BMW M Team WRT kicked off the 2024 season of the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS Sprint Cup in style, securing a victory at the iconic Brands Hatch circuit. The Belgian duo of Dries Vanthoor and Charles Weerts piloted the #32 BMW M4 GT3 to victory in the first of two races held on Sunday.
Race Highlights
- Race 1: Vanthoor and Weerts Dominate
- Starting from third place, Dries Vanthoor wasted no time in moving the #32 BMW M4 GT3 up to second position before the driver change.
- A flawless pit stop by BMW M Team WRT allowed Charles Weerts to rejoin the track as the race leader.
- After an intense hour of racing, Vanthoor and Weerts clinched a well-deserved victory.
- Teammates Valentino Rossi and Maxime Martin, driving the #46 BMW M4 GT3, finished fifth but were penalised for speeding in the pit lane, dropping them to 15th.
- Race 2: Rossi and Martin’s Challenges
- In the second race, Rossi and Martin showcased their determination, climbing from 11th to a temporary sixth position.
- Unfortunately, steering issues plagued Rossi, forcing him to pit while lying in eighth place.
- Weerts and Vanthoor, starting from tenth, battled hard and crossed the finish line in seventh.
Silver Cup Success
- In the Silver Cup category, Team WRT’s #30 BMW M4 GT3 performed admirably:
- Sam De Haan (GBR) and Calan Williams (AUS) secured second and third positions, respectively, in the class, earning podium finishes.
Reactions from the Team
- Vincent Vosse (Team Principal, BMW M Team WRT): “Starting the Sprint Cup season with a win at Brands Hatch is fantastic. Dries’ strong performance and our lightning-fast pit crew played a crucial role. It’s unfortunate that Valentino and Maxime faced challenges, but they still did a great job.”
- Dries Vanthoor (#32 BMW M4 GT3): “Race one was intense, and our pit stop was crucial. Charles sealed the win brilliantly. Looking forward to the next race!”
- Charles Weerts (#32 BMW M4 GT3): “Our pit crew was outstanding. Winning at Brands Hatch gives us momentum for the upcoming rounds.”
- Maxime Martin (#46 BMW M4 GT3): “Despite the challenges, it was a positive weekend. Let’s see what Misano holds!”
- Valentino Rossi (#46 BMW M4 GT3): “Brands Hatch was tough, but still a pleasure. Excited for Misano!”
The Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup promises more thrilling action as the season unfolds. Stay tuned for updates from the racing world!
