The top six Mercedes AMG GT3 qualifiers for today’s Total 24 Hours of Spa have had their superpole times deleted meaning Laurens Vanthoor and the Audi Sport Team WRT Audi R8 LMS will now start on pole.
As well as having their times disqualified, the cars – including three HTP Motorsport Mercedes, two Black Falcon cars and one Team AKKA ASP entry – will also have to observe a five minute stop-and-go penalty at some point during the race for ‘unsporting behaviour’.
The exact reason for the penalty is: ‘Non-sporting behaviour – presenting a car with a technical non-conformity of which the competitor should have been aware.’ Which led to the five minute penalty.
Their disqualification from superpole was because of ignition timing not complying with the timings listed in the car’s Balance of Performance documents.
It appears Mercedes will be to appeal their disqualification but not the five minute penalty.
The grid itself will see Audi at the front with the GRT Grasser Racing Team Lamborghini in second with the Bentley Team M-Sport starting third.