TEAM WRT RETURNS TO THE FIA GT WORLD CUP PODIUM AT MACAU

TEAM WRT RETURNS TO THE FIA GT WORLD CUP PODIUM AT MACAU

17/11/2024

Macau, FIA GT World Cup 2024 – Team WRT adds a new FIA GT World Cup podium to its tally after a strong performance at the iconic Macau Grand Prix, securing a podium finish with Sheldon van der Linde. The team, which previously clinched the FIA GT World Cup title in 2016, and two runners-up finishes in 2015 and 2017, showcased its strength throughout the week with their two BMW M4 GT3s.

The 71st FIA GT World Cup, also known as the Macau Grand Prix, got off to a promising start with strong qualifying performances from Team WRT. Dries Vanthoor impressed by setting the second-fastest time, just 0.05 seconds shy of pole position, while Sheldon van der Linde secured a solid sixth place on the grid. These results set up a thrilling weekend ahead, with both drivers poised for a competitive showing in the main race.

The qualifying race on Saturday kicked off with a strong start from Dries Vanthoor, who initially took the lead after the first corner. However, he was overtaken by the end of the opening lap, ultimately finishing second. Sheldon van der Linde held his position and finished in sixth place, securing both their starting positions for the main race.

Heavy rain before the start of the main race, a 16-lap event, caused the first five laps to be run under the safety car due to a damp and treacherous track. The start itself was notably clean, with Dries and Sheldon maintaining their positions at the front. However, disaster struck for Vanthoor with just eight laps remaining while battling for victory, he fell victim to contact from Maro Engel, forcing him into the barriers and prematurely ending his race. Sheldon van der Linde put on a remarkable display of determination in wet conditions. Navigating the streets of Macau with precision, he fought his way to claim third place, adding another prestigious podium to his count.

Team WRT’s next and final race of the season will take place in Jeddah on November 30th, where the team will compete in the finale of the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe. WRT currently leads the fight for the Team and overall driver championship titles, aiming to conclude the season on a high note.

QUOTES:

Vincent VOSSE, Team WRT Team Principal: “When you come to such a race with winning expectations, it is always disappointing when it ends like this. Of course, having Sheldon on the podium is a well-deserved one for him, but it’s frustrating to see a car winning after making contact with our car and forcing it to retire. It’s not a nice feeling. But we had good performance in terms of pace and also a good qualifying race. But we came here to win, and we did not, so now we turn our attention to the next one."

Sheldon VAN DER LINDE, driver #31: “It is my first Macau podium. So obviously it is a very special feeling after last year where I was third and lost the podium in the last five laps with a puncture. So, it feels good even though it was a bit unexpected before the race. Starting in P6 you never really expect to move three positions forward in Macau. There was a lot of pressure from behind with two Porsches that were flying in the rain, and it was very difficult to keep them behind. But I knew that if I got a good exit out of Melco corner, they would not be able to attack. I am very proud to be here on the podium. It is a good reward for all the work we have done the last two years which hasn’t really been rewarded up until now."

Dries VANTHOOR, driver #32: “It was a very good Friday and Saturday. We finished the qualification race in second after even leading. But for today I am very disappointed. If you push another car off, you should not be able to win the race. For me it is a no-go what happened today… but it is what it is, it happened. We had good fun, showed that BMW is competitive and put up a good fight. But unfortunately, there are some things out of our control."