Dirk Müller races for the GT Driver title at the ALMS season finale in Road Atlanta with BMW Team RLL

Munich (DE), 16th October 2013. BMW Team RLL will race for two important championships at the American Le Mans Series season-ending and series-finale 16th annual Petit Le Mans. Dirk Müller (DE) will fight for the driver’s championship in the no. 56 BMW Z4 GTE with John Edwards (US) and Uwe Alzen (DE) this weekend. He enters the race second in the GT driver battle, 16 points behind the leaders Antonio Garcia (ES) and Jan Magnussen (DK). The trio Müller, Edwards and Alzen will also be racing the no. 56 machine for the Michelin Green X Challenge trophy, awarded by the tyre manufacturer to the most clean, fast and efficient car in the class. The no. 55 BMW Z4 GTE will be shared by Bill Auberlen (US), Maxime Martin (BE) and Jörg Müller (DE) at Petit.

The debut season for the BMW Z4 GTE has been very successful. The no. 55 machine won at Long Beach (US) and the no. 56 car won at Lime Rock Park (US). The team has also scored four additional podiums, four pole positions, and eight top-5 finishes.

Bobby Rahal (Team Principal BMW Team RLL):

“I think the first season with the BMW Z4 GTE has been fantastic. We didn’t quite know what to expect with the new car and a new tire partner in Michelin. There were a lot of new elements to the year for us but I think anybody can be happy with winning two races and four pole positions. Obviously I would love to see Dirk win the Drivers’ Championship. He has done a great job this year.”

Bill Auberlen (BMW Z4 GTE – No. 55):

“Petit Le Mans is one of my favorite races in the world. This year I have an amazing crew, an amazing team and the incredible BMW Z4 GTE. Max, Jörg and I will fight like crazy to get to victory lane.”

Maxime Martin (BMW Z4 GTE – No. 55):

“I’m really excited to race at Petit Le Mans. I have watched this race many years on TV and now it is my turn to race it! I’m sure we have a good chance, with my team-mates Bill and Jörg, to finish the season strongly.”

Jörg Müller (BMW Z4 GTE – No. 55):

“I’m very happy to come back to Petit this year, especially because it will be such a historical event as the last ALMS Race. After my big accident at Spa this year it’s very important for me to be back racing. I’m really looking forward to supporting BMW Motorsport and BMW Team RLL.”

Dirk Müller (BMW Z4 GTE – No. 56):

“This is going to be a very special race. The last race of the season and the final one for the ALMS is around the corner and we are still fighting for the championship. The 1000 miles of Petit Le Mans are very demanding and as a team, we are really focused and willing to fight for a win.” 

John Edwards (BMW Z4 GTE – No. 56):

“I’ve been to the race multiple times as a fan and in support series, so I’ve had my eye on competing in the main show for many years. Road Atlanta is an intense track, so I’m excited for the challenge in Turn 1. This season has been a good one so far with BMW Team RLL, as Dirk and I have one win together and multiple podiums. Dirk can still win the Drivers’ Championship, so we’re focused on a strong close of the year. I’m confident that we’ll have a great car and a chance at the win in the final endurance race of the season.”