Erebus Motorsport GT is angling to make its European racing debut at the prestigious Spa 24 Hours this year, according to team manager Barry Ryan.
The successful Australian GT squad has been evaluating entries in a number of international events, with a tilt at the famous Spa Francorchamps classic on the agenda.
Such is the interest in the Spa 24 Hours, team boss Ryan made a reconnaissance trip to the event last year with fellow Mercedes SLS GT3 squad Black Falcon.
He believes Erebus has all the ingredients to star at the event and confirmed that an entry is a possibility either this year or in 2015.
“We are looking into it (Spa) definitely,” Ryan told Speedcafe.com
“I went there last year with Black Falcon to get the lay of the land and know that we could go there and do well.
“Its definitely on the radar whether it is this year or next year.
“There are 70 odd GT3 cars so there is a lot of competition.
“In Asia we aimed for that high level so I don’t think we will be too far off. It will just be a good experience and I don’t think it would be a shock for us.”
Erebus will field a single SLS GT3 in the Australian GT Championship, which begins at Sandown today, leaving its second car ready for an international campaign.
Erebus V8 Supercar refugee Maro Engel, who remains under contract at the team this year, is expected to drive for the squad in selected GT events this season following his impressive showings in Macau and the Bathurst 12 Hour.
The 28-year-old, who has agreed a deal to drive for Rowe Racing in the German ADAC GT Masters this season, says he’s eager to lead Erebus’ European adventure.
“At this time there is nothing I can confirm in terms of what I am going to be doing but GT races outside of Australia are being looked at,” Engel told Speedcafe.com
“From my side, Spa would be one of the races I would love to do with Erebus.
“I think it would be a great opportunity for them to go abroad and challenge the top international teams on their own territory.
“I think they would fare extremely well so thats why it would be fantastic to take theses opportunities to show Europe and the rest of the world how good a team Erebus GT is.”
Erebus won the Bathurst 12 Hour in 2013, but lost out on a repeat victory in February after suffering a mechanical failure while holding a commanding lead.
