography: Maro Engel celebrating victory in Macau
