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The first ever podium finish came early for the BMW M6 GT3 in the 24 qualifying race at Nürburgring (DE). In its second outing at the Green Hell, Maxime Martin (BE), Philipp Eng (AT) and Alexander Sims (GB) bagged the third place with ROWE Racing’s #23 BMW M6 GT3.
This qualifying round is done to give the racing teams a chance to test their cars intensively, before they participate in the actual unforgiving endurance race. The weekend was not so friendly for the racing cars and drivers as they were subjected to unpredictable conditions. At times it was sunny. At times it was very cold. There was even hail and rain! These are just examples of what the teams will endure when the legendary 24 hour race starts in May 28th and 29th at the Eifel mountains.
During the second qualifying session, Martin (BE) got the quickest time. He was able to secure the new BMW M6 GT3’s first pole position on the Nürburgring. This early lead made for a large advantage but it went sour when the weather became bad. With the hail and heavy rain, the team was forced to change tyres in an unscheduled pit stop. This caused the #23 BMW M6 GT3 to lag behind and they did not even make it to the top 20. Good thing the drivers did not stop at that. They worked hard and re-claimed their spot in the front of the race where ultimately, they were able to take the third place. It was a very exciting recovery for the BM2 M6 GT3!
The #22 BMW M6 GT3 on the other hand was driven by Jörg Müller (DE), Marco Wittmann (DE) and Jens Klingmann (DE). In a few minutes after the race started, another car hit Müller and the front part was damaged. They were only able to rejoin the race after almost and hour and a half of repairs. Their official position is at 50th.
The #100 BMW M6 GT3 from Walkenhorst Motorsport powered by Dunlop was driven by Victor Bouveng (SE), Christian Krognes (NO) and Michele di Martino (DE). They recorded the quickest lap at 8:18.226 minutes and finished in eighth position.
BMW DTM driver Tom Blomqvist (GB) was testing and familiarizing himself with the 24h race track once again. He and his co-drivers Alex Lambertz (DE) and Marc Ehret (DE) was able to finish 51st in position.
Unfortunately, the #101 BMW M6 GT3 driven by Matias Henkola (FI), Kazunori Yamauchi (JP), George Richardson (GB) and Max Sandritter (DE) had to retire from the race.
