Challenging start to the season in Oschersleben for the Mercedes-AMG MANN-FILTER team

Ludwigsburg, May 30, 2023 – The first race weekend of the 2023 DTM season posed a demanding challenge for the Mercedes-AMG MANN-FILTER team. Previously set, high goals proved to be unachievable.

MANN-FILTER Mamba delights spectators with catch-up in the first race

Bright blue skies and high temperatures at the Motorsportarena in Oschersleben ensured a good atmosphere in the paddock and the grandstands for the DTM kick-off. Highly motivated, the Landgraf Motorsport team put itself to the test as debutants in Germany's best-known racing series.

 However, in as early as the first qualifying session, the team was facing difficulties. On a 3.696 kilometer long track with narrow sections, a challenging balance of performance for the Mercedes and 26 other ambitious drivers, it was difficult to complete a lap without running into traffic. The team quickly had to settle for starting grid position 20, despite being only six tenths behind the pole-setter.

However, motorsport would not be motorsport if you let yourself be demotivated by a minor setback. As the famously notorious words “Gentlemen, start your engines” were uttered, the visually striking MANN-FILTER Mamba with its yellow-green design caused a sensation. With the motto "Beast mode: ON!" in mind, Mercedes-AMG performance driver Maro Engel (37, native of Germany) passed one competitor after another and was cheered on by the spectators with every overtaking maneuver. The team managed the pit stop with flying colors, and in the end they were delighted, not only with their 13th place and their first championship points, but also with their success as the best-placed Mercedes-AMG team. “I think we got the most out of it on Saturday,” Maro Engel says to sum up the events. "The team worked well and the car ran perfectly. A big thank you to the entire team!"

Damage limitation after accident at the start and penalty lap in second race

With their newly gained experience from the first qualifying session, the team tried a new tactic for the second session and were rewarded. Thanks to a lap without traffic and the experience of the long-standing DTM driver Maro Engel, the MANN-FILTER Mamba was the best Mercedes in the field in eighth place, resulting in a fourth row starting position. 

Once the starting shot for the second race had been fired the next hurdle wasn't long in coming. Just a few laps later, the Mamba came into contact with another car in a tussle. The exhaust was damaged as a result and an associated loss of power became apparent, making the further course of the race more difficult. After a pit stop mistake caused by the team, Maro Engel was forced to complete a penalty lap, which ultimately prevented a top 10 finish and put the team back into 14th place. “It goes without saying that we had hoped for a better result this weekend,” says Engel. "It would have been nice to finish in the top 10 in the second race. Now it’s time to focus and get motivated for Zandvoort, so we can come back stronger there."

MANN-FILTER Mamba a fan favorite

Just like at the ADAC GT Masters, the strikingly designed MANN-FILTER Mamba in bright yellow and green colors impressed both young and old alike. The stands were quickly packed with MANN-FILTER fans and there were many chasing an autograph or a cap during the pit walk.

Filippina Manou, Sponsorship Manager at MANN-FILTER, was pleased with the positive feedback: "One highlight this weekend was definitely the fans and the yellow crowds we were able to greet in the hot weather. We took our guests and customers behind the scenes and the feedback was overwhelming. Unfortunately, as expected, the races were a tough test. Oschersleben is unfortunately not an AMG track. The qualifying process was bumpy and sadly we also made a mistake during the second pit stop. But in the end, we know that luck is always a part of motorsport, and unfortunately we missed out on that this weekend. We are now focusing on Zandvoort and looking forward to welcoming guests and fans to the North Sea coast."

Racing action behind the North Sea dunes

It's only a few weeks to the next event. The next DTM racing weekend will be held at the Dutch Circuit Park Zandvoort race track right on the North Sea coast (June 23–25, 2023).