Münnich Motorsport battled to a podium finish in the 2014 Dubai 24 Hours race with WTCC drivers Rob Huff, Marc Basseng and René Münnich at the wheel of their Mercedes-Benz SLS GT3.
From 12th on the grid, the team who competed full-time in the 2013 World Touring Car Championship plugged away to move up the order, playing a strategic game that reaped rewards.
However it was penalties which were to deny the German team – with nine minutes in the penalty box costing them dearly. Nevertheless the trio managed to finish second overall in a strong field of 77 cars.
“I’m so grateful to ALL-INKL.COM Münnich Motorsport for everything it has done since the very beginning of our relationship and I’d like to congratulate my two great teammates, René and Marc, on an incredible result,” said Huff, who completed more than ten hours behind the wheel.
“This really is the perfect way to end a year’s association and sharing the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 – which ran faultlessly throughout – with such gentlemen was an honour. They both proved that they’re quality drivers.”
Huff added that he was pleased to sign off with a strong result for the team who kept him in the WTCC in 2013, before he leaves to race for the factory LADA team in 2014.
“It’s great to achieve such a positive result as a team,” added Huff. “It was a fantastic feeling to win for Münnich Motorsport in the WTCC and this podium in Dubai proves beyond doubt that my endurance racing capabilities are equal to my touring car capabilities. I look forward to more opportunities and success in endurance racing in the future.”
Team Manager Marc Basseng added that, despite running as team-mates throughout 2013, it was actually the first time all three drivers had shared a car in an endurance race.
“It was our first race together for the three of us,” admitted Basseng. “René had a great pace and Rob was fast and efficient as usual. We have been unlucky to receive a few time penalties for something that was not our fault, but in the end the second position is a great achievement for the whole crew.”