Mercedes-AMG Team GMR undone by power issue in qualifying

MERCEDES-AMG Team GMR is set for a lowly grid spot for Sunday’s race after mechanical issues in qualifying.

The #888 entry of Maro Engel/Mikael Grenier/Maxime Martin ended up buried down the order in Q1 on Saturday afternoon.

Engel, the 2014 and 2023 Allan Simonsen Pole Trophy winner, spent the remaining minutes of Q1 in pit lane, and was literally powerless watching on as Lucas Auer went fastest.

Auer, the 2025 pole winner, clocked a 2:02.1713s in the #77 Mercedes-AMG Team Craft-Bamboo Racing entry. On his next lap, Auer nailed a 2:01.9715s.

The biggest headline from Q1, though, was the plight of the #888, which according to Engel, was sidelined by an engine issue.

“We would’ve loved to have a go and have a crack,” Engel told the broadcast.

“Unfortunately we had a power-related issue. We have to investigate now and get everything right tomorrow.”

The Engel/Grenier/Martin car is up against it — no one has ever won the 12 Hour from further back than 11th on the grid.

Engel insisted he was proud to see the Craft-Bamboo entry show speed for Mercedes-AMG, and maintained the issue in the #888 will be rectified before race start at 5:45am local time on Sunday.

“It’s good to see, Lucas was quick here last year,” replied Engel when asked about the speed of the #77 Mercedes.

"It’s good to see that those guys are quick, we’ll be rooting for them in qualifying. Obviously wishing we were part of it, but such is life, such is racing.

“We’ll find the issue I have no doubt, we have a strong team, we’ll dust ourselves and be ready for tomorrow."

The top 10 cars will chase the Allan Simonsen Pole Trophy from 4:15pm local time on Saturday.