NEWS // VICTORY FOR BMW @ THE NORDSCHLEIFE (W/VIDEO)

After returning to the classic endurance event that is the Nurburgring 24 Hours, BMW claimed a hard fought victory after the challenge from Audi evaporated. The M3 GT2 with drivers Jorg Muller, Augusto Farfus, Uwe Alzen and Pedro Lamy claimed victory after all Audi's front running R8's hit trouble.

The classic 24 Hour race around the "Green Hell" had seen Audi setting the pace for much of the day and night. However as the R8's began to drop out one by one with mechanical issues BMW began to sense victory. They left it late however, inheriting the lead from the Porsche of Bergmeister/Lietz/Holzer/Ragginger which retired on circuit with engine failure in the 23rd hour... [read more]



BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen said: “That was a fantastic return for us at the 24-hour race here on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. This win reminds me of the triumph in Le Mans in 1999. I have never known excitement like I experienced today. After some of our direct rivals fell by the wayside, our victory was also hanging by a thread. At about 12.00 the winning car developed a gearbox problem, resulting in the loss of one gear. Shortly after 13.00 other gears gradually gave up. It was a masterful performance how Jörg Müller and Uwe Alzen brought the car home in first place in this crucial phase. The tension was enormous for all of us, so the relief was all the greater when the car crossed the finish line. I must say a big thank you to every single member of the team. Everyone worked perfectly together. Thanks also to our loyal fans, who have taken us to their hearts after a five-year break and given us such great support.”



For Pedro Lamy this was his fifth victory at the iconic event, "That is definitely my best win here on the Nordschleife" said the Portuguese driver, "Each one of my five victories was special in its own way, but the way we won this one was particularly difficult. Maybe some of the other teams were missing the bit of luck that was needed here. However, as you can make your own luck, this entire team most definitely earned its victory. I am pleased for BMW, everyone in the team and, of course, for myself."

For complete final results click here

Editorial: Neil Tozer
Photo: BMW Motorsport