Winning Feeling for Marc VDS at VLN3

BMW Sports Trophy Team Marc VDS took their second victory of the season at VLN3. Dirk Adorf and Nick Catsburg shared the #26 BMW Z4 GT3 and the top step of the podium. #25, with Jörg Müller, Maxime Martin and Marco Wittmann, was classified 12th despite not completing the final lap. Qualifying saw both cars suffer traffic and yellow flag woes. #26 was 12th, with #25 just behind it in 14th place on the grid. In the manner that has typified the team’s races in the VLN this season, both cars started cautiously and used their consistency to move up the field over the course of the race. With a 201 car entry, this was an approach that was always going to pay off – there was little room for error in traffic.

The team’s pit strategy made sure of place gains at each round of pitstops, and both cars took turns leading the race. With thirty minutes to go, #26 was in second place, but safe in the knowledge the leading car would stop. When it did so, Catsburg was able to complete the final lap without drama and win by 3.5 seconds.

For #25, the car was in podium contention throughout the race, but contact on the last lap meant the car had to stop, dropping the car to 12th in the classification.

Bas Leinders, Team Principal:

“It’s a fantastic result for everyone at the team. The #26 suffered a lot of bad luck in the past so it’s so nice to finally see it on the top step. Once more, I’m pleased to see our experience in endurance racing help us to success, and to bring home another trophy for Marc van der Straten. We didn’t have the fastest one lap speed but we had the consistency and the drivers managed the traffic perfectly. Of course it’s disappointing to see #25 lose out – we experienced both sides of the Nordschleife today.”

Maxime Martin, BMW Z4 GT3 #25:

“It’s obviously disappointing to not finish the race – but we still learned a huge amount a I’m very happy with the car. It’s good to drive and handling the traffic was not too bad, despite how many cars were on track. We’re still struggling with the straightline speed, but otherwise it’s OK. The 24 Hour race is the goal, and we’ve made progress every race – this one was no different in that respect.”

Dirk Adorf, BMW Z4 GT3 #26:

“I’m elated to win this race. I’m so proud of the team – they did a brilliant job. Nick, too, was amazing. He was quick Nick today! We kept a consistent pace the whole race, and that’s really pleasing, especially with the 24 Hour race in mind. I want to thank the whole team at Marc VDS, and BMW Motorsport as well. I’m enjoying the moment!”