Munich. At the season finale of the Intercontinental GT
Challenge (IGTC), the Gulf 12 Hours on 10th December 2023, in Abu
Dhabi (UAE), BMW and the three BMW M works drivers, Philipp Eng
(AUT), Sheldon van der Linde (RSA), and Dries Vanthoor (BEL), are
vying for titles in the manufacturer and driver standings. Valentino
Rossi (ITA) will compete at the Yas Marina Circuit in the #46 BMW M4
GT3 of BMW M Team WRT for the first time.
In total, BMW M Team WRT is fielding two cars and six BMW M works
drivers. Eng and van der Linde are supported in their title pursuit by
Charles Weerts (BEL) in the #32 BMW M4 GT3. In the #46 BMW M4 GT3,
alongside Rossi and title contender Vanthoor, Nick Yelloly (GBR) will compete.
BMW is leading the manufacturer standings in the IGTC with 133 points
ahead of the final season race, but only holds a nine-point lead over
Mercedes. With victories at the Kyalami 9 Hour (RSA), the 24h
Spa-Francorchamps (BEL), and the Indianapolis 8 Hour (USA), BMW M
Motorsport teams have won three out of four IGTC season races. Only at
Bathurst (AUS) at the season opener did they miss the podium. In the
driver standings, Eng is currently in second place, trailing the
leader Jules Gounon (FRA, Mercedes) by eight points, following his
wins at Spa-Francorchamps and Indianapolis, as well as a second-place
finish at Kyalami. Van der Linde and Vanthoor, who won together with
Eng at Indianapolis a few weeks ago, are six points behind in third place.
Quotes ahead of the Gulf 12 Hours.
Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “It’s
fantastic to be able to compete for titles at the end of such a long
and eventful season. The Intercontinental GT Challenge 2023 has been
an incredible journey across five continents, delivering significant
victories at Kyalami, Indianapolis, and especially the season
highlight at Spa-Francorchamps. We can already say that our commitment
to this race series has been more than worthwhile. Thanks to our
winning teams WRT and ROWE Racing for their efforts, to our drivers
for their top performances, and to all our colleagues at BMW M
Motorsport. Now we want to crown the year in Abu Dhabi with titles in
the manufacturer and driver standings!”
Philipp Eng (#32 BMW M4 GT3): “I’m very excited to
enter the title fight in Abu Dhabi. The circuit is a lot of fun. It
has changed a bit since I was last there in 2013, but I believe it
should play to the strengths of our BMW M4 GT3. I have great teammates
and a fantastic team. Of course, the competition is strong, but our
chances are good.”
Valentino Rossi (#46 BMW M4 GT3): “Im a very happy to
return to the Yas Marina Circuit. I did this race once in the past
with a Ferrari and it was a great race, we finished third overall. I
enjoyed it a lot, the track is fantastic. This year, the level of the
race will be a lot higher with many fast cars and works drivers on the
grid. We will see how we will perform and I can’t wait to race the BMW
M4 GT3 at the Yas Marina Circuit. That will be a lot of fun.”
