Erebus Motorsport V8 Supercars driver Maro Engel will join the squad’s GT program at the famed Macau street circuit later this month.
The Macau meeting is the second of Erebus’ two-race foray into the GT Asia Series, which produced a win on debut at Zhuhai in October.
The team’s Zhuhai driver roster of Mika Hakkinen/Matthew Solomon and Lance David Arnold has made way for two single-driver line-ups consisting of Maro Engel and Dutchman Renger van der Zande.
Both drivers have experience of Macau in Formula 3 cars, with van der Zande taking fifth place finishes in the Grand Prix in 2008 and 2010.
Engel scored a ninth place finish on his single Macau GP start in 2006 and says he’s looking forward to a return.
“Macau is one of those tracks that it does not matter which driver you speak to, they will all jump at the opportunity to race there,” he said.
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“The last time I was in Macau was significant, as I was racing against a tough field, many guys who have gone on to be in F1, including my team-mate Sebastian Vettel.
“I’ve always wanted to go back – and to do it with Erebus will be a fantastic experience, particularly with how close Macau is to China and how important that market is to AMG and the AMG Customer Sports program.”
Van der Zande has driven Mercedes SLS GT3 cars in Europe this year but has no previous experience with Erebus.
“It will be fascinating to see how the Gullwing adapts to the tight confines of Macau,” he said.
“They are a dream to drive in so many different ways and it was awesome to add to AMG Customer Sport’s win tally in Jerez in June.
“I hear nothing but good things about Erebus Motorsport and the SLS AMG GT3 that they prepare. To deliver a victory for Mika Hakkinen in China – the first time the team had been there, and 10 wins in a row, speaks volumes for how methodical this team is and their desire for victory.
“Their team approach is very much about being totally professional, but doing it in a fun way. Fun is in my motorsport is important, but of course, I am always looking to do it professionally, so I think we will get along well.”
