BMW Sports Trophy: Van der Ende and Koebolt unbeatable.
Not only did Ricardo van der Ende and Max Koebolt (both NED) dominate
the GT4 European Series last season, but the Dutch pair’s success also
made them the top private drivers in the BMW Sports Trophy. The two
drivers from the Ekris Motorsport team were honoured at the
traditional BMW Motorsport Season Review in Munich (GER) on Friday.
Three questions for … Ricardo van der Ende and Max Koebolt.
Ricardo, how would you sum up this fantastic season?
Ricardo van der Ende: “We had a magnificent season. Out of 18 races
we were on the podium a total of 15 times. That underlines the
fantastic performance from the whole team. We are proud to stand in
front of this amazing audience as winners now. Every season has its
highs and lows, but this year we managed to claim two titles in the
European GT4 Series. That is just unique.”
Max, you are the younger member of the team. What does this
year’s success mean to you?
Max Koebolt: “It is very special. After the misfortune I suffered
last year, I never thought that this year would work out so well. This
was my second season with BMW, and my first time at the BMW Sports
Trophy presentation ceremony. To stand on the stage as a winner is
incredible. That really was a crazy season!”
Ricardo, you have now added the Sports Trophy to your
impressive collection of trophies…
Van der Ende: “You could say that. I won the GT4 European Series for
the fourth time this year. In total, I have now won 23 titles.
However, this is the first time that I have been able to celebrate a
success like this together with Max. I am delighted about that. He did
a great job.”
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Formula E: Bruno Spengler tests for MSAD Andretti in Marrakech.
BMW works driver Bruno Spengler (CAN) will get his first taste of
Formula E on 14th January 2018. The 2012 DTM champion will
take part in the rookie test drives in Marrakech with MSAD
Andretti Formula E. “I’m really looking forward to having the
opportunity to get to know a completely new style of racing for
me,” said Spengler. “Formula E is a really exciting race
series, which will no doubt become even more popular over the next few
years. I’m always keen to gain experience of other series in addition
to the DTM. I am interested to see how the Formula E car drives. After
all, it’s 13 years since I was last in a single-seater car in Formula
3.” In addition to Spengler, who will once again be part of the
BMW squad for the DTM, MSAD Andretti Formula E will make use of
the young IndyLights driver Colton Herta (USA) at the test in
Marrakech. The day before the test, the same track will host the third
race of the FIA Formula E Championship season, in which BMW works
driver Tom Blomqvist (GBR) will make his Formula E race debut
alongside António Félix da Costa (POR).