Practice and qualifying have shown that, though they do not have the single lap pace to match some of the other cars, the team have other strengths. Experienced drivers are one – Augusto Farfus and Jörg Müller share with Martin, with Werner joined by Markus Palttala and Lucas Luhr. Their knowledge will be key to avoiding trouble and keeping the car – and particularly the tyres – fresh in longer runs. The team has also shown focus in the face of the race’s challenges before, and have prepared for months for every eventuality. The strategy, too, has been analysed in depth and the race engineers will be ready for changes in weather or any other situation.
The race begins at 16:30 local time and is live on the official website; blancpain-endurance-series.com
Bas Leinders, Team Principal
“We’re ready for the race. The cars are in good shape, with good feeling, and we’ve not encountered any mechanical issues. The qualifying today perhaps showed more accurately the current nature of the playing field we’re on, but we know we have all the weapons in our arsenal to fight! We’d love to bring a great result back to Charleroi, for the Belgian fans, BMW Motorsport and most importantly for Marc van der Straten.”
Dirk Werner, BMW Z4 GT3 #77
“It’s not the result I was hoping for, and the time today was not what I was able to manage yesterday. So I’m slightly disappointed. We have to see why it wasn’t possible to improve, but for the race we’ve had great preparation and we’re in good shape. From P14, we have to stay out of trouble in the opening laps, because with more than 60 cars it will be exciting! We have to do a clean race, and see what we can achieve. I don’t think our hopes for the race have changed with this qualifying.”
Maxime Martin, BMW Z4 GT3 #66
“This is pretty much where we wanted to be. OK, it’s nothing special, but I think for a 24-hour race this won’t change a thing. It’s OK, the car is feeling good, and we have a fastest middle sector, which is all turning so that’s great. We just lack the straightline speed, as always. I think we have a good car for 24-hour, it’s safe and it’s got a good balance. I’m ready, we’re ready. Let’s go get a good result for our home fans!”