Mercedes-AMG driver quotes after Daytona qualifying 23.01.2023: Maro Engel, Driver – No. 79 WeatherTech Racing/Proton Competition Mercedes-AMG GT3: "We definitely have an amazing car, that’s for sure. The Mercedes-AMG GT3 is well adapted to all of the forms of racing we do in GT racing. From the long distance races as

 
Maro Engel, Driver – No. 79 WeatherTech Racing/Proton Competition Mercedes-AMG GT3: "We definitely have an amazing car, that’s for sure. The Mercedes-AMG GT3 is well adapted to all of the forms of racing we do in GT racing. From the long distance races as well as the sprint rounds.

It’s always confidence inspiring, just gives the driver confidence and I definitely have to thank Mercedes-AMG for that. I think all four of the teams did a really good job today. It’s clear that we were told to push, but I’m not sure that’s the case across the grid.



I’m sure there’s a few cars that will suddenly find some pace next week. Overall, it was a strong go from the team. We have some room to improve, from me personally in qualifying, but obviously it was enough for pole, which is great."
 



Philip Ellis, Driver – No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3: “Last year at Daytona, and especially in the last half of the 2022 season, we were really, really strong. We’ve been able to keep that momentum going into this year. Of course, the team did great work in the off season.


We worked a lot on the car and it shows. All of the Mercedes-AMG GT3 teams did the job. I was able to have a great, great lap and it showed. I think we hit the nail on the head, as did the other teams, so for us it’s fantastic. It’s the best starting position you can have for the race, but of course then it doesn’t mean anything. It’s going to be a different animal, racing 24 hours, there’s a lot of traffic, a lot can happen and it’s going to be a long, grueling race."
 
 
 
Fabian Schiller, Driver – No. 75 SunEnergy1 Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3: “We had a good qualifying and have a great package with our Mercedes-AMG GT3. We showed it in the practice sessions and then qualifying went very well for us, finishing P2 overall and one, two, three, four for Mercedes-AMG overall is as good as you can get. But it’s a long race and we will see what the others have for 24 hours.”
 



Mikael Grenier, Driver – No. 32 Team Korthoff Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT3: “Qualifying was good. We improved the car a lot since Friday, because that day was a bit tricky for us. The team did a super job. In qualifying, Mercedes-AMG showed everything, but I believe the others are playing a bit, which is a shame. But I trust IMSA will make the right decision because we showed what we have.


Korthoff is a very good team, good people inside the team, good mechanics. I know two of them from last year in Europe. We had some nice tricks. Obviously, I think we can do it, but it’s a long way in front of us before the finish of the Rolex 24.”
 
 
 
 
Adam Saal - photos IMSA