AMGs to take on F1 two-seater

Two of Mercedes-AMG's latest performance cars will take on a two-seat F1 car in a head-to-head battle on each day of the 2016 Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix over March 17-20.

That might sound like an unfair contest, until you consider who'll be behind the wheel of the AMGs for the MSS Security Ultimate Speed Comparison.

Australia's five-times world motorcycle GP champion Mick Doohan will drive a new Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Estate, while Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy Chief Driving Instructor, Peter Hackett, will pilot the new Mercedes-AMG GT3 racer.

Together they will take on seasoned Aussie racer Cameron McConville in the 2016 Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix Two-seater presented by Swisse.

Doohan said he's looking forward to his latest attempt at the event in a Mercedes-Benz road car.

“I recently drove the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 S around Mount Panorama in Bathurst and just couldn’t believe the power delivery from the biturbo V8 down Conrod straight," he said.

"I can’t wait to see what it can do around Albert Park.

"The other two guys will be fast and that new AMG GT3 looks fast even at a standstill. Though I’ll be in a road going production car, I’ll be doing everything I can to keep them both in my mirrors."

Hackett, meantime, was equally confident of success in his AMG GT-based racer, the successor to the SLS AMG GT3, which debuted in 2010, notched up 187 victories and in 2013 won the global GT3 'grand slam': the Dubai, Bathurst, Nürburgring and Spa-Francorchamps endurance classics.

“What an amazing opportunity to demonstrate the performance of the new Mercedes-AMG GT3 race car over the biggest motorsport weekend in the country," said Hackett.

"After chatting with Mick Doohan today it’s clear he won’t be holding back, and so I’m sure the fans will be on the edge of their seats as we showcase the latest technology from Mercedes-AMG, against the power of Formula 1."