MERCEDES-AMG TEAM CRAFT-BAMBOO RACING TO ENTER EDOARDO MORTARA AND ALESSIO PICARIELLO IN THE 2019 FIA GT WORLD CUP

Craft-Bamboo Racing, an Official Performance Team of Mercedes-AMG, will be contesting the FIA GT World Cup at the 66th Macau Grand Prix, fielding two Mercedes-AMG GT3’s at the prestigious event in November. The team confirms the signing of Tsingtao Beer as title sponsor for the #77 Mercedes-AMG GT3 for Edoardo Mortara, and Evisu as title sponsor for the sister #88 entry for Alessio Picariello.

#77 Mercedes-AMG GT3 (Edoardo Mortara) supported by Tsingtao Beer
As a globally recognized beer brand and the number 1 selling beer in Macau, Tsingtao Beer are aiming to be first on-track at the FIA GT World Cup, showing their support to Craft-Bamboo Racing and Edoardo Mortara. The car will carry an eye-catching green, gold, and red livery, reflecting the traditional corporate colours of the famous Chinese brewery. To celebrate this exciting partnership, limited edition beer cans, team-wear and replica model cars in a variety of sizes have been produced, with the latter two available for sale in limited quantities at the race in November.

At the wheel of the #77 Mercedes-AMG GT3 with the striking Tsingtao design will be the highly acclaimed Swiss-Italian driver Edoardo Mortara. Mortara, a full-time Formula E driver, is the most successful driver in history at the Macau Grand Prix, having taken 4 race victories in the Formula 3 category, and 6 in the top GT class, giving him the nickname “Mr. Macau”. His outright skill and experience at the Macau Guia circuit means that Mortara will be gunning for the top-step of the podium come November.

#88 Evisu Mercedes-AMG GT3 (Alessio Picariello) supported by Evisu
Evisu returns to the Macau Grand Prix with Craft-Bamboo Racing as title sponsor of the #88 Mercedes-AMG GT3 after a previous collaboration back in 2017. The bold, fresh, and edgy persona is what Evisu stands for, and the entry to the FIA GT World Cup backing Macau rookie Alessio Picariello does just that. These points are further emphasised through the teams striking livery, which features the iconic Evisu Seagull placed over a sharp blue and red design, with a Japanese-inspired dragon detailed on the bonnet and the rear half of the Mercedes-AMG GT3. This attention to detail reflects Evisu’s take on denim fashion, emphasizing bold and exciting colours blended with tradition and design. In addition, a limited collection of apparel and replica model cars unique to the Macau Grand Prix will be available for sale to the public at the team’s promotional booth.

Making his debut in the FIA GT World Cup will be the talented Belgian, Alessio Picariello. Despite the 66th Macau Grand Prix being Picariello’s first time at the daunting street circuit, he has more than proven his abilities behind the wheel by taking several pole positions and victories in both the Blancpain GT World Challenge Asia and China GT Championship in 2019 with Craft-Bamboo Racing. Picariello’s raw speed and abilities at the controls of the Mercedes-AMG GT3 means that he will be one to watch, as he looks to make a spectacular first impression at this star-studded event.

THE MACAU GRAND PRIX
The weekend in Macau is set to be a thriller, with the top GT drivers from around the world featured on a 17-car entry list.  The first practice session starts on Thursday, with the final practice and qualifying on Friday. The racing action begins with Race 1 on Saturday, which sets the grid for the final, where the World Champion driver and manufacturer will be decided on Sunday over an 18 lap sprint race. The 66th Macau Grand Prix will be broadcast across 315 internet platforms and 103 TV networks globally in addition to the various live streams on social media channels.

The Guia Circuit in Macau is one of motorsport’s most revered for its glamour, yet feared for it’s unforgiving nature. Featuring fast, flowing corners like Mandarin bend and Fisherman’s, to tight corners like the Melco hairpin, the Macau Circuit is the ultimate challenge for the drivers as they all vie for World Cup glory.

SCHEDULE
14 November 2019 | Thursday
1235 – 1305    Free Practice 1
15 November 2019 | Friday
1230 – 1300    Free Practice 2
1610 – 1640    Qualifying
16 November 2019 | Saturday
1305 – 1405    Qualification Race (12 Laps)
17 November 2019 | Sunday
1225 – 1340    FIA GT World Cup Race (18 Laps)

QUOTES
Darryl O’Young | Director of Mercedes-AMG Team Craft-Bamboo Racing
“We are very happy to announce our two title partners for this year’s FIA GT World Cup.  Both Tsingtao Beer and Evisu are global brands, so to work with them here at our team’s home event is very special.  With Macau Grand Prix being a one-off event, it gives us the chance to release some special liveries for our two Mercedes-AMG GT3’s.  Although each design is quite different, it reflects the personality of each individual brand and I hope the race fans like them as they are quite eye-catching.  We have high hopes for this year’s race and hopefully our cars can come out on top, but it’s never easy as the field is extremely competitive and attention to detail will hopefully be the factor to set our team apart.”

Edoardo Mortara | Driver #77 Mercedes-AMG GT3
“I’m really happy to be with Craft-Bamboo Racing for the upcoming Macau Grand Prix. I’ve known some members of the team for some time and I think it would be fantastic if we scored a good result. For me I’m looking to try to win this race again, after having last taken the victory in 2017 and being on the podium last year. I’ve got a lot of success in the past in Macau and I hope this year we can achieve a good result. Very motivated and determined to come back to Macau with Craft-Bamboo Racing, and I’m hungry for success like never before and let’s see what we can achieve!

Alessio Picariello | Driver #88 Mercedes-AMG GT3
“It’s a dream coming true since I’ve started racing cars; I’ve always wanted to race in Macau and now it’s finally happening. It’s such a special feeling with a mix between excitement, happiness and let’s be honest, a little bit scary too! It’s going be a huge personal challenge doing my debut straight into a race with the world’s best GT drivers, but I’m really grateful for the opportunity Mercedes-AMG is giving me. Learning has been the main thing this year and being part of this team with Edoardo Mortara (Mr. Macau) as a teammate is the best way to do it.
Craft Bamboo Racing are Macau experts so they will make sure to prepare me the best possible way. This wouldn’t happen without their trust and the support of Jeffrey Lee and all the sponsors, it’s really motivating to see so many people believing in me!”

Source. Craft-Bamboo Racing