Marc VDS Chasing Titles in Estoril

The Marc VDS Racing Team will take on their final GT race this weekend, at the Four Hours of Estoril. The race concludes the European Le Mans Series season, and Andy Priaulx, Jesse Krohn and Henry Hassid will aim for both drivers’ and teams’ title success in the #52 BMW Z4 GTE.

With a win and a poor performance for the leading car in the championship, both titles would go back to Belgium with Marc VDS. The track is technical, but with some medium- and fast-paced turns that will really suit the characteristics of the BMW Z4 GTE. There is also the strong possibility of rain during the course of the race weekend, which has historically been a good omen for both car and team.

Marc VDS entered this race last year, as a one-off in the GTC class, and emerged runaway winners, with bronze driver Hassid putting in a starring performance. A repeat of that drive, and of his fantastic run in Paul Ricard, could be the perfect base for an assault on the race win. Both Priaulx and Krohn have proved adept at putting in fast, consistent stints over the ELMS season.

The four-hour race begins at 13:00 local time on Sunday.

Sebastien Metz, Technical Director
“This is going to be a big challenge for everyone at the team. We need to put in the perfect performance to win this championship – for team and drivers. We can do it – the car will suit this track, the drivers are in great form and this is the best team on the grid. Let’s go out and prove it! I have great memories of Portugal from last year, and I’m sure we’ll make more this weekend.”

Andy Priaulx, BMW Z4 GTE #52
“I think this is going to be one of our stronger circuits. We are going there with a chance of winning the championship – it is a long shot but we have a chance so we are going to go a hundred per cent. It’s a shame this is the last race for Marc VDS. Hopefully the team can do what it has done all year – be brilliant in the pits, and brilliant on the engineering side. I think we can have a good strong package. In the last race in Paul Ricard Henry did an amazing job – he is probably one of the best bronze drivers out there, if not the best, and Jesse is very quick. We have a really good chance to at least give the Z4 a mega send off.”

Jesse Krohn, BMW Z4 GTE #52
“I’m really motivated. Racing with Marc VDS has been fantastic, they’re a great team, and I hope we can give them and the BMW Z4 GTE a fitting send-off. The track should suit the car, Henry and Andy have both been great this season – Henry was unbelievable at Paul Ricard! – and we will fight until the very end. We can do it.”