Macau. Augusto Farfus (BRA) achieved yet another podium finish at the challenging Macau street race. Piloting the #11 BMW M4 GT3 for ROWE Racing, Farfus clinched third place in Sunday’s main race. Sheldon van der Linde (RSA) also showcased a strong performance in the #32 BMW M4 GT3 of the BMW M Team WRT during his Macau debut, finishing fifth in the qualification race on Saturday. However, a tire failure during the main race dashed his podium hopes. Farfus finished just ahead of him.
Farfus, a previous winner in Macau with the BMW M6 GT3 in 2018, exhibited remarkable tenacity throughout the weekend. Despite starting the qualification race in eighth position, he advanced to fourth place with impressive overtaking maneuvers on the narrow city circuit. Although he lost ground in a challenging duel at the start of the main race, he persisted and ultimately claimed a well-deserved third-place finish on the podium.
One of the drivers ahead of him, van der Linde, was poised for a podium finish but was hampered by a rear left tire failure. Nonetheless, he demonstrated his potential with a promising fifth place in qualifying and quickly adapted to the demanding track. The BMW M4 GT3 also made a successful Macau debut, securing a podium finish.
Reactions after the FIA GT World Cup:
Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “We are pleased with the podium result in the debut of the BMW M4 GT3 at Macau. The competition at the FIA GT World Cup was fierce, and Augusto Farfus, with his wealth of experience, secured third place against top-notch rivals. Congratulations to him and the ROWE Racing team. Sheldon van der Linde’s tire damage was unfortunate. Despite his third-place potential, a tire failure cost him. Nevertheless, he can take pride in his performance. The BMW M4 GT3 once again demonstrated its competitiveness on international tracks. A big thank you to the drivers, teams, and BMW M Motorsport staff. We look forward to a return, striving for victory.”
Augusto Farfus (#11 BMW M4 GT3, ROWE Racing, Qualification Race: 4th place, Main Race: 3rd place): “This is a fantastic way to conclude the season. I am leaving Macau, a place that is very special and emotional to me, with a smile. I positioned myself on Saturday with a fourth-place finish to challenge for a podium spot in Sunday’s main race. Despite encountering limited space at the start and almost facing a collision, I approached the race methodically and hoped for a restart following a yellow flag. That opportunity arose, allowing me to gain a position. Unfortunately, Sheldon and Maro Engel encountered issues ahead of me, benefiting my position and ultimately leading to my third-place finish.”
Sheldon van der Linde (#32 BMW M4 GT3, BMW M Team WRT, Qualification Race: 5th place, Main Race: 16th place): “The conclusion is bittersweet. I was on track for a podium finish in my Macau debut, but unfortunately, it was not meant to be. When the tire pressure warning flashed, I initially hoped to reach the finish line, but it was futile. At the moment, my disappointment is profound, but I hope that will change tomorrow. Overall, it was an incredible experience. The Macau track immediately became one of my favorites, and I aim to return and secure a podium finish in the future. Congratulations to Augusto and ROWE Racing for third place!”