BMW Sports Trophy Team Marc VDS took victory in the first ever ADAC Qualifying Race 24H Nürburgring. DTM team mates Maxime Martin and Marco Wittmann were joined by Uwe Alzen to cross the line first in the #25 BMW Z4 GT3. Dirk Adorf, Nick Catsburg, Bas Leinders and Markus Palttala were fourth in #26. Having qualified outside the top ten, the race started in nervous fashion as the field funnelled to the narrow first turn. However, consistency in the pace of both cars saw them move up the field. The first hour was characterised by fantastic nose-to-tail fighting between the Marc VDS cars and their cousins from Team Schubert. The crowd was treated to four BMW Z4 GT3s battling closely on the Nordschleife.
The team benefitted from the balanced abilities of the driving teams in both cars. Where some teams lost time as less experienced pilots took over their steeds, the Marc VDS cars continued to progress.
The #25 climbed the timesheets and then was able to maintain its advantage despite a time penalty for a pitstop infringement. Uwe Alzen took the car across the line, taking the victory in his first race with the Marc VDS team.
However, as the #25 moved into the lead, the #26 was unlucky. Three punctures over the course of the race meant that they repeated their result from VLN1 with fourth place.
Bas Leinders, Team Principal
“We didn’t have the fastest car on track – you can see this from qualifying, where we were not even top ten – but I think we had the best team. We had very equal drivers in both cars, and that was our strength. Because all of the drivers are on the same level, we didn’t lose any time when others did. You only have to see Marc van der Straten’s face to see how pleased he is with the result – we all share that joy! I’m also really pleased to see our already strong relationship with BMW Motorsport continue to evolve.”
Dirk Adorf, #26 BMW Z4 GT3
“I think for BMW it’s important to see the cars are in good shape, and working reliably. We were unlucky to have all these punctures – they are why we were fourth, but sometimes this is the nature of the Nordschleife. It was a great job from Bas, Markus and Nicky, and the whole team. They did everything right. I’m really impressed with this team. In a really short time, I’ve felt right at home, like a part of this team.”
Uwe Alzen, #25 BMW Z4 GT3
“It was unbelievable… A great start for me with Marc VDS. All the guys are working so professionally – I’m really happy with the team. I look forward to the 24-hour race, because I think we’re well prepared from the team and the drivers’ side. Everything is moving in the right direction. We have to work very hard in the next few weeks, just to make sure we have a good package for the 24 Hours, because of course, this is the main target for us.”