The 2022 TotalEnergies 24 Hours of Spa is heading for a grandstand finish between two Mercedes-AMG squads on different strategies.
The #88 AMG Team Akkodis ASP entry had looked to be fighting a duel with the #98 ROWE Racing BMW, but a brilliant strategy from the AMG Team GetSpeed garage has vaulted the #2 Mercedes-AMG into contention.
The #98 BMW had looked to be in the hunt too, but a puncture for Nick Yelloly shortly after the 22-hour mark took the German car out of contention. The sister #50 machine continues to circulate, however, and appears on course for third spot.
In one of the most dramatic moments of the race, the #88 driven by Jules Gounon went side-by-side with Nicki Thiim (#95 Beechdean AMR Aston Martin) through Eau Rouge. Gounon appeared to have edged ahead into Raidillon, but Thiim kept his foot in and made minor contact with the side of the Mercedes-AMG.
This sent the Aston pirouetting across the run-off and back across the track, albeit without making contact with any barriers. Thiim was fortunate to suffer no major damage but was required to stop, ending Beechdean AMR's chances of victory.
Team WRT was heading for Silver Cup honours with its #30 Audi. The Belgian squad held an advantage of 30 seconds over the R8 run by Attempto Racing with 90 minutes left on the clock, though an alternate pit strategy could bring the #14 Emil Frey Racing Lamborghini into contention.
The Gold Cup win continues to look secure for Iron Dames, the #83 Ferrari holding a two-lap advantage over the #93 Sky Tempesta Racing Ferrari. The #52 AF Corse Ferrari appeared equally secure in Pro-Am, while the #20 SPS automotive performance Mercedes-AMG had seized the advantage in the Bronze Cup after an off-track excursion sent the #35 Walkenhorst Motorsport BMW into the box for repairs.
The 2022 TotalEnergies 24 Hours of Spa will conclude at 16:45 CEST.