Bathurst. BMW M Motorsport and the BMW M6 GT3 have finished in
fifth place at the Bathurst 12 Hour on Mount Panorama Circuit in an
emotional event for BMW Team Schnitzer. It was the team’s first race
appearance since it’s long-time team principal Charly Lamm passed away.
Drivers Augusto Farfus (BRA), Chaz Mostert (AUS) and Martin Tomczyk
(GER) piloted the #42 BMW M6 GT3 in ambient temperatures of up to 37
degrees centigrade on the 6.213 km mountain track. While the
conditions were tough, the team challenged for a podium position
throughout the 12-hour race and took the BMW M6 GT3’s best result
thanks to a strong team performance.
The Walkenhorst Motorsport BMW M6 GT3, driven by Nick Catsburg (NED),
Mikkel Jensen (DEN) and Christian Krognes (NOR), was forced to retire
following a mechanical issue. In the GT4 class, the
RHC-Jorgensen/Strom by Marc GT BMW M4 GT4 with Daren Eric Jorgensen,
Brett Strom (both USA) and Gerard McLeod (AUS) finished in second
place and made it onto the podium.
Jens Marquardt (BMW Motorsport Director):
“BMW Team Schnitzer did an amazing job here at Bathurst – Charly
would have been proud. A big compliment goes to every single team
member and all drivers for an outstanding performance in an
emotionally difficult situation. Throughout a thrilling race, the BMW
M6 GT3 was always part of the leading group and was leading the race
for some time. With a little more luck, a podium finish would have
been possible. I feel sorry for Walkenhorst Motorsport having to
retire early in the race due to technical problems.”
Augusto Farfus (#42 BMW M6 GT3, BMW Team Schnitzer,
5th place):
“We had an amazing race in terms of our personal performance as a
team, but we didn’t have much more in the pocket to fight for the
podium. It’s a shame we were pushed wide, but that’s racing, and we
will focus on the championship ahead. Thanks to the team – it was an
emotional weekend but we remained strong throughout.”
Martin Tomczyk (#42 BMW M6 GT3, BMW Team Schnitzer,
5th place):
“Team-wise, we did an outstanding job – the strategy was the best we
could do – and driver-wise we made no mistakes, put in good lap times,
and were always under control. Unfortunately, the power we had was not
enough to fight for the victory.”
Chaz Mostert (#42 BMW M6 GT3, BMW Team Schnitzer,
5th place):
“Fifth place was the best we could do with the situation we had and
we fought hard to the end. It was really hot conditions here and it is
a credit to the car and team to make it the distance.”
Nick Catsburg (#34 BMW M6 GT3, Walkenhorst Motorsport, DNF):
“Of course, it’s never nice to retire but you can’t prevent bad luck;
that’s racing. We have to look forward to Laguna Seca. I think we will
be strong there and I can’t wait to get back in the BMW M6 GT3.”