And Raffaele Marciello offered a “last gift” to Mercedes-AMG

Raffaele Marciello left his mark on this 2023 FIA GT World Cup. Since qualifying on Friday, the Italian-Swiss has been uncompromising against its competitors. Record pole position, victory in both the Qualifying and Main Races… Lello left only the crumbs to his counterparts, thus completing a phenomenal weekend punctuated by this second “world” victory in Macau.

« It's a great feeling, he savored a few moments after popping the champagne on the podium. I knew that the key element was to have a good start and to manage restarts in the event of a Safety Car because it is relatively complicated to overtake. I made a good one but Maro (Angel) was close to me in the first moments.

Unfortunately, it was affected by a technical problem (shift). Thanks to this, I was able to get a few seconds ahead. It was then a matter of controlling until the finish. But in Macau it is never easy to manage because a mistake can quickly happen. In the end it was an awesome ride and I'm very happy to end my story with Mercedes-AMG in this way."

Marciello-Mercedes, a long love story

The victory of the native of Zurich also had a sentimental taste. Beyond what it means to win on the streets of Macanese, it was his last start with Mercedes. A fruitful adventure with titles in GT World Challenge Europe, ADAC GT Masters and even notable successes such as the 24 Hours of Spa in 2022 or those of Macau.

« It's difficult to single out one moment in particular, assures Raffaele Marciello. We have won so many races together. In the end, there weren't many races that got away from us. Retracing our journey, we won everything apart from Bathurst and the Nürburgring pretty much.

We have accomplished a lot together. There are the victories in Macau, the 24 Hours of Spa, the ADAC GT Masters title with MANN-FILTER Team Landgraf, etc… There have been many highlights. I will miss it. It will obviously not be easy to do again but I will give the best of myself to achieve it. For Mercedes-AMG, let's say it's “my last gift”. Now I hope they don't beat me next year (smiles). » Without doubt the best way to end a 6-year-long episode.

ALSO READ > Marciello triumphs in his last with Mercedes and wins a second FIA GT World Cup