Magny-Cours. The battle for the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe supported by AWS title intensified at the Sprint Cup's penultimate race weekend at Magny-Cours (France). BMW M Team WRT drivers Dries Vanthoor and Charles Weltz (both Belgium) took first and second place in the #32 BMW M4 GT3 to secure a narrow lead in the overall standings. The BMW M Motorsport team also achieved podium finishes in the Silver and Bronze classes. The Sprint Cup season finale takes place in Barcelona (Spain) from 11 to 13 October.
Vanthoor and Wertz made strong comebacks in both races. On Saturday they moved from sixth to second, which was turned into a win after the first-place Porsche was given a time penalty after the race, and on Sunday they moved from eighth to second. On both occasions they were closely fought with the #48 Mercedes driven by Lukas Auer (Austria) and Maro Engel (Germany). In the end, both pairs earned themselves a win and a second place, allowing Vanthoor and Wertz to maintain their two-point lead in the Sprint Cup Drivers' standings. The two teams are also tied equally close in the combined Sprint Cup and Endurance Cup standings.
BMW M works driver Dan Harper (GBR) took third place in the Bronze Cup in both races, along with Darren Leon (GBR) in the Century Motorsport #991 BMW M4 GT3. Harper had an especially impressive race on Saturday, starting from second place and fighting for the lead for long periods throughout his stint. Leon ultimately crossed the finish line first in class, but the pair were penalized 10 seconds after the race for Harper pushing his opponent into the gravel during a duel, dropping them to third place. Harper and Leon top the Bronze Cup drivers' standings, while Callan Williams (AUS) and Sam de Haan (GBR) take the lead in the Silver Cup. The Team WRT duo took fifth and third places in the Silver class at Magny-Cours in the #30 BMW M4 GT3.
Post-race comments:
Vincent Vosse, Team Head BMW M Team WRT: “I'm very happy with this weekend. We won and second place and gave it our all. The starts in particular were great in both races. Our pit stops were also very strong this time and we won the Pit Stop Challenge. What's more, we managed to get on the podium in the Silver Cup, which means we have fully accomplished our task at Magny-Cours.”
Dries Vanthoor (No. 32 BMW M4 GT3, BMW M Team WRT): “A win and second place. It's been a good weekend for us. Unfortunately, our title rivals also had a good weekend so we'll keep fighting until the final in Barcelona. It's going to be a very exciting race, but we'll do our best to defend our small lead there.”
Charles Welz (#32 BMW M4 GT3, BMW M Team WRT): “I'm very happy with this weekend's result. Of course, I would have liked to win on the track on Saturday, but in the end it's the points that matter. Thanks to the team, to BMW M Motorsport and to Dris for a great job! The #48 is relentless and tough to beat. We'll keep this form up for the final race in Barcelona. I'll be happy if we can do the same here and defend our two-point lead.”
Dan Harper (#991 BMW M4 GT3, Century Motorsport): “It was a great weekend. Thanks to Century Motorsport. Class pole position and second place overall in qualifying on Saturday were the highlights. Unfortunately, a time penalty for my collision cost me the class win, but to come third twice is a good result. Darren did a great job. The BMW M4 GT3 was in top form this weekend.”
