Monza is the only circuit on the 2025 calendar at which Mercedes-AMG has not scored an overall win. But, if Friday's pre-event test sessions are any indication, it has a chance to conquer the Temple of Speed on Sunday afternoon.
The German marque finished one-two-three in both 90-minute runs, suggesting that it can at the very least fight for its first overall podium at Monza since 2021.
Marvin Dienst led the opening session with a 1m45.605s in the #81 Winward Racing entry, 0.057s ahead of Jules Gounon in the #17 GetSpeed machine. Edoardo Liberati was third in the #611 Nordique Racing car.
The second session saw Boutsen VDS hit the front with the #9 Mercedes-AMG in the hands of factory ace Maximilian Götz, whose 1.45.277s was the best time of the day. He was followed by Fabian Schiller in the #17 and Dienst in the #81.
Pre-event testing is not necessarily a guide to who will finish on the podium at the end of the weekend; nevertheless, the Mercedes-AMG runners will feel a little more confident after Friday's results.
In the evening's Bronze Test, a Ferrari hit the front as the returning Jonathan Hui went P1 in the Ziggo Sport Tempesta machine. He was 0.021s ahead of Gabriel Rindone (#80 Lionspeed GP Porsche) and 0.040s ahead of Ralf Bohn's #91 Herberth Motorsport Porsche.
The action really gets going tomorrow with Free Practice at 10:10 and Pre-Qualifying at 15:30. Both sessions will be streamed on the GT World YouTube channel – but Monza is best experienced in person. All tickets include entry to the paddock, allowing you to see and appreciate the event from the inside.
Fans can also refuel at the food courts under the Museum area and behind Grandstand 26 (in P9 parking). They will have a space in which to relax with tables, chairs and sun umbrellas, while a dedicated area for kids will include both fun and creative activities. A special Photo Corner will allow spectators to snap a selfie and share it on social media.
The event also includes an autograph session featuring all drivers, which takes place in the Fanzone on Sunday afternoon. A weekend ticket costs only 35€, and you’ll see four support races before the three-hour GT World Challenge race begins at 15:00 on Sunday.
The Monza support line-up includes a pair of one-make series from iconic brands: Lamborghini Super Trofeo and McLaren Trophy Europe. Each will run two races, one on Saturday and another on Sunday. The Lamborghini series has visited Monza many times with GT World Challenge, while McLaren Trophy is a newer addition and made its first appearance at the track last year. Both bring impressive cars that will really show their capabilities on Monza’s sweeping curves. GT1 Sports Club will also be on-track on Sunday afternoon.