Marc VDS Bolster 24 Hours of Spa Attack With Reigning Victor

The Marc VDS Racing Team are pleased to announce that BMW Motorsport supported drivers Jörg Müller, Jens Klingmann and 2012 24 Hours of Spa winner Andrea Piccini will drive their #14 car at the Belgian classic. The full season BMW Z4 GT3 will retain their regular Blancpain Endurance Series line ups with Maxime Martin, Yelmer Buurman and Bas Leinders in #3 and Henri Moser, Nick Catsburg and Markus Palttala in #4.
It is a strong signal of intent from the Belgian squad, looking to take glory in their home event after impressing in 2012 and scoring a strong podium at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring in May. The team know Piccini well, as he was on that podium in Germany and has filled in for injury during the 2013 season. Müller and Klingmann are new to the team but both have strong pedigree.
After impressing at a young age, 23 year old Klingmann has been brought into the BMW Motorsport set up to continue his career while Müller has won the 24 Hours of Spa overall and in class, stood on the Le Mans 24 Hours podium, won the American Le Mans Series and taken countless other victories in an outstanding career. The German has been a BMW Motorsport driver for more than a decade.
Marc VDS are also pleased to bring new commercial partners to the race. Lease Plan celebrate their 50th year in 2013 and will mark the occasion in style by supporting the Marc VDS Racing Team at the 24 Hours of Spa. Their last and only victory in the race came with a remarkable team connection – Maxime Martin’s father, Jean-Michel, took the 24 Hours victory in a Lease Plan supported BMW M3 in 1987.
The team will also be saving their legs in the steep climbs of the Ardennes with help of Robstep. The innovative scooter design, which is perfect for the tight confines of Spa Francorchamps’ busy paddock, will not only be used by the Marc VDS crew but will also be available for purchase from the team during the event.
Michel Van Den Broeck, Managing Director, Lease Plan
“We are extremely happy to be with Marc VDS after eight years of absence from the 24 hour race. The team are a strong partner and we’d love to see them repeat the success Jean-Michel Martin achieved with the Lease Plan sponsored BMW M3 at this race in 1987. That would be a great way to celebrate our 50th anniversary!”
Jörg Müller, #14 BMW Z4 GT3
“I’m very happy. It’s a home race for Marc VDS, and I’m proud to represent them for the occasion. I’m really looking forward to the race. I think everyone tells the same story when they’re asked what the key to success at the 24 Hours of Spa will be – consistency. The most important thing in a 24 hour race is not to damage the car or get involved in any accidents and stay out of trouble. It’s going to be a very tough race, with so many cars that could win. But, if you run to the end cleanly, do a perfect job and avoid extra stops, then you should be somewhere in the first five. The problem is, the race is basically a sprint now. The biggest goal for me is to make no mistakes and have a clean race.”
Bas Leinders, Team Principal
“It’s fantastic to add a third car and to have a superb line up to join us at the 24 Hours of Spa. As everyone knows, this is the most important race of the year for the whole team and especially Marc van der Straten and we want to win the race – it’s that simple. Both Jörg and Andrea have experience of winning the 24 Hours of Spa, which will help too. The team have had to work a bit harder to prepare but we have a strong team and we’ve called on a few guys we’ve worked with before to make sure we’re in the best possible position for the race. I think the addition of new commercial sponsors is always good. The global awareness of the Marc VDS brand is on the up and that’s been shown with new friends and strong partnerships in place for the team for 2013 and beyond.”
More information and high-resolution images are available on the Marc VDS Racing Team website at www.marcvds.com.