HISTORY MADE AS STRATEGY MASTERCLASS TAKES TEAM WRT FROM LAST TO OVERALL VICTORY

HISTORY MADE AS STRATEGY MASTERCLASS TAKES TEAM WRT FROM LAST TO OVERALL VICTORY

22/09/2024

Team WRT delivered a spectacular performance with a 1-2 finish thanks to a perfect strategy after an intense three-hour race with twice as many stops compared to other competitors. This victory marks a significant milestone in motorsport history, as it is the first time that a non-Pro car has won overall in the Fanatec GT Endurance series.

Team WRT has once again demonstrated its unmatched expertise in motorsport with an incredible double victory coming through from the back of the field. Indeed, after a chaotic start and a significant incident in the first corner, cars #30 and #32 were left at the back of the pack. Despite these setbacks, the team showcased an extraordinary comeback over three hours of intense and action-packed racing, which was frequently interrupted by safety cars.

As the race entered its final stages, Jens Klingmann (#30) and Dries Vanthoor (#32) took the lead, racing towards the podium with the Ferrari #51 closing in behind them. The competition intensified, but both WRT cars held their ground in the final laps, securing an outstanding 1-2 finish with the #30 OQ by Oman Racing car and drivers Ahmad Al Harthy, Jens Klingmann and Sam De Haan on the top spot, followed by the #32 Skechers-branded Pro car of Dries Vanthoor, Sheldon van der Linde and Charles Weerts.

Additionally, the #46 BMW M4 GT3, driven by local hero Valentino Rossi, Raffaele Marciello and Maxime Martin, delivered a similarly perfect race, battling for the victory all race long, leading the race on several occasions, ultimately crossing the chequered flag in fifth position after the last safety car had eroded its lead.

The Temple of Speed proved to be a triumphant event for the Belgian team, which hosted over 100 guests, including the Ambassador of Oman in Italy and several influencers. Team WRT is now heading to Indianapolis for the final round of the Intercontinental GT Challenge with lineups to be announced in the coming days, as they fight for a chance to take the overall driver title.

QUOTES

Vincent VOSSE, Team Principal BMW M Team WRT: "A completely crazy race with a somewhat chaotic first lap for #32 and to a lesser extent for #30. But thanks to incredible strategy from the technical team, each WRT car had a chance to win the race. It was quite exceptional, especially considering that #32 was almost a lap down after its first lap. It wasn’t a gamble though, as this scenario had been discussed the day before. Fortunately, the technical team always made the right choices at the right time. This gave us many opportunities throughout the race. I am really, really proud of the team, a historic race for WRT!"

Jens KLINGMANN, driver #30: "Overall victory for a Bronze car – that's never happened before. We can be incredibly proud of that because it seemed so out of reach. I can't quite explain how it happened. I think our strategy was outstanding. Team WRT did a fantastic job – thank you for this great race."

Ahmad AL HARTHY, driver #30: "We made history today. Standing on top of the podium and seeing our flag waving there is an incredible feeling. Thanks to everyone who made this victory possible – to OQ by Oman Racing, Team WRT for the fantastic strategy, to BMW M Motorsport for the great car. I am insanely proud of everyone."

Sam DE HAAN, driver #30: “What a day! I think it’s all down to the team, to Will, the strategy they’ve pulled off is incredible. The car was really good and really easy to drive. We had a super great time. Thanks to my engineer Will and thanks to the team! Mega job!”

Sheldon VAN DER LINDE, driver #32: "After the first corner, where I was hit and spun around, none of us believed we would end up on the podium. It's a total surprise. The strategy of the WRT team was absolute masterclass. This podium belongs to them."

Dries VANTHOOR, driver #32: "A crazy race, but overall still a good weekend for us. If you're last with almost a lap behind after the first lap, second place and the Pro Cup class win is a great result. We can be very happy about this comeback. A huge thank you to the team for a great strategy and congratulations to the #30 crew for the win! In the end, it's important for us to have scored many valuable points."

Charles WEERTS, driver #32: "After the first corner, we thought our race was over. But then, thanks to the unbelievably good strategy of our team, we still made it to the podium and won the Pro Cup. It's crazy! A very warm congratulations to the number 30 crew for the overall victory. That's an incredible achievement."

Maxime MARTIN, driver #46: "I'm very happy for the team about the 1-2. It was a fantastic weekend. Our pace was also very good, so it's a bit of a shame to end up in fifth place. In the end, the strategy didn't quite work out in our favor. But still, today the team's success is clearly the most important thing."