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Team WRT made a resounding statement at the Bathurst 12 Hour, securing a commanding 1-2 victory with the BMW M4 GT3 in the opening round of the Intercontinental GT Challenge. Sheldon and Kelvin van der Linde, joined by Augusto Farfus, powered the #32 BMW M4 GT3 to a flawless win, while Valentino Rossi, Raffaele Marciello, and Charles Weerts followed closely in the #46 machine. This landmark triumph marked BMW M Motorsport’s first GT3-era victory at Mount Panorama, cementing Team WRT’s dominance after prior successes in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Perfect execution was pivotal in the victory, as Team WRT capitalized on a fuel-efficient strategy. Unlike many rivals forced into late-race pit stops, both BMW M4 GT3s had enough fuel to go the distance, clinching the top two positions. The #46 car faced a setback with a drive-through penalty that momentarily pushed it down the order. Still, a determined charge, capped by Marciello’s decisive overtake on Jules Gounon, secured second place. This masterful performance demonstrated the team’s strategic expertise and resilience under pressure.
For BMW M Motorsport, the victory at Bathurst was a long-awaited achievement after years of close calls. The last BMW win at the event dates back to 2010, making this triumph a historic moment for the brand. It was also a special milestone for the van der Linde brothers, who celebrated their first shared victory in a BMW. At the same time, Rossi earned his maiden podium at the legendary endurance race. The result further solidified BMW’s presence in global GT racing, setting the tone for a promising season ahead.
Adding to the excitement, BMW M took the opportunity to unveil the highly anticipated M3 CS Touring at Mount Panorama. The new model embodies the brand’s motorsport DNA with its aggressive styling, lightweight carbon-fibre elements, and a formidable 550-horsepower inline-six engine. The world premiere at one of the most challenging circuits in racing underscored BMW’s commitment to performance-driven innovation.
Team WRT’s seamless execution and driver excellence delivered an unforgettable Bathurst campaign, reinforcing their unbeaten streak in 2025. With three wins in as many races this season, they have established themselves as the team to beat. As the season progresses, this triumph sets the stage for more thrilling battles and potential championship glory for BMW M Motorsport.
