Tag Archives: Castellet

BMW

GT World Challenge Europe: Augusto Farfus, Dan Harper, and Max Hesse win the season opener.

Le Castellet. The breakthrough has come! ROWE Racing has given BMW M Motorsport the primary main success of the 12 months 2024 on the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS Le Castellet (FRA) season opener. Augusto Farfus (BRA), Dan Harper (GBR), and Max Hesse (GER) have been rewarded following an impressive efficiency within the #998 BMW M4 GT3 and celebrated their first victory within the extremely aggressive race collection. Starting from fifth place, the trio placed on a formidable present and crossed the end line in first place with a 13.5-second lead. In the BMW M Team WRT #46 BMW M4 GT3, Valentino Rossi (ITA), Maxime Martin (BEL), and Raffaele Marciello (SUI) additionally gave a powerful efficiency to complete fourth.

You discover post-race video interviews right here: https://b.mw/GTWC_Interviews.

The #998 BMW M4 GT3, sporting the design of BMW M Motorsport associate MultiBank Group, moved as much as third place because of a powerful begin by Farfus, and Harper put the automotive on the trail to victory with a outstanding overtaking manoeuvre on the main Lamborghini. Hesse then confidently drove to the end line, securing the fifth general victory for ROWE Racing within the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS. The sister automotive with Marco Wittmann (GER), Nick Yelloly (GBR), and Philipp Eng (AUT) additionally gave a really sturdy efficiency and was on observe for a podium end, however an issue throughout the second refuelling initially value beneficial seconds after which compelled Eng to make an extra pit cease shortly earlier than the tip of the race. That dropped the #98 BMW M4 GT3 again to twelfth place.

There have been combined emotions at BMW M Team WRT. While Rossi, Martin, and Marciello might be happy with fourth place because of a powerful remaining dash, the #32 BMW M4 GT3 was compelled to retire after an unprovoked collision for Charles Weerts (BEL) with a competitor leading to tyre harm. The Team WRT #30 BMW M4 GT3, by which BMW M works driver Jens Klingmann (GER) shared the cockpit with Ahmad Al Harthy (OMA) and Sam De Haan (GBR), completed sixth within the Bronze Cup. The #991 BMW M4 GT3 of Century Motorsport with Jake Dennis, Darren Leung, and Toby Sowery (all GBR) on the wheel was on the right track for a podium within the Bronze Cup however then retired.

Comments after the race.

 

Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “A very good start to the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS season! Congratulations to Augusto Farfus, Dan Harper, and Max Hesse as well as ROWE Racing on the victory! They did a perfect job. Many thanks to the team, the drivers, and all the BMW M Motorsport employees who contributed to this success! We had no racing luck at the beginning of this season at Daytona, Bathurst, Qatar, and Sebring. Now the knot has been untied, and I hope we can carry this momentum into the rest of the season. BMW M Team WRT also gave a strong performance with the #46 BMW M4 GT3 of Valentino Rossi, Maxime Martin, and Raffaele Marciello. The three harmonised superbly in the new setup and just narrowly missed the podium. It’s very unfortunate that there were difficulties with the ROWE Racing #98 BMW M4 GT3 and the BMW M Team WRT #32 BMW M4 GT3. We need to closely examine the refuelling issue that probably cost the ROWE Racing trio a podium place.”

Hans-Peter Naundorf (Team Principal ROWE Racing): “That was a fantastic start to the season for the team! Augusto Farfus, Dan Harper, and Max Hesse impressively showed today where the hammer hangs and how well the combination of the experienced mentor and the young guns works. Dan and Max have proved that they are first-class BMW M works drivers. All three did a perfect job, drove cleverly, and implemented the strategy superbly. The whole team has shown the mix of routine and enthusiasm needed to be at the front in this high-calibre series again this year. I feel sorry for the #98 guys, as they also did a flawless job and deserved to be on the podium. Unfortunately, there were irregularities with the fuel flow during their last pit stop which caused them to lose time first and then had to make an additional stop. Without that problem, a double podium like last year at Monza would have been possible.”

 

Augusto Farfus (#998 BMW M4 GT3, ROWE Racing, 1st place): “It is a great honour for me to share the car with these two amazing guys. This victory is for the entire team. We complemented each other very well. I had a good start and got to third place, Dan took the lead with his overtaking manoeuvre, and Max brought the victory home confidently in the last stint. I have been following the development of Dan and Max from the beginning and now share the car with real professionals.”

Dan Harper (#998 BMW M4 GT3, ROWE Racing, 1st place): “It’s a very special feeling to win the season opener after we were second last year – just fantastic! A great way to start the year together with ROWE Racing, Augusto, and Max. Many thanks to BMW M Motorsport for this opportunity! We worked incredibly well together as a team, had no problems, and all three of us were happy with the driving feel in the car.”

 

Max Hesse (#998 BMW M4 GT3, ROWE Racing, 1st place): “That was a fantastic start. This season, 20 Pro cars and some of the best GT drivers in the world are competing against each other, and to win the first race with Augusto, Dan, and ROWE Racing is something very special for me. I will remember this day for a long time.”

 

Raffaele Marciello (#46 BMW M4 GT3, BMW M Team WRT, 4th place): “Fourth place is a good result for us, bringing important points. But we can’t be completely satisfied because if another team with the BMW M4 GT3 wins the race, we should be able to do that too. Congratulations to ROWE Racing! We will prepare very well for the next race.”

 

Philipp Eng (#98 BMW M4 GT3, ROWE Racing, twelfth place): “I am very happy for our sister car. That was a grand victory. The entire team did a super job all weekend. Unfortunately, we didn’t quite have the balance we wanted in qualifying, but the car was really top for the race. It looked like a podium for a long time, if not even a 1-2 for ROWE Racing and BMW M Motorsport. Then we unfortunately had a problem with refuelling and had to stop again to make it to the finish. Nevertheless, I am very happy for my teammates.”

 

Charles Weerts (#32 BMW M4 GT3, BMW M Team WRT, DNF): “I had a good start moving up to P5, passing two cars together with Max in the #46 car, which was nice. Then there was the very aggressive Ferrari that hit me twice in one lap. Unfortunately, the second hit resulted in a puncture which basically ended our race. That’s a shame as we had a very competitive car and could have achieved a good result.”

BMW

GT World Challenge Europe: Six BMW M4 GT3s at Endurance Cup season opener.

Le Castellet. The new season of the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS kicks off this coming weekend, with BMW M Motorsport as soon as once more well-represented. At Circuit Paul Ricard (FRA), BMW M Motorsport groups WRT, ROWE Racing, and Century Motorsport will discipline a complete of six BMW M4 GT3 automobiles and greater than a dozen BMW M works drivers.

 

The works-supported groups WRT and ROWE Racing will every compete with two automobiles within the Pro Cup for total victories. Both groups have just one personnel change from final yr. In the #46 BMW M4 GT3, Raffaele Marciello (SUI) would be the third driver alongside Maxime Martin (BEL) and Valentino Rossi (ITA), as he was already at Bathurst (AUS) in February. The #32 BMW M4 GT3 line-up stays unchanged with Sheldon van der Linde (RSA), Dries Vanthoor, and Charles Weerts (each BEL).

 

The identical applies to the ROWE Racing #98 BMW M4 GT3, the place Philipp Eng (AUT), Marco Wittmann (GER), and Nick Yelloly (GBR) will compete, amongst others, to defend the title on the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps (BEL). In the #998 BMW M4 GT3, Augusto Farfus (BRA) – who was with BMW M Team WRT in 2023 – would be the third driver alongside Dan Harper (GBR) and Max Hesse (GER). The automotive will characteristic a brand new design from BMW M Motorsport accomplice MultiBank Group in 2024.

In the Bronze Cup, Team WRT will discipline a 3rd BMW M4 GT3. The #30 automotive can be pushed by BMW M works driver Jens Klingmann (GER), FIA WEC driver Ahmad Al Harthy (OMA), and Sam De Haan (GBR). Century Motorsport celebrates its debut within the extremely aggressive Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS. In the #991 BMW M4 GT3, Formula E World Champion Jake Dennis, British GT Champion and FIA WEC driver Darren Leung, and Toby Sowery (all GBR) will share duties.

In the Sprint Cup of the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS (beginning on 4th/fifth May), Team WRT will compete for all the season with two BMW M4 GT3 automobiles. Vanthoor and Weerts will race within the Pro Cup, whereas De Haan and Calan Williams (AUS) will compete within the Silver Cup. Rossi and Martin will make particular person begins and race the #46 BMW M4 GT3 within the dash occasions at Brands Hatch (GBR) and Misano (ITA). Century Motorsport combines the 2 British GT champions Harper and Leung in a single automotive within the Bronze Cup.

The opening race of the Endurance Cup at Le Castellet (FRA) begins on Sunday, seventh April, at 15:00 CEST and can run for a shortened distance of three hours in comparison with earlier years. On the identical weekend, the GT4 European Series can even begin its season. Eight BMW M4 GT4 automobiles are registered for the primary race weekend. They can be entered by groups Borusan Otomotiv Motorsport, L’Espace Bienvenue, W&D Racing Team, Razoon-more than racing, Lestrup Racing Team, and CHAZEL Technologie Course.

Quotes forward of the season opener.

 

Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “The GT World Challenge Europe is once again the most competitive GT3 racing series in the world this season. A field of 55 cars, including 20 in the Pro Cup, is truly impressive. In our second season with the two works-supported teams WRT and ROWE Racing, we are relying on consistency. Experience is extremely important in this championship. Therefore, we are pleased that, with the exception of two minor changes, we can send the same driver pairings into the races as in 2023. Already last season, we had much reason to rejoice with numerous wins and podium finishes. We want to further improve on this record and clinch titles this time. I warmly welcome Century Motorsport to the GT World Challenge Europe and wish the team every success. Additionally, I am excited to see a very strong field of BMW M4 GT4 cars in the GT4 European Series at Le Castellet. In its debut season in 2023, the BMW M4 GT4 immediately clinched the title. We want to build on this success.”

 

Hans-Peter Naundorf (Team Principal ROWE Racing): “It’s good that the season is now picking up speed and that we can fight for victories and points again. Even though we set the sporting bar very high last year, we are going into the season with similar expectations. Our advantage is the vast experience and stability of the team, which has changed only minimally compared to 2023 with the comeback of Augusto Farfus in the GT World Challenge Europe. Everything is well coordinated. We know what we and our drivers are capable of and are constantly trying to optimise our performance even further, so I wouldn’t be surprised if we have a say in the battle for the top positions again, but there is no guarantee. All participants have to adapt to the new bio fuel, which requires some adjustments to the engines. The conditions at Le Castellet have also changed: shorter race duration, different temperatures and no driving in the dark. On the other hand, the strain on the cars at Le Castellet is certainly less than in the past. Overall, everyone’s tension is likely to be a little higher than usual at the start of the season, and everyone will want to get their bearings in the race first.”

 

Vincent Vosse (Team Principal BMW M Team WRT): “It’s a pleasure to start our season in Europe. Everyone knows how important the Fanatec GT World is for us, as we’ve been in that category since the very beginning of the championship. It has been years that Paul Ricard was one of the longest races of the championship, and now it is the season opener. It’s a pleasure to go there. We have cars to fight in different categories. In the Pro category we have a new arrival in the number 46 car, Raffaele Marciello, who is heading to the race with Vale and Maxime, and our standard line up in the number 32 with Charles, Dries and Sheldon. Again we have a Bronze class entry, this year with Ahmad Al Harthy, Jens Klingmann and Sam De Haan, who is new to the team, but not to the championship, so let’s see what we can do. There are some changes in terms of regulations, but nevertheless, of course we will try very hard to be at the front.”

 

Nathan Freke (Team Principal Century Motorsport): “GTWC Europe is something we have aspired to for many years and I want to thank Darren Leung for taking us on this journey with him. We have a fantastic line-up of drivers for both Sprint and Endurance and a great team of guys and girls who are all excited to get going. I think we can hope for very strong results in the Bronze class. It’s big step for us, but we are very well prepared and looking forward to round one.”

The BMW M4 GT3 line-ups at a look:

 

Pro Cup.

 

#32 BMW M4 GT3, BMW M Team WRT

Sheldon van der Linde (RSA)

Dries Vanthoor (BEL)

Charles Weerts (BEL)

#46 BMW M4 GT3, BMW M Team WRT

Raffaele Marciello (SUI)

Maxime Martin (BEL)

Valentino Rossi (ITA)

#98 BMW M4 GT3, ROWE Racing

Philipp Eng (AUT)

Marco Wittmann (GER)

Nick Yelloly (GBR)

#998 BMW M4 GT3, ROWE Racing

Augusto Farfus (BRA)

Dan Harper (GBR)

Max Hesse (GER)

Bronze Cup.

#30 BMW M4 GT3, Team WRT

Ahmad Al Harthy (OMA)

Sam De Haan (GBR)

Jens Klingmann (GER)

#991 BMW M4 GT3, Century Motorsport

Jake Dennis (GBR)

Darren Leung (GBR)

Toby Sowery (GBR)

 

BMW

BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team Finishes Third in FIM EWC 2023

The BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team concluded the thrilling FIM Endurance World Championship 2023 season with a podium finish at Le Castellet, securing third place in the world championship standings. The team, consisting of Markus Reiterberger, Ilya Mikhalchik, and Jérémy Guarnoni, finished third in the Bol d’Or race after completing 709 laps. This marked their third podium finish in the 24-hour races this season. The team finished just one point behind the second-placed team in the world championship standings, with the YART Yamaha Official EWC Team clinching the title.

The BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team started the season strong with a third-place finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and followed it up with another podium finish at the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps. At the 8-hour race at Suzuka, they secured an outstanding sixth place, the best performance among the European teams. The team’s strong performance at the Bol d’Or and throughout the season solidified their third-place finish in the world championship.

In the season finale at Le Castellet, the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team featured BMW Motorrad WorldSBK factory rider Loris Baz as the fourth rider. Despite some issues with electronics during the night, the team managed to fight their way back up the standings and secure a podium finish. Mikhalchik also set the fastest race lap with a time of 1:52.898 minutes.

The Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team, competing in the Superstock class, had secured pole position with their BMW M 1000 RR but had to retire early in the race due to technical failure.

In addition to the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team, three privateer BMW teams also participated in the race. The Team LRP Poland finished eleventh overall and seventh in the Formula EWC class with their BMW S 1000 RR. The Japanese TONE RT SYNCEDGE 4413 BMW team crossed the finish line in 22nd position overall and eleventh in the Superstock class. The French Seigneur Motorsport Team Mont Blanc team finished 30th overall and 19th in the Superstock class.

Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director, expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance throughout the season, highlighting their pole position and three podium finishes in the 24-hour races. Werner Daemen, Teammanager of BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team, acknowledged the team’s mixed feelings, recognizing their strong showing but also expressing the desire for more. Reiterberger, Mikhalchik, Guarnoni, and Baz shared their thoughts and praised the team’s efforts and improvements made throughout the season, with a focus on their goal of competing for the world championship title in the future.

BMW

BMW M 1000 RR dominant: BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team takes pole position for the Bol d’Or with new lap record

The BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team has had an excellent start to the season finale of the FIM Endurance World Championship at Le Castellet. In the thrilling two-part qualifying for the 24-hour Bol d’Or race, the team secured pole position with the #37 BMW M 1000 RR, setting a new lap record. This is a crucial achievement for the team as they aim for the championship title. In the Superstock class, the Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team will also start from pole position with the #9 BMW M 1000 RR, giving them a chance at the title in their category.

The BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team entered Le Castellet in third place in the overall standings, trailing the leaders by 38 points. Their primary objective was to secure pole position, which not only provides the best starting position for the race but also earns them five additional points. In the two-part qualification held on Thursday and Friday, they accomplished this with the best average time from the individual sessions. The team’s fastest lap times were set by Markus Reiterberger (1:51.596 minutes) and Ilya Mikhalchik (1:51.721 minutes) in the second part of qualifying on Friday morning.

In the Superstock class, the Tecmas-MRP-Racing Team entered the finale in fourth place overall with a 16-point deficit. In the qualifying session, Kenny Foray was the fastest rider for the team, ensuring the unbeatable performance of the #9 BMW M 1000 RR.

The 86th edition of the Bol d’Or will commence on Saturday, September 16th, at 15:00. The points awarded in the race will be multiplied by a factor of 1.5. This means that the winning team will receive 60 points, with 49.5 points for second place and 42 points for third place. Additional points will be given to the best teams in the interim standings after eight and 16 hours.

Here are some quotes from the teams and riders after the qualifying:

Markus Reiterberger (#37 BMW M 1000 RR, BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team): “Already yesterday, my lap time was very good. I did that alone and today I tried to find the slipstream, which helped me to gain a few more tenths. I want to thank the team. Our bike is incredibly fast, and I believe we are ready for the race. Our plan for the 24-hour race is to go full throttle. Our goal was to secure pole position and win the race. This is what we need to do to have a chance at the title.”

Werner Daemen, Team Manager BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team: “Our plan was to secure pole position because we are quite far behind the two teams ahead of us in the standings. The only way to keep the championship open for us was to take pole position and earn as many points as possible after eight, 16, and 24 hours. In our position, we have to give everything and maybe take a bit more risk than the other teams to try to win. The teams ahead can focus on managing the points, but as we saw last year, this is a long race, not just for the riders but also for the bikes. Anything can happen. We will see on Sunday at 15:00 if we are still in the running, and I hope we will be on the top step of the podium and see what the others do.”

Kenny Foray (#9 BMW M 1000 RR, Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team): “Our target is the same as the #37 BMW M 1000 RR, we just need to win to take the title. It’s a 24-hour race, so it’s really long. But the only objective is to win the race.”

BMW

Battle for the World Championship Title: BMW Motorrad Motorsport prepares for Exciting FIM EWC 2023 Finale at Le Castellet

Le Castellet. BMW Motorrad Motorsport is eagerly awaiting the thrilling season finale of the 2023 FIM Endurance World Championship (FIM EWC) this coming weekend (14th to 17th September). The world championship title will be decided at the 24-hour Bol d’Or race at Le Castellet (FRA). Werner Daemen’s (BEL) BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team is in third place overall as they head to the South of France, making them one of the main players in the race for the title. In the Superstock class, Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team is also in a promising position.

 

The factory riders Markus Reiterberger (GER), Ilya Mikhalchik (UKR), and Jérémy Guarnoni (FRA) on the #37 BMW M 1000 RR of BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team started the season with two podium positions. They finished both the 24-hour race at Le Mans (FRA) and the one at Spa-Francorchamps (BEL) in third place. At the Suzuka 8-hour race, the team finished in an excellent sixth place, making them the best European team.

In the world championship standings, BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team is in third place going into the finale, trailing the leaders by just 38 points. The number of points awarded at the Bol d’Or will be multiplied by a factor of 1.5. This means that the winning team will receive 60 points, and there will be 49.5 points for second place and 42 points for third place. In addition, further points will be awarded to the best teams in the interim standings after eight and 16 hours. There will also be points for the top positions in qualifying.

BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team used the private day of testing at Le Castellet on Tuesday to make their final preparations for the finale. In addition to regular riders Reiterberger, Mikhalchik, and Guarnoni, BMW Motorrad WorldSBK factory rider Loris Baz (FRA) will also be at the Bol d’Or as the fourth rider.

In the Superstock class of the FIM Endurance World Cup, the new Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team with the #9 BMW M 1000 RR had a perfect start to their maiden season when Kenny Foray (FRA), Jan Bühn (GER), and Loïc Arbel (FRA) won the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Going into the finale, the team, managed by Arnaud Sassone (FRA), which is collaborating with Werner Daemen’s company Motorcycle Racing Parts and with BMW Motorrad Motorsport, is in fourth place in the Superstock class. They are just 16 points off first place. The fourth rider in this team at the Bol d’Or is Nelson Major (FRA), the newly crowned champion of the French European Bikes Championship.

The first qualifying sessions get underway late afternoon on Thursday, followed by the second round of qualifying on Friday morning. The 86th edition of the Bol d’Or gets underway at 15:00 CEST on Saturday 16th September. The race will finish 24 hours later. In addition to BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team and Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team, the privateer BMW teams LRP Poland, TONE RT SYNCEDGE 4413 BMW, and Seigneur Motorsport Team Mont Blanc will also be contesting the Bol d’Or.

Quotes ahead of the Bol d’Or.

Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director: “We are full of confidence as we eagerly await the season finale. We did some testing recently and had some strong performances. We are very well prepared, and I am convinced that we have the pace to win the Bol d’Or. But it is a 24-hour race, and we know that anything can happen. There are a lot of points up for grabs, and we are 38 points behind the leader. Can we win the world championship? We have to try to win, and then we will also need a bit of luck in terms of the results of the other teams. But I am feeling confident.”

Werner Daemen, Team Manager BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team: “The test day was really good. Our riders rode very well. We made some changes to prepare for qualifying and the lap times are looking strong. At the test, there were no transponders but I am sure that we are within the top three. Our riders are quite happy. Of course, we still have some things on the list where we can further improve. That’s our homework now and then we are ready for the qualifying and the race.”

Markus Reiterberger: “We enter the final race of the season highly motivated. The track is a high-speed circuit, which should suit our bike. We have a powerful engine and good aerodynamics, which worked in our favor last year when we secured the pole position. Our recent test here was also quite promising. We were able to further optimize our bike, experimented a lot, and will continue working to get the best package for the weekend. We still have a chance to become world champions. Our goal is to secure the pole position and, in the race, at least make it to the podium, but preferably take the victory. However, endurance races are always unique, and the track is demanding on both the machine and the rider. Many things can happen, but we are hopeful for a successful race and bringing the title home for BMW.”

Ilya Mikhalchik: “I am looking forward to the race. The feeling on test day was quite good. The bike worked well, and the performance of the tires was also not bad. Overall, all was good, all riders have been fast. Now we just have to find something extra to be more constant in the race. We just want to do our best in the final race, we try to fight until the end and to see where we can finish and what we can do.”

Jérémy Guarnoni: “This weekend will be really important for us. We have two goals: we want to win the race, and if we are successful, we probably can be world champions. So it’s only about going full gas all week and in the race and to have clean and trouble-free 24 hours.”

Loris Baz: “I am really happy to be here at the Bol d’Or and help the guys. I would have come here anyway to visit and support my friend Jérémy and the entire BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team. Now it’s great to do some laps. The people know how much I like endurance and how important it is for French people. It’s really cool to be here.”

Arnaud Sassone, Team Manager Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team: “We are feeling confident. We have everything in place. We know that the motorcycle is the most powerful bike in the field, and our riders are in top form. If we put in the same level of performance as we have thus far, we have a chance of getting the win at Le Castellet. Everything else depends on how our direct rivals perform.”

BMW

ROWE Racing Takes Third Place in the GT World Challenge Europe 1000km Race at Paul Ricard

In the second Endurance Cup race of the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Powered by AWS (GTWC), BMW M works drivers Philipp Eng, Marco Wittmann, and Nick Yelloly of ROWE Racing claimed third place at the 1000km race of Paul Ricard. This is the team’s second podium finish in the series, maintaining their lead in the standings. However, they had to settle for third place after final stint driver Yelloly lacked the required pace to defend the lead position.

The BMW Junior Team finished in sixth place, while Valentino Rossi, Maxime Martin, and Augusto Farfus finished eighth for the BMW M Team WRT after a strong chasing performance.

Despite starting from 11th on the grid, the #98 car came in fourth but was later classified third when a five-second penalty was imposed on the Audi that finished ahead of them. Similarly, the #46 BMW M4 GT3 moved up 12 positions from 20th to eighth in an impressive performance.

The #32 BMW M4 GT3 from the BMW M Team WRT, which started in ninth place, was not able to finish the race due to technical issues. The #30 BMW M4 GT3 of the WRT team and the #35 BMW M4 GT3 from Walkenhorst Motorsport also did not finish the race.

ROWE Racing’s Philipp Eng was pleased with the team’s performance, saying that they had made significant improvements to the car after finishing practice sessions quite far off the lead on Friday. Max Hesse of ROWE Racing also expressed satisfaction with the team’s competitiveness in the race.

Valentino Rossi of the BMW M Team WRT acknowledged that they wanted more from the race but were satisfied with an 8th place finish from 20th on the grid.

Meanwhile, Charles Weerts of the BMW M Team WRT expressed disappointment over their DNF status resulting from a slight collision with a teammate. The team will now focus on the next race in Spa.