That is how you make an entrance. Mercedes-Benz returned to Turismo Carretera after an 89-year absence through Prestige Auto Racing, with technical support from Maquin Parts, and they have already locked down their driver lineup for the 2027 season. Daniel Herrero, CEO of Prestige Auto, made the call to retain Otto Fritzler, José Manuel Urcera, and Diego Azar, explaining simply that "it would be a shame not to move forward with a project that was so good."
Right out of the gate, the machine was straight-up ruthless. They showed zero regard for the usual steep learning curve of the category, charging straight to victory in Posadas with Otto Fritzler—marking the absolute first-ever Turismo Carretera win for the brand—and successfully putting two cars into the Copa de Oro.
“They did a great job all this year, so I think it was necessary to give them the good news. Beyond how professional everyone is, from Horacio (Soljan) and the entire Maquin Parts, the drivers I think it would be a shame not to move forward with a project that was so good,” Herrero said, beaming with the performance of his crew.
Evaluating the debut season, the squad has every right to smile. They grabbed a win and are actively fighting with two of their three pilots in the Copa de Oro, while the lone exception missing out came down strictly to bad mechanical luck rather than any lack of talent from Diego Azar.
Naturally, Herrero isn't letting anyone get ahead of themselves regarding championship status in year one. Rejecting the tag of favorites, he channeled legendary wisdom: “You never have to feel like a candidate, I think you have to work feeling that you are not, and that way you are going to give your best, it is what Fangio said, one has to try to be the best but never believe that one is, so you have to keep working like the first day.”
This long-term mindset has been built into the foundations of the team from day one, designed to remove any frantic pressure of needing to prove oneself just to survive until tomorrow. For Herrero, backing this program is a clear statement of intent: they are here for Argentine motorsport, ready to defend it, and eager to share that pure passion close to their customers.
