ROWE Racing so close to podium after strong Spa debut for the BMW M4 GT3

Around two hours and just a bit of luck were all that was missing from an otherwise perfect debut for the BMW M4 GT3 at the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps (BEL). Tyre damage to both ROWE Racing cars prevented a deserved podium finish after a superb, faultless performance. Making their Spa debut, the BMW Junior Team with Dan Harper (GBR), Max Hesse (GER) and Neil Verhagen (USA) chalked up an outstanding fifth place overall. In the #98 car, Nick Catsburg (NED), Augusto Farfus (BRA) and Nick Yelloly (GBR) battled for the lead for virtually the entire race before tyre damage put paid to their chances around 120 minutes before the finish.

The trio crossed the line in sixth place.

Starting from 15th and 20th on the grid, both ROWE Racing crews worked their way gradually forwards with some calm, consistent and error-free driving. Some smart tactical decisions with pit-stops during full course yellows, saw the #98 BMW M4 GT3 involved in the battle for the lead during the first quarter of the race and Catsburg, Farfus and Yelloly were able to maintain that position as the race progressed. The intermediate ranking after six hours and the standings at the halfway point of the race had the trio in the lead. The BMW Junior Team was in second spot after twelve hours. Around two hours before the finish, Yelloly was safe in second place and even moved within striking distance of the leading Mercedes, only to lose a significant amount of time and fall back due to tyre damage. Final driver Catsburg was unable to improve on sixth place. Harper, the final driver for the BMW Junior Team, crossed the finish line immediately ahead of him. Tyre damage had also cost him valuable seconds that robbed him of the chance to finish third. The BMW M4 GT3 nonetheless produced convincing speed and a high level of reliability. The drivers and teams also gave faultless performances.

In the Gold class, Walkenhorst Motorsport was in a good position for some time with the #34 BMW M4 GT3 and battled for a podium finish, however BMW M works driver Jens Klingmann (GER) and Michael Dinan, Robby Foley and Richard Heistand (all USA) then retired on Sunday morning.

The #35 BMW M4 GT3, driven by team principal Henry Walkenhorst, Jörg Breuer, Theo Oeverhaus (all GER) and Don Yount (USA), finished second in the Bronze category. Samantha Tan Racing marked its debut with ninth place in the Silver category for Samantha Tan, Nick Wittmer (both CAN), Harry Gottsacker (USA) and Maxime Oosten (NED).