BMW works drivers Alessandro Zanardi (IT), Timo Glock (DE) and Bruno Spengler (CA) spent an important weekend at Le Castellet (FR): in preparation for the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps (BE), they contested their offset race together in the modified BMW Z4 GT3. On Sat they took part in the 6 Hours of Paul Ricard, which was the 3rd round of the 2022 Blancpain Endurance Series.

BMW Motorsport, ROAL Motorsport and the drivers used the opportunity to evaluate under racing weather the modifications made to the BMW Z4 GT3. Over the past months, the engineers at BMW Motorsport had adult numerous technical solutions that allow Zanardi, who had both legs amputated, to share the car with Glock and Spengler.

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All the modifications tested at Le Castellet worked well, and the engineers collected valuable information to further optimise the car over the next weeks. In addition, Zanardi, Glock and Spengler got acquainted with the procedures in endurance racing and practiced commuter changes. Unfortunately they had to retire later two thirds of the race. During a routine pit stop fluids were leaking from the automobile and BMW Motorsport and ROAL Motorsport decided not to go on in the race. With the important official 24h exam day at Spa-Francorchamps in only a few days, they did not want to risk avoidable harm to the car. The cause for the problem will now be investigated.

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"This weekend we saw an awful lot of positives in what nosotros accept learnt here," said Zanardi. "These include the competitiveness we displayed in gratis practice and the first part of qualifying, in some of the laps that we all put in throughout the the race and in learning a lot as a team, because we are a new team that has to work together and try to live this great run a risk which is the 24 hours of Spa. All the same, as a team we are running a automobile which does not have a lot of miles on information technology, and it is very normal that when yous run a new auto you lot accept this and that slice that needs to be adjusted. We are going home with some very skillful experiences. I am very much encouraged that we can make everybody at BMW proud with our performance in Spa."

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"Information technology was my first race weekend in the BMW Z4 GT3 and I enjoyed information technology very much," enthused Glock. "The car is great; it is easy and consistent to drive. In preparing for Spa-Francorchamps, this weekend was very of import for us. Nosotros accept learnt where we can still farther improve the car and how to optimise the driver changes. For sure nosotros would take liked to race into the nighttime, as neither Alex nor I have whatsoever experience of driving in the dark, just nosotros volition become this in the night practise at Spa-Francorchamps. The race weekend served as a examination for us and all went smoothly. Some other positive is the fact that all three drivers prefer the same set-up. That makes life much easier for the engineers. At present nosotros are fully focused on the exam day at Spa-Francorchamps, and then we will attempt to head to the 24-hr race as well prepared as possible."

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"It was very important for us to test hither in society to get the experience of a race weekend and to notice out how well the modifications work for us," explained Spengler. "I have to say that BMW Motorsport did the perfect chore. For example, it is not an easy task to optimise the seat and the seating position in a way that makes all three drivers happy. But this has been the case. I did a one-60 minutes stint without whatsoever issues. Already everything is working very well, so we only need to fine-tune some details. Nosotros would accept liked to race a chip longer in social club to collect even more feel, but at present nosotros will focus on the test in Spa-Francorchamps where the entire team will go on to work difficult preparing for the 24-hour race."

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BMW Sports Trophy Team Marc VDS flies the flag for BMW Motorsport on the podium. Markus Palttala (FI) and BMW works drivers Lucas Luhr (DE) and Maxime Martin (BE) finished third in their number 46 BMW Z4 GT3. The official 24h test mean solar day at Spa-Francorchamps will take place this Wed, 24th June. The 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps will be held on 25th and 26th July.