First international squad commits to 2022 Bathurst 12 Hour

GruppeM Racing has become the first international team to commit to the 2022 Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour.

The Hong Kong-based team will make its third attempt at Australia's International Enduro, which will return in February.

The Mercedes-AMG squad will also continue its support for the Intercontinental GT Challenge powered by Pirelli.

It comes after the team fielded a Mercedes-AMG GT3 entry in the DTM series in Germany. It will expand to two cars for the 2022 series.

GruppeM finished third on its debut in 2019 at Mount Panorama with drivers Maximilian Buhk, Raffaele Marciello and Maximilian Gotz.

The car started on pole position for the 2019 race and was in contention all day.

The GruppeM entry returned in 2020 and crossed the line second, only to be struck down by a 30-second post-race penalty for a pit stop infringement.

Alongside a DTM and Bathurst 12 Hour win, GruppeM team owner Kenny Chen wants to challenge for overall Intercontinental GT Challenge honours.

"This will be our third attempt at Bathurst 12hr. We love the place," Chen said.

"The track is great, it always gives an exciting race and the Aussie fans always give tremendous support, so the atmosphere is fantastic.

"In 2019 we came third, in 2020 we came second on track but were given a 30-second post-race penalty. For 2022 we are going for the win.

"Furthermore, we are looking to take the whole IGTC title. For 2022 we are expanding, with IGTC complementing our DTM challenge.

"We are very happy to be working with Stephane, Benjamin and the SRO team once again for IGTC.

"We know that even with the hurdles that COVID-19 creates, the great people at both Supercars and SRO will make Bathurst a huge success."

The 2022 Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour will be held across February 25-27 2022.