News

2014

BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert extremely unlucky after impressive qualifying

BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert produced a strong display on its final race weekend of the season, but was unable to convert a promising performance into good results. Dominik Baumann (AT) and Jens Klingmann (DE) were initially among the fastest in all the qualifying sessions at the final round of the Blancpain Sprint Series in Baku (AZ), but were then robbed of any chance of a good result by a penalty and a crash, which they could do nothing to avoid, on the opening lap of the qualifying race. 

Baumann and Klingmann came out on top in the first qualifying and were third fastest in the second session. Despite minor problems with the brakes in the third qualifying, they still managed to secure the sixth place on the grid for the qualifying race. Unfortunately they were subsequently penalised for a procedural error, for which they were relegated to the last row. 

In the race, the number 76 BMW Z4 GT3 was hit by a rival car which had spun out of control in turn four of the narrow street circuit. The Schubert car collided heavily with the wall. Although the team did manage to repair the severely damaged car in time for the main race, Baumann and Klingmann had to retire after nine laps. 

Stefan Wendl (Team Manager Schubert Motorsport): “Things were looking really good for us here until the end of qualifying. We were very quick and were counting on a good result. Unfortunately we, as a team, made a small mistake in qualifying, for which we were penalised by having all our times scratched. That was obviously a major blow, as it was clear that it would be very risky to try to come from the back of the field on such a narrow track. Just a few corners in we were involved in a big collision, which left the car virtually irreparable. Despite this, our team did a fantastic job to get the car up and running by the main race. I would like to say a big thank you to the ROAL Motorsport team, who helped us out with some spare parts. Unfortunately we discovered during the main race that the chassis was more seriously damaged than we had hoped, and had to retire from the race for safety reasons.”

Dominik Baumann (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 76): “It is a shame it ended that way, as we had the speed to be right up among the front-runners here. After our grid relegation, I tried to make up places as quickly as possible at the start of the qualifying race. That worked very well in the first corner too. However, I was then unable to avoid the car spinning in front of me. The damage to the car was pretty serious, but we wanted to at least try to line up for the main race. We managed that, thanks to the team’s hard work, but it soon became clear that there was no point in continuing for the entire race.” 

Jens Klingmann (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 76): “That is obviously a disappointing way to end what was actually a very promising weekend. It was my first time in Baku, and we coped well right from the first practice session. We could definitely have done really well, had we started the qualifying race from sixth place on the grid. When you see who ended up on the podium: we were on a par with those guys all weekend.”

BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert travel to Baku with Baumann and Klingmann

The final race weekend of the year is just around the corner for BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert. A new challenge awaits the team from Oschersleben (DE) at the season finale of the Blancpain Sprint Series in Baku (AZ). They have never raced a BMW Z4 GT3 on a street circuit before. 

In car number 76, Dominik Baumann (AT) and Jens Klingmann (DE) will rise to the challenge and are ready for the anticipated spectacle. Klingmann takes the place of Thomas Jäger (AT) in Baku, who completed his final race of the season at the Nürburgring (DE) last weekend, finishing on the podium in his class. He competed in the VLN season finale in a BMW M235i Racing and came third. Klingmann recently competed in the season finale of the ADAC GT Masters in Hockenheim (DE). 

The qualifying race in Baku gets underway at 06:15 am CET on Saturday. The main race on Sunday starts at 10:55 am CET. 

Stefan Wendl (Team Principal Schubert Motorsport): “It's the first time we will compete on a street circuit with a GT3 car. We need to get used to these new conditions as quickly as possible in the practice sessions. It's incredibly difficult to gauge the limit here since there isn't any room for even the slightest error between the crash barriers. This is why we aren't expecting much from the weekend, but we'll do our best and see what happens. We planned to swap Thomas Jäger for Jens Klingmann for this race a long time ago. Thomas had a great end to the season last weekend with his podium spot in the BMW M235i Racing Cup class of the VLN. Now he's going to take part in some testing for the 24 hours of Dubai in January.”

Impressive performance from BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert goes unrewarded in Zolder

BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert impressed again with another strong performance at the penultimate race weekend of the 2014 Blancpain Sprint Series in Zolder (BE). However, their good work went unrewarded on Sunday, as the main race came to a premature end after just one corner for drivers Thomas Jäger (AT) and Dominik Baumann (AT). 

Right from the outset the team from Oschersleben’s (DE) BMW Z4 GT3 was among the fastest cars in the field. Jäger and Baumann qualified sixth for the qualifying race on Saturday morning. They then started Saturday afternoon’s qualifying race from the same position. Baumann was behind the wheel for the first half of the race and handed the car over to Jäger in fifth place. However, a number of cars were relegated positions for completing their mandatory pit stops during a safety car period. BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert dropped back down the field, but Jäger was able to fight back into eighth. This made the Schubert BMW Z4 GT3 the best-placed BMW. 

The team started Sunday’s main race from a promising eighth on the grid. However, after a rolling start, their race came to an abrupt end in the chaos in turn one. Jäger was hit by another car, and it was game over for the number 76 BMW Z4 GT3. The season finale of the 2014 Blancpain Sprint Series will be held on 1st and 2nd November in Baku (AZ). 

Stefan Wendl (Team Manager Schubert Motorsport): “As far as the performance is concerned, we actually made a better start to the weekend than I expected. The set-up we had simulated in the run-up to the event worked superbly from the word go. That allowed us to focus on details, which in turn led to us being the best-placed BMW in qualifying and the qualifying race. We could have done even better, had we not lost places for stopping during the safety car period. However, that is racing for you. Unfortunately we were very unlucky in the main race today. It was a great shame that we were hit and our race was over. The car was not all that badly damaged, but the performance would no longer have been there, so it made no sense to continue.” 

Dominik Baumann (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 76): “We did a good job. We had a fast car, and showed in qualifying what we are capable of. We progressed to the third and final qualifying session for the first time, and finished up sixth. I was really happy with my stint in the qualifying race. Unfortunately we lost a few positions in the pits thanks to the safety car period. On the whole, however, we were happy with eighth place on the grid for the main race. Unfortunately that came to a premature end in turn one. It is a shame, as we could have been up there with the front-runners. That is life though. It was a racing incident.” 

Thomas Jäger (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 76): “The weekend actually started well. We were very competitive in qualifying and were right up there. We started the qualifying race from sixth on the grid, and Dominik immediately found himself back in the leading group. Everyone came into the pits during the safety car period, and it was obviously a bit chaotic. Unfortunately we lost a few places, but eighth place was actually a good starting position for the main race. It could have worked out really well for us, but unfortunately our race was over in turn one. We will now concentrate on ending the season with a good result in Baku.”

BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert on the charge again in Zolder

Now that the ADAC GT Masters season is over, BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert can turn its full attention to the final two race weekends in the Blancpain Sprint Series. The challenge to be overcome this weekend is Zolder (BE). BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert made its last appearance at the iconic Belgian circuit in 2010. Back then, Edward Sandström (SE) and Patrick Söderlund (SE) were victorious in the BMW Z4 GT3. 

This year, Dominik Baumann (AT) and Thomas Jäger (AT) compete in the number 76 car. Having missed out on the points last time out in Portimão (PT), the Austrian duo is looking to return to the kind of form that yielded such impressive results in its first two outings in the Blancpain Sprint Series. Baumann and Jäger finished runners-up in Zandvoort (NL) and went one better at the Slovakia Ring (SK), where they won the main race. 

The qualifying race in Zolder begins at 14:15 on Saturday, while Sunday’s main race gets underway at 13:45. 

Stefan Wendl (Team Manager Schubert Motorsport): “We obviously have fond memories of Zolder, thanks to our victory there in 2010. However, we raced in completely different circumstances back then. The series has developed dramatically since then, and the field is now far stronger than it used to be. Time constraints mean we have not been able to test at the circuit in the run-up to the race, so we will have to take full advantage of the practice sessions. Our goal is to finish on the podium in every race. However, we will also need a little good fortune to achieve that this time, as we will have to find the right set-up for the BMW Z4 GT3 quickly.”

Schubert Motorsport Teammanager Stefan Wendl blickt auf die Saison zurück

ADAC GT Masters, 24h Nürburgring, 24h Dubai, VLN: Hinter dem Team Schubert liegt eine abwechslungs- und erfolgreiche Motorsport-Saison. Vor allem im ADAC GT Masters konnte das „PIXUM Team Schubert“ powered by Jochen Schweizer mit drei Siegen, neun Podestplätzen und dem dritten Platz in der Teamwertung die eigenen Erwartungen erfüllen. Bei den Langstreckenklassikern hatte Schubert Motorsport allerdings Pech.

Im Interview blickt Teammanager Stefan Wendl auf die Saison 2013 zurück und gibt einen ersten Vorgeschmack auf das Programm für das kommende Jahr.

Herr Wendl, wo würden Sie die Saison von Schubert Motorsport auf einer Skala von 1 (sehr schlecht) bis 10 (sehr gut) einordnen?
Stefan Wendl: „Ich würde ihr insgesamt eine 7 geben. Allerdings lässt sich die Saison 2013 aus unserer Sicht zweiteilen. Unser Jahr im ADAC GT Masters hat sicher eine 8 oder 9 verdient. Dort haben wir einen super Job gemacht und uns in unserer zweiten Saison sehr gut etabliert. Wir hatten zwei BMW Z4 GT3 am Start und konnten dank unserer starken Sponsoren viel mehr testen als im Vorjahr. Das hat uns in die Situation gebracht, dass wir bis zum letzten Rennen in der Teamwertung an der Spitze lagen. Leider hat es dann ganz knapp nicht zum Titelgewinn gereicht, aber im Nachhinein sind wir auch auf den dritten Platz stolz. Wir hatten eine sehr gute Saison, der leider das i-Tüpfelchen eines Titelgewinns gefehlt hat.“

Auf der Langstrecke lief es nicht ganz so gut…
Wendl: „Deshalb würde ich ihr auch nur eine 3 geben. Obwohl wir über das Jahr hinweg häufiger im ADAC GT Masters unterwegs waren, waren die 24 Stunden auf dem Nürburgring und in Dubai sehr wichtige Rennen für uns. Vor allem auf der Nordschleife zum zweiten Mal in Folge als von BMW werksunterstütztes Team an den Start gehen zu dürfen, war eine große Ehre für uns. Umso größer fiel unsere Enttäuschung darüber aus, dass wir es aufgrund eines Unfalls und technischer Probleme bei beiden Langstreckenrennen nicht geschafft haben, auf das Podium zu kommen. Eigentlich war es immer eine Stärke unseres Teams, geringe Ausfallquoten zu haben. Wir hoffen, 2014 wieder zu dieser alten Stärke zurückzufinden.“

Wie zufrieden sind Sie generell mit der Zusammenarbeit mit BMW Motorsport?
Wendl: „Wir arbeiten nun schon seit vielen Jahren sehr gut zusammen und sind stolz darauf, zum zweiten Mal in Folge Werksunterstützung bei den 24 Stunden auf dem Nürburgring bekommen zu haben. Wir haben gemeinsam hart gekämpft, hatten aber in dieser Saison leider nicht das nötige Quäntchen Glück. Die enge Partnerschaft mit BMW bedeutet uns sehr viel.“

Wie waren Sie mit Ihren Fahrern im ADAC GT Masters zufrieden?
Wendl: „Wir hatten zwei sehr positive Überraschungen im Team. Das waren unsere beiden Rookies Max Sandritter und Dominik Baumann. Dass Dominik stark sein würde, konnten wir nach seinem Gewinn des EM-Titels schon ein wenig erwarten. Dass er aber so stark sein würde, hat uns dann doch erstaunt. Die Leistung von Max, der als Nobody zu uns kam, muss man besonders hervorheben. Er ist von unseren erfahrenen Leuten im Team, vor allem auch von Claudia Hürtgen und Jörg Müller, Schritt für Schritt nach vorn gebracht worden und hat alles, was wir ihm beigebracht haben, glänzend umgesetzt. Das hat man dann auch an den Ergebnissen gesehen. Sein Sieg auf dem Sachsenring und die beiden weiteren Podiumsplätze hat er aus eigener Kraft herausgefahren. Ihm ist nichts geschenkt worden. Claudia hat gemeinsam mit Dominik ein sehr gutes Team gebildet und extrem viel für das Set-up des Fahrzeugs getan. Sie ist eine echte Konstante bei uns im Team. Jörg war leider durch seinen Unfall in Spa gehandicapt. Eine Zeit lang körperlich, aber später vor allem dadurch, dass ihm im Vergleich zu seinen Teamkollegen viele Testkilometer gefehlt haben. Er konnte sein Potenzial sicher nicht vollständig zeigen, hat sich aber mit seiner Erfahrung sehr gut ins Team eingebracht.“

Wie groß ist der Anteil des Teams am Erfolg während der Saison?
Wendl: „Unglaublich groß. Der Einsatz, die Moral – alles hat gestimmt. Wir haben kein einziges Rennen wegen eines Fehlers im Team verloren, obwohl wir gerade zu Saisonbeginn unglaublich hart gearbeitet haben. Die Jungs haben voll mitgezogen, und wir hatten immer eine gute Stimmung im Team. Dafür meinen herzlichen Dank!“

Wie sehen die Planungen für die Saison 2014 aus?
Wendl: „Unsere Pläne haben sich im Vergleich zur abgelaufenen Saison nicht verändert. Wir haben vor, wieder zwei BMW Z4 GT3 im ADAC GT Masters einzusetzen. Auch bei den 24 Stunden von Dubai werden wir wieder als Saudi Falcons Team Schubert mit zwei BMW Z4 GT3 starten. Mit dem BMW 320d möchten wir außerdem unseren Klassensieg aus dem Vorjahr verteidigen. Unser weiteres Rennprogramm werden wir bekanntgeben, wenn alle Details feststehen. Sicher ist aber schon jetzt: Wir freuen uns auf eine erneut spannende und hoffentlich erfolgreiche Saison 2014.“

“PIXUM Team Schubert” in the points at season finale in Hockenheim

One fourth and two sixth places: it was with these results that “PIXUM Team Schubert” powered by Jochen Schweizer ended the ADAC GT Masters season at the Hockenheimring (DE). Jens Klingmann (DE) and Max Sandritter (DE) finished fourth in Saturday’s race at the wheel of the number 20 BMW Z4 GT3, while Dominik Baumann (AT) and Claudia Hürtgen (DE) came home sixth in both races. With ten minutes remaining of Sunday’s race, it looked as if they may actually end the season with a podium, until two late safety phases resulted in the number 19 BMW Z4 GT3 dropping from second to sixth. The number 20 car finished 17th on Sunday after a difficult race. 

The title race in the Team competition went right down to the final laps of Sunday’s race, and “PIXUM Team Schubert” powered by Jochen Schweizer was still in with a shout for much of the race. The team from Oschersleben (DE) ultimately finished third overall with 215 points. In the Drivers’ Championship, Baumann, who celebrated his 22nd birthday on Sunday, and Hürtgen ended the season in fourth place with 175 points, while Klingmann and Sandritter were ninth. 

Stefan Wendl (Team Manager Schubert Motorsport): “That is an extremely disappointing end to the season, although we actually performed well. The way we were dealt with at the restarts after the safety car phases was, in my opinion, out of order. Some of our rivals clearly crossed the line during the skirmishes. In terms of performance, I am very happy with our team. Second place in Sunday’s race would have been a nice way to end the season with our heads held high.” 

Claudia Hürtgen (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 19): “I am very disappointed with the outcome of Sunday’s race. It was frustrating that the safety car came out at all for the first phase. I had to swerve onto the grass when the Corvette spun, and picked up a lot of grass in the process. That resulted in the water temperature in the engine rising quickly, which obviously disadvantaged me at the restart. On top of that, my opponents also dealt with me rather roughly. A podium would have been a nice way to end the season. I also feel very sorry for the team, that we were not able to win the Team competition. They would have deserved that title.” 

Jens Klingmann (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 20): “Saturday’s race was very positive for us. Max got off to a super start, which allowed us to climb into fourth. This track does not particularly suit the BMW Z4 GT3, so it was always going to be hard to do any better. Unfortunately I was spun by an Audi on Sunday. That caused strong vibrations in the car, which ultimately led to the second spin and probably the puncture too. Despite this we still managed to finish the race. We owed that to the fans. It is a shame that we just missed out on the Team title. We tried our hardest, but unfortunately it just wasn’t to be.”

“PIXUM Team Schubert” relaxed ahead of season finale in Hockenheim

While “PIXUM Team Schubert” powered by Jochen Schweizer still has a mathematical chance of winning the title going into the season finale of the ADAC GT Masters at Hockenheim (DE), the team from Oschersleben (DE) is not master of its own sporting destiny in either the drivers' standings or the team standings. 

In the drivers' standings Dominik Baumann (AT) and Claudia Hürtgen (DE) are in third place, 46 points off the top. To win the title, they would need to win both races and hope that their rivals don't finish. In the team standings “PIXUM Team Schubert” powered by Jochen Schweizer is in second place, 18 points behind the leading Audi team. 

Given the situation in the championship, the drivers and team management are focusing on finishing the season successfully. This will be helped by the 15 kilograms of extra weight, that has been slowing down the two BMW Z4 GT3s since the race weekend at the Slovakia Ring (SK) as part of adjusting the Balance of Performance, being removed from both vehicles. The two races in Hockenheim both start at 12:00 local time on Saturday and Sunday. 

Stefan Wendl (Team Principal Schubert Motorsport): “We're pleased that we can contest the two races in Hockenheim without the 15 kilograms of extra weight. Unfortunately it looks like those in charge realised that it was a mistake to change the Balance of Performance after the races at the Slovakia Ring too late for us in the battle for the championship. At least we now have a better chance of finishing our season with a good result. Since we can no longer win the championship by ourselves, we'll just do our best and see what happens.” 

Dominik Baumann (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 19): “Our chances of winning a title are minimal. That's why I'm pretty relaxed going into the race weekend. As far as teamwork, performance and consistency are concerned, we've had a good season overall, which we can be pleased with. It's important to recognise that those who win the title in Hockenheim have deserved it. My aim is to get another two good results.” 

Max Sandritter (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 20): “We don't do giving up, even when we have to be realistic and see that our chances of winning the team standings are very low. However, since we have now offloaded the 15 kilograms of additional weight, I think that we will be able to get another two top ten results in Hockenheim, even if the track doesn't really suit our vehicle. We will definitely give it our all as usual.”

Podium for “PIXUM Team Schubert” at the Sachsenring

The penultimate race weekend of the ADAC GT Masters season ended with a third place on Saturday, followed by fifth and sixth in Sunday’s race at the Sachsenring (DE) for “PIXUM Team Schubert” powered by Jochen Schweizer. 

Dominik Baumann (AT) and Claudia Hürtgen (DE) started from sixth on Saturday in their BMW Z4 GT3, and climbed into a podium position thanks to a very good strategy and a flawless drive. On Sunday, the same duo started from ninth and, despite problems during the pit stop and a spin, which was through no fault of their own, still managed to come home sixth. 

Jens Klingmann (DE) and Max Sandritter (DE) finished just in front of them in fifth place on Sunday. They were running third until shortly before the finish, but dropped two positions when it started to rain and the track became extremely slippery. The number 20 BMW Z4 GT3 retired from Saturday’s race with a puncture. Victory in both races went to Audi drivers René Rast (DE) and Kelvin van der Linde (ZA), who lead the championship. 

Although “PIXUM Team Schubert” powered by Jochen Schweizer did not enjoy quite the same degree of success as it did last year at the Sachsenring, when it finished one-two on Sunday, it goes into the season finale in Hockenheim (DE) with at least a mathematical chance of winning the title in both the Drivers’ and Team competitions. 

Stefan Wendl (Team Manager Schubert Motorsport): “Unfortunately it panned out exactly as we feared. The Audis were head and shoulders above everyone else here. They obviously did a very good job and adapted their car very well to this circuit, but they obviously also remain far better classified by the Balance of Performance than we are. Our team did an absolutely perfect job when it comes to the car set-up and strategy. We improved greatly on our start positions in both races. However, there was no competing with Audi. Despite this, we will not change our approach for Hockenheim. As long as we still have a mathematical chance in the title race, we will definitely not be giving in. Unfortunately, however, it is no longer in our own hands.” 

Dominik Baumann (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 19): “That was a difficult weekend for us. On Saturday we drove one of the best races of the season, primarily thanks to our outstanding strategy. We simply could not do better than third place. We were running well on Sunday, and could possibly have challenged for a podium again, had we not lost a bit of time during the pit stop. The two wins for our direct rivals this weekend were obviously a set-back in the title race. However, we will still be firing on all cylinders again in Hockenheim.” 

Max Sandritter (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 20): “I am not happy with the weekend. Not due to my retirement on Saturday, however. That kind of contact can always happen at the start. And not because of the place we lost during the closing stages on Sunday, as I was simply unable to hold off the Porsches on the wet track. What annoys me the most is that the 15 kilograms of additional weight, which we still have on board the car, meant we had no chance in terms of speed. If we cannot compete at the very front of the field at a circuit that is actually superbly suited to the BMW Z4 GT3, then I believe that there must be something wrong with the Balance of Performance.”

“PIXUM Team Schubert” to go on full attack at the Sachsenring

The penultimate race weekend in the ADAC GT Masters season at the Sachsenring (DE) is crucial for “PIXUM Team Schubert” powered by Jochen Schweizer. The team from Oschersleben (DE) is eager to follow on from the successes it had there last season and in doing so secure a good starting position for the title fight at the season finale in Hockenheim (DE). 

In 2013, the team achieved a one-two in the second race at the Sachsenring. Jens Klingmann (DE) – back then a guest starter for the injured Jörg Müller (DE) – and Max Sandritter (DE) were victorious, beating Dominik Baumann (AT) and Claudia Hürtgen (DE). This time, in terms of the prospect of winning the title in the drivers' championship, the aim is to pick up as many points as possible in the car number 19 BMW Z4 GT3. Baumann and Hürtgen are third in the overall standings with 136 points, and are 19 points off the top. In the team standings, “PIXUM Team Schubert” powered by Jochen Schweizer has a narrow lead with 168 points. The two races at the Sachsenring on Saturday and Sunday both start at 12:00 pm CEST. 

Stefan Wendl (Team Principal Schubert Motorsport): “Our motto for this weekend is full attack. If we want to be in with a chance of winning the title in the drivers' championship, we need to get as much out of Dominik and Claudia's vehicle as possible. In terms of the team standings, it will also be important for our number 20 car to be up near the front. The track should suit our vehicle, but, as a result of the Balance of Performance, which means we will have 15 kilos of extra weight, I don't think we will be the clear favourites. The winding track also suits the Audi down to a T.” 

Claudia Hürtgen (BMW Z4 GT3, number 19): “It's crucial for us to come to terms with the disappointment at the Nürburgring and go on full attack – without any lapse in concentration. From my perspective it would be a mistake to draw too many conclusions from our strong results last year. We've already seen that the balance of power can shift on the individual tracks a few times this year. We will definitely give it our all and see if that's enough to finish at the top.” 

Jens Klingmann (BMW Z4 GT3, number 20): “Naturally I enjoy looking back on my guest start last year, which was extremely successful with a win and a third place. I'm really looking forward to returning to the Sachsenring and am extremely excited about the race. My aim is to repeat last year's victory. We'll have to wait until after qualifying to see whether that's possible.”

No podium for BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert for first time

After two dream race weekends to kick off its involvement in the Blancpain Sprint Series, BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert failed to come away from the third round in Portimão (PT) with a top result for the first time. Dominik Baumann (AT) and Thomas Jäger (AT) finished 13th in both the qualifying race on Saturday and Sunday’s main race. 

On Saturday, the team was denied a far better result by an unfortunate spin while battling for position on the final lap of the race. Sunday’s race was compromised early on when the team suffered a puncture resulting from a collision after the start of the race. The subsequent pit stop cost Jäger and Baumann about a minute and, despite fighting back strongly, they were unable to climb back into the top ten. 

Stefan Wendl (Team Manager, Schubert Motorsport): “We knew that the weekend would come when we would not be stood on the podium for the first time. It came about this weekend because we did not get everything spot on. Above all, we are still too slow in qualifying. We must work on that, as it is important to start the race from a better position. A spin like the one Thomas suffered on Saturday is the sort of thing that can happen when battling for position. I do not blame him for that. We found ourselves well down the field on Sunday, but showed very good basic pace during our comeback. Our pit stops are getting faster and faster too. All this makes me optimistic about the coming race in Zolder.” 

Dominik Baumann: “The car was very good and I was able to lap quickly. However, we were simply too far back in Sunday’s race. Despite this, we gained valuable experience this weekend with regard to the set-up of the car, and this will hopefully help us to improve next time out.” 

Thomas Jäger: “I am obviously disappointed that things did not work out this time, after a win and a second place in the previous two races. It did not go to plan on Saturday or Sunday. However, even with perfect performances it would have been difficult to finish on the podium at this circuit, given the additional weight we were carrying after the win at the Slovakia Ring. We must now move on from this weekend and ensure that we do better next time.”

BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert faces new challenge

After a perfect start to the Blancpain Sprint Series, with second place in Zandvoort (NL) and the win at the Slovakia Ring (SK), BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert travels to the next race in Portimão (PT) full of optimism, but also with great respect. The circuit on the Algarve represents another completely new challenge for the team from Oschersleben (DE). The last time Schubert Motorsport lined up there with the BMW Z4 GT3 was in 2011, when the team claimed a one-two in the first of two races in the FIA GT3 European Championship. 

About three and a half years later, Dominik Baumann (AT) and Thomas Jäger (AT) return with the number 76 BMW Z4 GT3. While Baumann is already familiar with the circuit, Portimão is new territory for Jäger. The qualifying race gets underway at 13:45 local time (14:45 CET) this Saturday. The main race then starts at 14:45 local time (15:45 CET) on Sunday. 

Stefan Wendl (Team Manager Schubert Motorsport): “We did not expect such a dream start to our involvement in the Blancpain Sprint Series. The first two races went fantastically well for us, but we cannot now assume that things will automatically continue this way. After all, this is not a playground, but an ultra-professional racing series, in which the opposition is very strong. We may have very fond memories of Portimão, but that was a long time ago. As far as the set-up of the car is concerned, we must start virtually from scratch. That is a major difference to the previous circuits, at which we had raced relatively recently. It means, unlike on previous race weekends, we will have to take full advantage of all the practice time to work on the set-up of the BMW Z4 GT3, and cannot afford to use that time for fine-tuning and working out how best to use the Pirelli tyres, which are new to us. As such, it will be difficult to finish at the very front of the field again. I would be satisfied if we were to be in contention for a place on the podium.” 

Dominik Baumann: “I’ve already raced on this track in 2011. It’s a lot of fun to drive there. We are getting to know the Pirelli tyres better and better, and have had two good races so far. Now we have to improve in qualifying. I’m looking forward to the weekend.” 

Thomas Jäger: “The track is completely new to me. However, I have familiarised myself with the layout and am sure I will have enough time during the practice sessions to learn all the details. As far as the set-up of the car is concerned, I still benefit very much from the experience of the team and my team-mate Dominik. We’ve had a good run so far, so we travel to Portimão in a really good mood.”

“PIXUM Team Schubert” picks up points on a difficult weekend at the Nürburgring

“PIXUM Team Schubert” powered by Jochen Schweizer experienced a difficult sixth race weekend in the ADAC GT Masters at the Nürburgring (DE). In changeable weather conditions the team from Oschersleben (DE) had one vehicle finish in the points in each of the two races. On Saturday Dominik Baumann (AT) and Claudia Hürtgen (DE) caught up well, despite 15 kilos of additional weight due to a Balance of Performance (BOP) adjustment and 10 kilos of extra weight due to success. The number 19 BMW Z4 GT3 started in 14th and crossed the finish line in ninth. Jens Klingmann (DE) and Max Sandritter (DE) started the race in 24th after an accident in the free practice session and also worked their way up the field. However they didn't pick up any points for 12th. 

The second race on Sunday went much better for Klingmann and Sandritter. They finished fifth in extremely difficult weather conditions and made sure that “PIXUM Team Schubert” powered by Jochen Schweizer was narrowly able to retain its lead in the team standings with 168 points. Baumann and Hürtgen were unlucky in the race on Sunday and didn't pick up any points, finishing in 15th. In the drivers' standings they are in third place, 19 points off the top. 

Stefan Wendl (Team Principal Schubert Motorsport): “After our new classification in the BOP we knew before the race that we would find it difficult here. Unfortunately this was confirmed. It proved that we weren't bluffing when we complained about the BOP, rather that we weren't able to compensate for the additional weight on this track. It was a fantastic achievement that Jens and Max managed to finish fifth in the second race despite this. Overall the weather undoubtedly helped us a little bit too. Unfortunately, after starting well in the second race, Dominik was spun round by a rival and dropped way down the field. This meant that he and Claudia came away with nothing and lost their lead in the drivers' standings. But at least we were able to defend first place in the team standings.” 

Dominik Baumann (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 19): “It's a shame that I was spun round right at the start of the race on Sunday. After that it was almost impossible to make it into the points since it is extremely difficult to overtake on this track. The ninth place on Saturday was ok, but overall we weren't ever really quick enough here. The car drove well, but the lap times just didn't follow suit.” 

Jens Klingmann (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 20): “I'm very pleased with the fifth place in the race on Sunday. My sixth place in qualifying was really good when you think that the car was only ready at the last minute after our accident in the free practice session. No doubt the rain helped me. I was even hoping for more of it on Sunday, then I might have been able to make it onto the podium. But at least we made sure that we kept the lead in the team standings. That's a good basis for the next race weekend at the Sachsenring.”

“PIXUM Team Schubert” arrives at the Nürburgring as championship leader

Following the successful ADAC GT Masters weekend at the Slovakia Ring (SK), “PIXUM Team Schubert” powered by Jochen Schweizer now heads to round six at the Nürburgring (DE) leading both the Drivers’ and Team Championships. 

After winning the race on Saturday and finishing third on Sunday in Slovakia, Dominik Baumann (AT) and Claudia Hürtgen (DE) now have 134 points to their name, putting them four points clear of their closest rival Jaap van Lagen (NL). Last year, Hürtgen and Baumann won one of the two races at the Nürburgring. This time, however, they will carry more than just the ten kilograms of additional weight as a result of their third place at the Slovakia Ring. A further 15 kilograms of ballast must be loaded on board their car as a result of an adjustment to the Balance of Performance (BOP). That makes an additional 25 kilograms of weight, which will have a clear negative influence on the performance of the BMW Z4 GT3. 

Jens Klingmann (DE) and Max Sandritter (DE), in the second BMW Z4 GT3, will also suffer the consequences of the adjustment to the BOP. Despite this, they still have their sights set on continuing the positive trend the entire Schubert team has enjoyed in recent weeks. “PIXUM Team Schubert” powered by Jochen Schweizer tops the Team standings with 154 points. The two races at the Nürburgring both get underway at 12:00 on Saturday and Sunday. 

Stefan Wendl (Team Manager Schubert Motorsport): “I am disappointed about the adjustment to the BOP. Over the course of the season, it has been clear to see that the success weight specified in the regulations already slows us down quite enough to ensure we are not in a position to win the following race. Therefore, I just cannot understand the decision to burden us with a further 15 kilograms on top of that. The good results we have enjoyed in recent weeks are in no way down to any technical advantage the car may have, but the hard work we have put in. We earned the good results thanks to partners like KW and meticulous work on the set-up of the cars. This kind of additional weight will undo all that hard work. However, we are on a good run at the moment as a team, and have fond memories of last year’s races here at the Nürburgring. We will once again work hard in the practice sessions, in order to make up for the disadvantage of the additional weight.” 

Claudia Hürtgen (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 19): “Firstly, I am pleased for the team that the last few weeks have produced the kind of success that they deserve for the work they put in over the course of the year. Despite our great weekend at the Slovakia Ring, the balance has shifted completely again. Given the new BOP, we can do nothing more than try to set the car up as well as possible, and to make the right decisions all the time.” 

Max Sandritter (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 20): “After the good results of recent weeks, I am absolutely determined to continue this run at the Nürburgring. Unfortunately Jens and I can no longer challenge for the title in the Drivers’ Championship, but we will do everything in our power to win a race this season. Furthermore, we obviously want to help the team and our team-mates as much as possible in the title race.”

BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert fights back to claim spectacular maiden win in the Blancpain Sprint Series

BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert produced a sensational fightback to win the main race in the Blancpain Sprint Series at the Slovakia Ring (SK). The team from Oschersleben (DE) was making its second appearance in the series. Dominik Baumann (AT) and Thomas Jäger (AT) finished second in the BMW Z4 GT3 to claim a place on the podium at the team’s debut in Zandvoort (NL) at the start of July. They have now gone one better with victory in a thrilling race. 

Their starting position was far from ideal. Baumann crashed out of Saturday’s qualifying race after spinning on an extremely wet track in pouring rain. Because of this, they had to start Sunday’s main race from 19th on the grid. However, this did not prevent Jäger and Baumann from setting their sights on victory. 

While several cars at the front of the field were forced to retire following a collision in turn one, Jäger immediately worked his way up into fifth place. Half an hour later he handed the BMW Z4 GT3 over to Baumann. The young Austrian did a great job of continuing the charge. He first climbed into second place, before gradually closing on leader Sergio Jimenez (BR) in a BMW Z4 GT3 run by BMW Sports Trophy Team Brazil. With just three minutes to go, Baumann pulled off the all-important overtaking manoeuvre: he passed Jimenez to put himself and the team on course for the win. He crossed the finish line 1.557 seconds ahead of Jimenez in second place. The next round of the Blancpain Sprint Series will take place in Portimão (PT) from 5th to 7th September. 

Stefan Wendl (Team Manager Schubert Motorsport): “This victory is something of a surprise, even to us. We could not have predicted a fightback like that in such a strong series as this. We were a little lucky at first to get through all the carnage at the start unscathed, but after that we showed our pure speed. That is what pleases me most. The one-two is also a fantastic result for BMW and shows just how good the BMW Z4 GT3 is.” 

Dominik Baumann (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 76): “It is hard to believe that we came through to win from 19th on the grid in one of the best GT series in the world. Everything came together for us in the race. We made up ten seconds on our rivals in the same car. I would never have thought that possible. This is a great day for the entire team.” 

Thomas Jäger (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 76): “The team just laughed at me yesterday when I said we could still finish on the podium. But I noticed on Friday that our car was the fastest in the field. Unfortunately we were unable to convert that pace in qualifying and the qualifying race, but our performance today was fantastic. We are all extremely happy with the outcome of this race.”

BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert returns to the Slovakia Ring

Schubert Motorsport is at the Slovakia Ring (SK) for the second time in two weeks. After their extremely successful appearance with “PIXUM Team Schubert” powered by Jochen Schweizer in the ADAC GT Masters, which finished with two pole positions, a one-two victory on Saturday and the lead in the drivers' and team standings, the BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert will be taking part in its second race weekend of the Blancpain Sprint Series this weekend. 

In the number 76 BMW Z4 GT3, Dominik Baumann (AT) and Thomas Jäger (AT) will go on the attack in the qualifying race on Saturday and the main race on Sunday. The duo celebrated a sensational debut with second place in the main race in Zandvoort (NL) when the team made its first appearance in the series. 

Stefan Wendl (Team Manager Schubert Motorsport): “The entire team is feeling positive on their return to the Slovakia Ring. We celebrated fantastic results here almost two weeks ago and are motivated to perform well once again this time. Dominik Baumann will also no doubt be able to benefit from his recent driving practice on this track. The vehicle might be the same as in the ADAC GT Masters, but we are pretty much back to the start with regards to the set-up. This is because Pirelli is a different tyre partner, and one which is relatively new to us. We will use the practice sessions to get more used to the tyres. Despite our good start we are basically still in the learning phase in this series that is new to us. But we know that the Slovakia Ring suits our BMW Z4 GT3 and are appropriately optimistic about the weekend.”

Hürtgen/Baumann and PIXUM Team Schubert take the lead in the ADAC GT Masters standings

After the one-two on Saturday, Pixum Team Schubert, powered by Jochen Schweizer, celebrated another podium position at the Slovakia Ring near Bratislava (SK) on Sunday. Claudia Hürtgen (DE) and Dominik Baumann (AT) finished in third place in their BMW Z4 GT3 at the tenth race of the ADAC GT Masters. This saw Hürtgen and Baumann, who won the race on Saturday, take the lead in the drivers’ standings. Their team-mates Jens Klingmann (DE) and Max Sandritter (DE) – second on Saturday – suffered a setback: After a difficult race they retired their BMW Z4 GT3 on the final lap. 

Klingmann started from pole position, directly followed by Baumann in second place. However, both BMW Z4 GT3s lost several positions at the rolling start. The two drivers from PIXUM Team Schubert, powered by Jochen Schweizer, made use of the ensuing laps to get back on track to try and reach the podium. Baumann worked his way back into the top 3, but Klingmann dropped back into tenth place after a drive-through penalty. 

Baumann handed the BMW Z4 GT3 over to Hürtgen in third place, and she drove the car across the finish line in this position after 27 race laps. Meanwhile, Sandritter, in the second BMW Z4 GT3, attempted to gain some ground. However, a longer safety-car period prevented a chase. The race was only restarted one lap before the finish. In the battle for positions, a competitor clipped the rear left of Sandritter’s BMW Z4 GT3, sending him spinning into the gravel.

With 134 points, Hürtgen and Baumann now head the drivers’ standings of the ADAC GT Masters, with a lead of four points. In the team standings, PIXUM Team Schubert, powered by Jochen Schweizer, has also moved into first place with 154 points. The next round of the ADAC GT Masters will be held at the Nürburgring (DE) from 29th to 31st August. 

Stefan Wendl (team manager Schubert Motorsport): “Naturally we have drawn some extremely positive conclusions. We are delighted we were able to pick up so many points for the team and drivers’ standings this weekend. The hard work that the team put in to prepare for the second half of the season has paid off, firstly with the race in the VLN and then with the day of testing on the Slovakia Ring. We had built up a slight advantage for ourselves, which we implemented perfectly in qualifying and in the first race. In the second race on Sunday it was evident the added weight, which we had to take on after the success on Saturday, made things a lot more difficult for us. But the point of these additional weights is to prevent dominance. Therefore we are really pleased the race went the way it did. It was a bit of a shame for Jens and Max, who initially dropped down the field as a result of the drive-through penalty and then had a spin at the end. However, overall they can also be more than pleased with their performance this weekend. They were the clear pace setters. I will, therefore, be building on this so that we will also have two strong races in the remaining events.” 

Claudia Hürtgen (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 19): “We went into the race weekend with the aim of picking up as many points as possible. It’s fantastic that it was enough to take the lead in the standings. However, there are still 150 points for the taking in the remaining races. We will keep fighting and Team Schubert has already planned the next two tests. We will have smiles on our faces in the cockpit and know that we will be as focussed in our preparations for the coming races as we were at the Slovakia Ring.” 

Jens Klingmann (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 20): “As expected the start was very difficult, since the straight on the Slovakia Ring is very long. Therefore we knew the more powerful cars behind us would go on the attack. But after that we were able to make our way back up the field. The drive-through penalty was unfortunate for me. You’re not allowed to improve your sector time when the yellow flags are out and I braked and took my foot off the gas. However, in the previous laps I was involved in some duels, which meant that I was slower in this sector and, as a result of that, I narrowly improved my sector time. I feel bad as we had an extremely good car and, based on our performance, we would definitely have been able to make it onto the podium. At the end, after the restart, we had a collision while the field was close together. However, I’m heading home with a good feeling. We secured a double pole and celebrated a one-two on Saturday. This is why I’m looking forward to the next round at the Nürburgring.”

BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert makes VLN history with lap record

The eight-minute barrier on the VLN version of the Nürburgring-Nordschleife (DE) has been broken. The man to crack the magic mark at the sixth round of the season was Jens Klingmann (DE) at the wheel of the BMW Z4 GT3 fielded by BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert. He tore through the “Green Hell” in a time of 7:59.045 minutes on lap two of the four-hour race to set the new lap record in the VLN Endurance Championship. Never before had a GT3 car completed this version of the circuit so quickly. 

Klingmann had already flirted with the eight-minute mark in qualifying and on the opening lap of the race, but came up just nine and three tenths of a second short. After making history in his first stint – the first of the race – Klingmann handed the car over to team-mates Max Sandritter (DE), Thomas Jäger (AT) and Dominik Baumann (AT). At the end of the race, the quartet crossed the finish line in second place. The race was Jäger’s first on the Nordschleife in a GT3 car. 

Stefan Wendl (Teammanager Schubert Motorsport): “Right from the outset, our goal was to break the eight-minute barrier. We worked towards this goal with Jens Klingmann and Dominik Baumann, who are both quick and experienced. It is nice and important for the team to have set this record. We were able to show what our total package is capable of, and that victory at the 24-hour race would certainly have been possible. I find it remarkable that the BMW Z4 GT3 had a full tank of fuel when Jens broke the record. Respect for that performance. The priority for our two younger drivers, Max Sandritter and Thomas Jäger, was to have fun and learn from the race. They did their job very well. Second place is a great result. On a weekend like this, it is not so tragic that we did not quite manage to get the win.” 

Jens Klingmann: “What a lap! I am proud to be the first to break this magical barrier. We knew we had the basic speed to go under eight minutes. However, you cannot plan to beat this record on such a long and demanding track as this. We saw this in my failed attempts in qualifying and on the opening lap of the race. Even the lap on which I broke the record was not absolutely perfect. I had to overtake a few cars right at the end. I had to take quite a few risks, but fortunately it all worked out very well. After the bad luck we suffered at the 24-hour race, this is a very nice reward for our team.”

One-two at the Slovakia Ring: dream result for PIXUM Team Schubert

“PIXUM Team Schubert” powered by Jochen Schweizer finished first and second in the ninth race of the ADAC GT Masters at the Slovakia Ring, near Bratislava (SK): Claudia Hürtgen (DE) and Dominik Baumann (AT) overcame temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius to clinch victory, just 0.637 seconds ahead of the second BMW Z4 GT3, driven by Max Sandritter (DE) and Jens Klingmann (DE). 

A late safety car phase just 20 minutes before the end of the race set up a thrilling climax. Despite the heat, Baumann kept his cool at the re-start and held on for victory. The one-two represents a perfect start for the drivers from “PIXUM Team Schubert” powered by Jochen Schweizer after the long summer break in the ADAC GT Masters. 

While Sandritter claimed pole position for Saturday’s race in qualifying on Friday, Klingmann will start from the front of the grid on Sunday – followed in second place by Baumann/Hürtgen. Going into the race from these promising positions, “PIXUM Team Schubert” definitely has its sights set on another good result tomorrow. 

Stefan Wendl (Team Manager Schubert Motorsport): “It just doesn’t get any better than this. We knew that the Slovakia Ring was the kind of circuit that would really suit us. However, it is still surprising just how well things are working out. You cannot plan for this kind of thing. However, what you can do in motor racing is prepare meticulously for an event – and that is definitely what we did in the run-up to this ADAC GT Masters weekend. We could not take full advantage of the test day on Thursday, meaning we were not perfectly prepared going into qualifying. Given that, things went very well, with pole positions for both races. The first race ran extremely smoothly. Every one of our drivers produced very impressive performances. On top of that came our strategy, which worked perfectly. It was clear to us that we would struggle to overtake the Corvettes on the track, so we changed our tactics and pulled both cars into the pits early. It paid off, and we led the race with both cars again after the stops. In the end, the safety car phase made life exciting again, but Dominik and Jens were able to coolly complete the one-two. I am particularly proud to be Team Manager of this team today.”

Stormy debut: second place on first outing in Blancpain Sprint Series

BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert enjoyed a more than successful start to life in the Blancpain Sprint Series. The team from Oschersleben (DE) competed with a BMW Z4 GT3 for the first time on the third race weekend in Zandvoort (NL). In Sunday’s main race, Dominik Baumann (AT) and Thomas Jäger (AT) made it onto the podium at the first attempt: in a spectacular race in fluctuating weather conditions, the duo crossed the finish line in second place. 

Following the Nürburgring 24 Hours (DE), Schubert Motorsport decided to expand its programme for 2014 and contest the remaining races in the Blancpain Sprint Series, as well as the second half of the ADAC GT Masters. Stefan Wendl’s (DE) team made its first appearance in the series at the iconic “Circuit Park” (NL) on the North Sea coast. 

Baumann and Jäger attracted attention for the first time in Saturday’s qualifying race, which took place in difficult weather conditions. Starting from 12th, they launched an impressive fightback. After 20 minutes, the onset of rain made the race a real challenge for drivers and teams alike. However, Baumann and Jäger mastered the task superbly and came home fifth in the number 76 BMW Z4 GT3 after two safety car periods. 

Sunday’s main race was no less dramatic. A crash in turn one resulted in the safety car taking to the track. A few laps after the restart, Jäger pulled off a courageous overtaking manoeuvre to move into fourth place. He then came into the pits at the halfway point of the race. Baumann took over at the wheel of the number 76 BMW Z4 GT3 and made up another position in the pit lane. Baumann then profited from a spin by the car in front of him to move into second place. With the rain falling, the Austrian was able to gain up to 1.5 seconds per lap on the leader. However, with the track drying out he was unable to launch a decisive attack and eventually crossed the finish line in second place.

The next race takes place at the Slovakiaring (SK) on 24th August. That is followed by races in Portimao (PT), Zolder (BE) and Baku (AZ). 

Stefan Wendl (Team Manager Schubert Motorsport): “I am extremely happy with this success. Nobody could have predicted such a fantastic start coming into the race. We were still struggling with a minor technical problem in the qualifying race, which prevented us from getting the result we had possibly hoped for. In the race itself, however, everything went superbly in fluctuating conditions. Dominik Baumann produced an outstanding display of driving. However, I must also compliment Thomas Jäger. He is relatively unexperienced in a GT car, but improved from lap to lap. His performance this weekend was superb. The mechanics also deserve a lot of praise. They executed superb pit stops. This was a success earned by the entire team.” 

Dominik Baumann: “We are all totally happy. We could not have had a better debut in the series. We were not quite able to match the pace of the opposition in dry conditions. However, when the drizzle set in, we were able to take full advantage of the qualities possessed by the BMW Z4 GT3. Because of this, I was able to gradually close in on the leaders in the final phase of the race. Unfortunately the track then dried out slightly, meaning I was unable to launch a decisive overtaking manoeuvre. However, second place is a superb basis on which we can build for the next race.” 

Thomas Jäger: “I could hardly have had a better first weekend in GT3. I am mega happy and very satisfied with the result. We had a small technical issue at the start, but our mechanics did a great job of solving it. After that our car was really quick. I made a good start – my first in a GT3 car – and managed to make up a position immediately. However, I had to let a rival through in turn one and dropped back into fifth. A few laps later, I regained fourth place and then handed the car over to Dominik. He did a superb job and secured a spot on the podium for us.”

Blancpain Sprint Series in Zandvoort: A new challenge

This weekend sees BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert join the current Blancpain Sprint Series season with a BMW Z4 GT3. Zandvoort (NL) hosts the third of seven rounds. Dominik Baumann (AT) and Thomas Jäger (AT) will be behind the wheel of the number 76 car and have their sights set on the podium. 

As in the ADAC GT Masters, two one-hour races are held on each race weekend in the successor to the FIA GT Series. The qualifying race begins at 13:45 on Saturday. The main race, in which considerably more points are up for grabs, gets underway at 11:45 on Sunday. 

Stefan Wendl (Team Manager Schubert Motorsport): “We are all pleased to have a new challenge to get our teeth into in the second half of the year, and are approaching the task at hand with great vigour. As we have missed a number of races, the championship is not our goal. We want to challenge for individual race wins and continue to develop as a team. We also want to give our young drivers some practice and familiarise ourselves with the Pirelli tyres, which are used in the Blancpain Sprint Series. The nice thing about this series is that, with the exception of Baku, we already know all the circuits and have tasted success at many of them.” 

Dominik Baumann: “I am really looking forward to the first race in the new series. I know the environment and the circuits from my time in the FIA GT Series and the GT3 European Championship. With that in mind, I should find my feet fairly quickly. I am also familiar with the BMW Z4 GT3. The only thing I will need to get used to are the standard Pirelli tyres.” 

Thomas Jäger: “I am very happy that I am able to line up with Schubert Motorsport in the Blancpain Sprint Series. Having only tested in the BMW Z4 GT3 so far, I am really looking forward to my first race. I will first have to adapt to driving in GT races, flying starts and contact with the opposition. However, I am determined to do this as quickly as possible.”

Schubert Motorsport to field a BMW Z4 GT3 in the Blancpain Sprint Series

Following the Nürburgring 24 Hours (DE), Schubert Motorsport is extending its programme for 2014. In addition to the second half of the ADAC GT Masters season, the team from Oschersleben (DE) will also contest the remaining races of the Blancpain Sprint Series. Dominik Baumann (AT) and Austrian junior driver Thomas Jäger will be behind the wheel of the BMW Z4 GT3 that the team will be using. The duo will make their first appearance in Zandvoort (NL) on 6th July at the third race of the season. This will be followed by additional races on the Slovakia Ring (SK), in Portimao (PT), Zolder (BE) and Baku (AZ). 

While Baumann is already well known in Team Schubert, Jäger is a talented newcomer. The 19-year-old has been successful in the junior formula classes so far. He has now decided to make the switch to GT sport. He took part in the Nürburgring 24 Hours (DE) in a BMW M235i Racing to help him acclimatise. 

Stefan Wendl (team manager of Schubert Motorsport): “We already started working on getting involved in the Blancpain Sprint Series in the winter. However, we were initially unable to implement the project due to issues with timing and budget. We were extremely busy preparing for the 24 Hours event and the ADAC GT Masters. Now the six-month programme in this new series suits us perfectly. The same is true for Thomas Jäger, which is why we are all looking forward to the coming months. Thomas completed a test for us in the BMW Z4 GT3 last year and caught our attention. We are not aiming for the championship as we have already missed so many races. We want to fight for individual victories and develop further as a team.” 

Dominik Baumann: “From the start of the year I wanted to take part in another championship alongside the ADAC GT Masters. I've always done that since the more time you spend on the track, the quicker you develop further. I'm really looking forward to the new series. The vehicle is the same, but we will have to get used to the standard Pirelli tyres. Thanks to my time in the FIA GT championship, I know most of the tracks already.” 

Thomas Jäger: “Last year I realised that the only way to get to the top of formula racing is if you have a lot of money. This is why I decided to change paths. Motorsport isn't restricted to Formula 1, there are plenty of other options. All of the major manufacturers are involved in GT sport and they offer excellent opportunities to young drivers like me. I had many offers of a cockpit for this year, but I chose BMW because I grew up with this brand. I'm delighted that it has worked out with Team Schubert.”

BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert denied podium finish in closing stages

There was to be no happy ending to the Nürburgring 24 Hours (DE) for BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert. Although the team from Oschersleben (DE) led with both cars at various times in the race, it ultimately had to settle for the same result as last year – sixth place for the number 20 BMW Z4 GT3. Dominik Baumann (AT), Claudia Hürtgen (DE), Jens Klingmann (DE) and Martin Tomczyk (DE) had recovered from an early spin to lead the field during the night, and were then involved in a fascinating three-way battle for the win with an Audi and a Mercedes. However, all hopes of victory were dashed just two hours from the end when they had to replace a bent steering link. 

A damaged suspension resulted in the number 19 car retiring after an outstanding start, during which it actually led the race. Lucas Luhr (DE), Dirk Müller (DE), Alexander Sims (GB) and Dirk Werner (DE) were forced to call it a day after about four hours. 

Stefan Wendl (Team Manager Schubert Motorsport): “The result is a huge disappointment for us. Dropping back so close to the end of the race is bitter. We all made a joint decision early in the morning to go for it, take a few risks and aim for the win. I am proud that we managed to play such a key role in the high-class battle at the head of the field for so long. That shows how superbly we were prepared and what an outstanding job we did as a team. Unfortunately, however, you also need a bit of luck to win a 24-hour race, and we didn’t have that.” 

Claudia Hürtgen (BMW Z4 GT3, #20): “You are obviously very disappointed after a race like that. We wanted to win – and we really gave it our all. However, it just wasn’t meant to be. I feel incredibly sorry for the entire team, which once again did a sensational job. The cars were superbly prepared, but you also need that little bit of luck in the race – and we just didn’t have that.” 

Dominik Baumann (BMW Z4 GT3, #20): “The closing phase was exciting. I tried to get everything out of the car. Our car was good to drive, although we had just replaced the tie rod. It was also getting quite warm for the tyres. However, I discussed it with the team and we decided I should go on the attack again and try to gain the odd position. It was a nice stint, but I am glad to be at the finish and that it is over. It was a tough race and, unfortunately, there were a few incidents that cost us a top result. As far as speed and durability are concerned, we could have won the race.” 

Jens Klingmann (BMW Z4 GT3, #20): “I think we deserved to be on the podium. We were able to put the winning Audi under pressure for a long time. On the one hand I am satisfied, as our package was definitely right here and could have produced a top result. On the other hand, you are naturally disappointed. Once you have led the race, you want to go on and win it. It was a 24-hour sprint with plenty of action – and the BMW laser light technology definitely proved advantageous in the night.” 

Martin Tomczyk (BMW Z4 GT3, #20): “This Nürburgring 24 Hours once again showed just what can happen. Unfortunately misfortune struck for the last of the four BMW Z4 GT3s towards the end of the race. That was a huge shame, as we were actually well placed to challenge for first or second place. In the end we had to settle for sixth. We came here to win. That was the goal. Anything else is a disappointment.”

Mixed feelings at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife

The 24-hour race at the Nürburgring (DE) is in full swing – and BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert has eventful hours in the “Green Hell” behind it. Claudia Hürtgen (DE), Jens Klingmann (DE), Dominik Baumann (AT) and Martin Tomczyk (DE) go into the night running third in the number 20 BMW Z4 GT3 shortly after midnight. An incident-packed start phase saw Hürtgen involved in a collision, as a result of which she lost valuable time. However, the quartet has consistently worked its way up the field since then, and has established itself in the top five. 

In stark contrast, the race is already run for their team-mates Dirk Werner (DE), Lucas Luhr (DE), Dirk Müller (DE) and Alexander Sims (GB). Suspension damage resulted in Sims crashing in the fourth hour of racing. A part of the chassis damaged the oil pump of the number 19 BMW Z4 GT3, causing irreparable damage to the engine. 

Dominik Baumann (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 20): “I drove through dusk and into the night. That is actually one of the nicest moments of a 24-hour race. On the whole I am very happy with my stint. I was able to make up some time. The car is running superbly. I will take a short break now and be back in the car at about three o’clock.” 

Claudia Hürtgen (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 20): “The incident with the other BMW Z4 GT3 was very frustrating and unnecessary at this early stage of the race. Fortunately I was then able to work my way back through the field until we were relatively close to the front-runners. As such, we were able to do a decent job of damage limitation. All in all, things are looking good now.” 

Lucas Luhr (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 19): “We actually made a good start to the race, and managed to stay out of all the mayhem. It is obviously a great shame that we have had to retire so early in the race. Everyone in the team was really committed and had worked very hard. Personally, I had hoped my first big race for BMW would pan out differently, but at least I made a good start. The car was running superbly until the incident. We will now keep our fingers crossed for the remaining BMWs.” 

Dirk Müller (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 19): “The retirement is hugely frustrating. I am extremely disappointed. I also feel sorry for young Alex Sims, who was in the car at the time. Thank heavens nothing happened. I’m back in action next week in a USCC race. But I obviously wanted to head off to America on the back of a good result. Hopefully the number 20 car can come up with a good result for our team.”

BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert in contention

Sixteen hours into the Nürburgring 24 Hours (DE), BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert is well placed. The number 20 BMW Z4 GT3 is embroiled in a thrilling three-way battle for the lead with a Mercedes and an Audi. Jens Klingmann (De) is currently at the wheel, having taken over duties in the cockpit from Claudia Hürtgen (DE). Martin Tomczyk (DE) had previously taken the lead during the night. 

Unfortunately a damaged suspension meant the race was over after just four hours for the number 19 BMW Z4 GT3 and its drivers Dirk Werner (DE), Lucas Luhr (DE), Dirk Müller (DE) and Alexander Sims (DE). 

Stefan Wendl (Team Manager Schubert Motorsport): “We launched a huge fightback with the number 20 car in the night, and regained all the time we lost as a result of the early spin. We were actually leading at the halfway point. We are now following the tight three-way battle for the lead very closely. It is a shame for our number 19 car, which had produced an outstanding race for the first three hours.” 

Dominik Baumann (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 20): “I drove through dawn, so I had happy hour with good light and relatively few cars on the track. My stint was good. I was able to lap consistently on the soft tyres and did not have any problems of note. I was easily able to keep pace with the other cars in the leading group. The battle for the lead is incredibly tight, but everything is still running smoothly.” 

Jens Klingmann (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 20): “I am very happy that we are still among the front-runners. The car is good and smooth to drive, which gives us great hope for the rest of the race. I always love driving in the night. It takes a lap to get used to it, but then you find your rhythm and can enjoy it. I spotted some smoke here and there, so I had the smell of barbecued sausages in my nose. The atmosphere is superb and it is great fun.”

BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert starts from the third row at the Nürburgring

A spectacular Top-30 Qualifying ahead of the Nürburgring 24 Hours (DE) saw Dirk Werner (DE) secure fifth place on the grid for BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert. The BMW works driver clocked the fastest time of 8:14.848 minutes, meaning his BMW Z4 GT3 will start the race from the third row at 16:00 on Saturday. Werner will share the cockpit with Lucas Luhr (DE), Dirk Müller (DE) and Alexander Sims (GB) over the course of the 24 hours. 

Jens Klingmann (DE) qualified eleventh in the second Schubert car (number 20). He and his team-mates Dominik Baumann (AT), Claudia Hürtgen (DE) and Martin Tomczyk (DE) are thus well-placed going into the race. 

Stefan Wendl (Team Manager Schubert Motorsport): “We reached our target and are happy with the result. You could see that the battle for the front of the grid was a very close affair. Despite this, we did not set the car up for one flying lap, but used the normal race set-up for qualifying. We are fully focussed on the race and looking forward to getting started. We are really up for this.” 

Dirk Werner (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 19): “Thank you to my team for allowing me to drive in qualifying. This is the only time you ever get two free laps of the Nordschleife. The car was superb and I was able to push really hard. The starting positions of all the BMW Z4 GT3s give us a lot of confidence going into the race.” 

Jens Klingmann (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 20): “It is great fun to have a free lap of the Nordschleife. Eleventh is okay and we completed our programme as planned. Unfortunately I had some traffic and a yellow flag on my fastest lap. That is why we are not starting from a higher position.”

BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert ready for the highlight of the endurance season

This weekend features the highlight of the endurance season for BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert: the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring (DE). After months of intense preparation, the squad from Oschersleben (DE) travels to the long-distance classic on the Nordschleife (DE) with two BMW Z4 GT3s and a strong line-up. It will be the third consecutive year BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert competes with works support from BMW Motorsport. 

Car number 19 will be driven by Lucas Luhr (DE), Dirk Müller (DE), Alexander Sims (GB) and Dirk Werner (DE). Meanwhile, the driving duties in the number 20 car will be shared by Dominik Baumann (AT), Claudia Hürtgen (DE), Jens Klingmann (DE), all of them also driving for “PIXUM Team Schubert” powered by Jochen Schweizer in the ADAC GT Masters, and BMW DTM driver Martin Tomczyk (DE). 

Stefan Wendl (Team Manager Schubert Motorsport): “On the whole, we are very happy with our preparations. You obviously always find the odd detail that can still be improved, but we have plenty of time for that during the practices on the race weekend. We gave every detail of our cars a thorough check after the last VLN race. We know that we have two durable cars, in which our drivers will feel very comfortable. That is an important part of an impressive total package.” 

Dirk Werner (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 19): “The fact that this year’s 24-hour race comes later in the season means we have had more time to prepare for the big day. It also means that I am even more excited about tackling the marathon through the ‘Green Hell’ with BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert. We have a great team, a strong and reliable car, and the atmosphere around the Nordschleife will be amazing, as always. I can hardly wait to get started.”

Martin Tomczyk (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 20): “I am taking on the ‘Green Hell’ for the second time in a row with the BMW Z4 GT3, and am really looking forward to it. There is no greater challenge for a racing driver than this 24-hour race. I have a strong and experienced team behind me in BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert, and three very quick drivers in the form of Claudia, Dominik and Jens. The preparations for the race have been long enough for us all to compete as well prepared as possible. A lot will be decided during the night. I think our new BMW laser lights will help improve our vision in the dark. The goal is obvious: we have our sights set on overall victory.”

“PIXUM Team Schubert” heads into the summer break on the back of good results

“PIXUM Team Schubert” powered by Jochen Schweizer scored valuable points on the fourth race weekend of the ADAC GT Masters in Spielberg (AT), and is well-placed in both the Drivers’ and Teams’ competitions at the halfway point of the season. 

After a difficult race on Saturday, when they took to the track carrying an extra 30 kilograms and subsequently failed to finish in the points for the first time this season, Dominik Baumann (AT) and Claudia Hürtgen (DE) raced from eighth on the grid to finish fourth on Sunday. This result ensured they remained third in the Drivers’ Championship with 94 points. 

Jens Klingmann (DE) and Max Sandritter (DE) produced consistently strong displays in both races at the Red Bull Ring, which does not actually suit the strengths of the BMW Z4 GT3 as much as other circuits. The duo came home fifth on Saturday and Sunday to pick up valuable points. With 42 points to their name, they have now climbed into the top-ten in the Drivers’ Championship, where they currently lie ninth. “PIXUM Team Schubert” powered by Jochen Schweizer goes into the summer break second in the Teams’ competition. 

Stefan Wendl (Team Manager Schubert Motorsport): “This weekend has been running better than expected. Besides Oschersleben, the Red Bull Ring was the circuit that gave us the worst headaches before the season. Especially in qualifying all our drivers did perfect jobs. The races also went very well, except for Saturday’s race for our number 19 car. Unfortunately it has been pushed off the track twice on the first lap. All in all we can very pleased with the first half of the season, as we are right in the mix in both the Drivers’ and Teams’ competitions.” 

Dominik Baumann (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 19): “All in all we can be happy with our points haul this weekend. We were fourth on Sunday and hardly lost any ground in the championship – and that on a circuit that, on paper, does not actually suit us and which we left empty-handed last year. Unfortunately we lost too much ground at the start on Saturday. With the extra weight on board, we could not make up what we lost.” 

Max Sandritter (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 20): “After three difficult race weekends, it was nice to get back to successful ways with these two fifth places. The team’s decision to change the engine in our BMW Z4 GT3 after the race at the Lausitzring paid off. We had far more performance at our disposal and were able to compete on a par with the team’s other car. The two fifth places felt like podiums to me. I now go into the summer break in a positive frame of mind and am looking forward to racing at the Nürburgring 24 Hours in a BMW Z4 GT3 – something I have dreamt of for a long time – and to the second half of the ADAC GT Masters.”

“PIXUM Team Schubert” out to tame the Red Bull Ring

“PIXUM Team Schubert” powered by Jochen Schweizer travels to the fourth round of the ADAC GT Masters in Spielberg (AT) on the back of its first win of the season. The team from Oschersleben (DE) has a clear goal for the Red Bull Ring, which has been modernised ahead of the return of Formula One in a fortnight: to do considerably better than last year. 

Claudia Hürtgen (DE) and Dominik Baumann (AT) emerged empty-handed from both races in 2013, losing valuable ground in the Drivers’ Championship. This time the duo travels to the Steiermark region of Austria with the wind in its sails, following the first win of the year at the Lausitzring (DE) two weeks ago. However, they also have an extra 30 kilograms of weight on board the BMW Z4 GT3 as a result of their recent success. Despite this, the German/Austrian pair has its sights set on continuing the consistent form they have shown so far this season, and to add more valuable points to their total. Hürtgen and Baumann both currently lie third in the Drivers’ Championship on 82 points. 

Having endured a mediocre season so far, the priority for Jens Klingmann (DE) and Max Sandritter (DE) is to get through the weekend with as few problems and as successfully as possible in the number 20 cars. The BMW Z4 GT3 lines up with a new engine, after the previous power unit overheated in the first race at the Lausitzring. 

Stefan Wendl (Team Manager Schubert Motorsport): “We had a very bad weekend in Spielberg last year. We also had 30 extra kilos of weight on board back then, and went too far in our attempts to compensate for that. We picked up penalties and also made mistakes out on the track. This year, we have tried out some options for coping with the additional weight ahead of the race weekend. Let’s see if we can implement them. It will obviously be difficult again, as the circuit is just as unsuited to our car now as it was last year. However, we have set our sights on continuing the trend so far this season, and finishing in the points with both cars – including our number 20 car, which has a new engine after the overheating issues experienced at the Lausitzring. That certainly promises to give us more performance.” 

Claudia Hürtgen (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 19): “Whatever happens, we want to do significantly better than last year, when we arrived in Spielberg leading the championship but then failed to score a single point. Although our victory at the Lausitzring, which was a real boost for the entire team, means we line up with extra weight on board, I am still confident that we can score important points towards the championship this time around. The key to our good form at the races so far this season is that we have been very consistent and not made any mistakes. We want to continue in this manner at the Red Bull Ring.” 

Jens Klingmann (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 20): “I know the Red Bull Ring from my early years in the ADAC GT Masters. I have also been out on the track at a number of BMW events. I am really looking forward to the circuit and the facilities around it, as it is situated in a beautiful area up in the hills. I am also intrigued by the modifications that have been made to incorporate the return of Formula One to Austria. From a sporting point of view, I really hope our run of bad luck will finally come to an end, and that we can set our sights on the podium. We analysed the car after the weekend at the Lausitzring and found a few things that can hopefully help us take a step forward.”

Baumann/Hürtgen claim maiden win and first pole position of the season

The spell has been broken: “PIXUM Team Schubert” powered by Jochen Schweizer claimed its first victory of the season on the third weekend of the ADAC GT Masters at the Lausitzring (DE). Dominik Baumann (AT) and Claudia Hürtgen (DE) dominated Sunday’s second race to come home first in the number 19 BMW Z4 GT3, 2.694 seconds ahead of René Rast (DE) and Kelvin van der Linde (ZA) in their Audi. 

Baumann had previously secured the first pole of the season in Friday’s qualifying, but was passed by the Corvette of Jeroen Bleekemolen (NL) at the rolling start. He soon regained the lead, courtesy of an impressive overtaking manoeuvre, and had opened up a lead of over seven seconds by the time he pulled into the pits to swap drivers. Hürtgen then brought the car home first to claim the pair’s maiden win of the year without any major problems. Having finished fourth to narrowly miss out on the podium in Saturday’s opening race, the duo is now third in the overall standings with 82 points. 

Jens Klingmann (DE) and Max Sandritter (DE) endured a less successful weekend in the number 20 BMW Z4 GT3. A technical problem caused them to retire on Saturday. However, they did produce a strong performance to climb from eighth on the grid to finish sixth in race two, picking up eight points towards the Drivers’ Championship in the process.  

Stefan Wendl (Team Manager Schubert Motorsport): “Congratulations to the entire team, who did a superb job. We have been knocking on the door of the podium all season, and finally everything came together and we were able to score our first win of the season. Everyone is hugely relieved. We knew that we would surrender the lead to the Corvette at the start, as it accelerates much better. With that in mind, our goal was to defend second place in turn one. That worked well, and Jeroen was then very fair when Dominik went on the attack. Dominik was then able to open up a lead on fresh tyres. That was all part of our tactics, and Claudia then did a very good job of maintaining that lead through to the finish on older tyres. Both drivers were brilliant this weekend. Our number 20 car was not far off in terms of performance, but it is a very different story when you have to start from the middle of the pack after an unfortunate qualifying, rather than being able to pull clear at the front of the field. We will now take a close look to determine whether the number 20 suffered any engine damage when it retired on Saturday, in order to ensure that we can compete with both cars in perfect condition again in Spielberg.” 

Dominik Baumann (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 19): “Another great weekend for us – and finally the first win and first pole position. I am delighted. I was well aware that I would not stand a chance against the Corvette next to me at the start. Therefore, I just focussed on what I had to do. After that I knew I had to get back in front of the Corvette nice and early, because I was considerably quicker and would otherwise have lost a lot of time. The subsequent overtaking manoeuvre was very important in the context of the entire race.” 

Claudia Hürtgen (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 19): “As on the first two race weekends of the season, we got the maximum out of the BMW Z4 GT3. The fact that this was enough to win this time around is obviously very nice for the entire team. For me, it was very comforting to take over the car with such a large lead on Sunday. Dominik really did an outstanding job. I was able to concentrate on bringing home the win.” 

Max Sandritter (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 20): “All in all that was a disappointing weekend. We were slower than our other car, which is obviously not satisfying, as that car is our first and most important reference. The aim now is to work hard together with the team to ensure we improve this situation by the next race weekend in Spielberg. Sunday’s sixth place was a half-decent way to end the weekend. The situation behind the Corvette, which held everyone up, was a difficult one. I then benefitted from the collision between the Mercedes and the Corvette, and was able to make up three places on the final lap. On Saturday I had to swerve onto the grass to avoid another Corvette, which had spun. The grass clogged up the radiator on the BMW Z4 GT3 and the engine overheated. That is why I had to retire from the race.”

“PIXUM Team Schubert” travels to the Lausitzring with fond memories

The Lausitzring (DE) hosts the third race weekend of the season in the ADAC GT Masters: “PIXUM Team Schubert” powered by Jochen Schweizer heads to the EuroSpeedway with fond memories, as Claudia Hürtgen (DE) and Dominik Baumann (AT) finished runner-up in both races there last year. After a good start to the season, the same duo now has its sights set on picking up more valuable points at the Lausitzring. Hürtgen and Baumann are currently fourth in the Drivers’ Championship with 45 points each. 

Jens Klingmann (DE) and Max Sandritter (DE) in the number 20 car are looking to continue the upwards trend they showed at the latest race weekend in Zandvoort (NL), when they came home seventh in the BMW Z4 GT3 in both races. Both races at the Lausitzring are set to get underway at 12:00 on Saturday and Sunday.  

Stefan Wendl (Team Manager Schubert Motorsport): “We may indeed have had a perfect race weekend in Lausitz with the number 19 car last year. However, to assume from that that we will automatically be just as successful there this year would be a mistake. The strengths of our BMW Z4 GT3 do not come into play to quite the same extent at the Lausitzring as they do at other circuits. With this in mind, we must wait and see whether it is possible to repeat 2013’s results against our very strong opponents. However, we have tested there and come up with a very good balance for our cars. Therefore, we travel to Lausitz with great optimism.” 

Dominik Baumann (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 19): “Last year’s round at the Lausitzring was outstanding for us. However, I think there are even better drivers in our rivals’ cockpits this season, so we can assume that we will not be gifted anything. The circuit is not ideally suited to our car, but we should still do well. For me personally, the priority is to immediately get 100 per cent out of the BMW Z4 GT3 after my outing in the VLN on the Nordschleife last weekend. Every hundredth of a second counts on a track like the Lausitzring.” 

Jens Klingmann (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 20): “I very much enjoy driving at the Lausitzring and compete this weekend with my sights set on finally claiming the first podium of the season. That will definitely not be easy: as well as needing a lot of traction, which the BMW Z4 GT3 has, the circuit also demands a high top speed. We will have to wait and see where we stand compared to our rivals in that regard. It would definitely help to have a good qualifying and start from well forward on the grid.”

BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert narrowly misses podium at dress rehearsal

BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert put in another good display at the final test ahead of the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring (DE). Dominik Baumann (AT), Claudia Hürtgen (DE) and Jens Klingmann (DE) recovered to finish fourth in the number 20 BMW Z4 GT3 after being spun by a rival at the start, meaning they had to fight their way through the entire field. 

Lucas Luhr (DE), Dirk Müller (DE), Alexander Sims (GB) and Dirk Werner (DE) were also well-placed until the number 19 car suffered a puncture upon entering the Nordschleife, so dashing any hopes the quartet may have had. They eventually had to settle for 19th place. The fourth round of the VLN Endurance Championship was suspended after just over three of the four hours scheduled following a crash. The highlight of the endurance season – the Nürburgring 24 Hours – will take place on 21st/22nd June. 

Stefan Wendl (Team Manager Schubert Motorsport): “The big challenge throughout the entire preparations for the 24-hour race has been to adapt to the tyres from one race to the next. They have behaved differently every time and constantly demanded a lot of set-up work. We will also have to deal with this topic over the five weeks in the run-up to the big race. Generally speaking, however, we are very happy with our preparations – although we were unlucky at the start of today’s race, and then again with the late puncture on the number 19 car. The fightback produced by the number 20 car was fantastic. Our great first pit stop, in particular, put us right back in the race for a place on the podium.” 

Alexander Sims (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 19): “I was unlucky in both of my stints today. First I suffered a slow puncture at the start of the Nordschleife just three laps in, and had to driver very slowly for a complete lap. That was a set-back, after which we did not have a chance. Then, shortly after I returned to the track after the tyre change, the race was suspended. Because of this, I hardly got to do any driving today. That makes me all the happier that I was able to use the races beforehand to gain as much experience with the car and on the track. I feel well prepared for the 24 Hours.” 

Dominik Baumann (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 20): “I got an awful lot out of this race again. I had loads of duels on the Nordschleife – more than in all the races up to that point put together. That was obviously also down to the fact that we had to work our way through the field after the early spin. However, we did that very well. The performance of the car is good. I think we are ready for the big day in five weeks.”

BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert looking forward to dress rehearsal for 24 Hours

Saturday’s fourth round of the VLN Endurance Championship is a very special race. It is the last opportunity to prepare for the Nürburgring 24 Hours (DE), which takes place on the Nordschleife on 21st/22nd June. Having sat out the last VLN race – “PIXUM Team Schubert” powered by Jochen Schweizer was in action in the ADAC GT Masters on the same weekend – the priority for BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert is to complete its preparations, which have run smoothly so far, and to polish up the final details and processes at the track. 

The number 19 BMW Z4 GT3 will line up with exactly the same squad of drivers that will contest the 24-hour race: Lucas Luhr (DE), Dirk Müller (DE), Alexander Sims (GB) and Dirk Werner (DE). Dominik Baumann (AT), Claudia Hürtgen (DE) and Jens Klingmann (DE) will share the driving duties behind the wheel of the number 20 car. The fourth driver, Martin Tomczyk (DE), will be in action in the BMW M4 DTM at the second round of the DTM season in Oschersleben (DE). 

Stefan Wendl (Team Manager Schubert Motorsport): “We will use the dress rehearsal for the 24-hour race to complete the final preparations and to simulate as accurately as possible the actual processes we will encounter during the marathon race in five weeks. That primarily applies to the pit stops, but also for certain on-track situations we will certainly be confronted with at the 24 Hours. I am happy our preparations have gone to plan so far, which means we can actually focus on small details this coming Saturday.” 

Dirk Werner (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 19): “After missing VLN3, I can hardly wait to get back in the cockpit of the BMW Z4 GT3 at the dress rehearsal for the 24-hour race. The entire team’s preparations have gone to plan. Hopefully that will continue to be the case this weekend. For me as a driver, the key is to find and maintain my rhythm on the Nordschleife so I can perform to the best of my ability right from the opening lap in five weeks.” 

Jens Klingmann (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 20): “This season we have had a comparatively long time to prepare for the Nürburgring 24 Hours. Despite this, the dress rehearsal is still rather special, as we will use it to run through everything again and to make sure we have the package we need in five weeks. We will approach VLN4 differently to the previous races – like a mini 24-hour race.”

“PIXUM Team Schubert” comes through water fights on the North Sea coast

Two races, two water fights: the second race weekend of the season in the ADAC GT Masters was a slippery affair for the drivers in action for “PIXUM Team Schubert” powered by Jochen Schweizer. Heavy rain and strong wind made both races a huge challenge. Claudia Hürtgen (DE) and Dominik Baumann (AT) mastered the conditions superbly in the number 19 BMW Z4 GT3, as did their team-mates Jens Klingmann (DE) and Max Sandritter (DE) in the number 20 car. Both duos finished in the points on Saturday and Sunday. 

The way both cars fought back on Saturday was particularly impressive. A difficult qualifying meant Hürtgen started the race from down in 18th place. However, she coped so well with the rain that she was able to pass one car after another in the opening stages of the race. When she handed the car over to Baumann in the middle of the race, they were baring down on a podium finish. They eventually came home fourth. The duo in the number 19 car finished fifth in Sunday’s second race, which was also dominated by rain. 

Sandritter was actually in line to start Saturday’s race from sixth after an impressive qualifying. However, a technical problem on the car meant he had to start from the very back of the grid. Like Hürtgen, Sandritter set off on a spectacular fightback and had nearly progressed into the points by the time Klingmann took over the driving duties. He was then able to bring the number 20 BMW Z4 GT3 home in seventh place. The duo then matched that result on Sunday. 

Hürtgen and Baumann are fourth with 45 points in the Drivers’ Championship. Klingmann and Sandritter, meanwhile, picked up their first points of the season after an unfortunate opener in Oschersleben (DE). 

Stefan Wendl (Team Manager Schubert Motorsport): “I am very happy with this weekend’s results. In those difficult conditions, to score points with both cars in both races was the most we could hope for. The fightback on Saturday was absolutely fantastic. The BMW Z4 GT3 was as swift as a weasel, and our drivers did a flawless job. Thanks to the dampers provided by our partner KW, we were able to set up both cars superbly for the circuit and conditions. We scored valuable points, but are also well aware that we need to finish on the podium in the future if we are to stick with the front-runners in the championship. Unfortunately it is difficult to stay with Porsche and Audi, who are incredibly quick even with their performance weights.” 

Dominik Baumann (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 19): “The conditions were extreme. We always looked very good when there was not too much water on the track, but as soon as the rain became heavier we had to fight hard. That was particularly the case on Saturday. Claudia was able to make up an awful lot of places when the track was not too wet at the start. All I could do then in heavier rain was defend my position. I am very happy with the points we scored. However, it is tough to compete with Porsche and Audi with the current Balance of Performance.” 

Max Sandritter (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 20): “Twice in the points – that is a start. We are not yet where we want to be, but the performance of the car is already good now. I was obviously angry at first to have to start from the pit lane on Saturday, but the fightback was great fun. Some of the duels were really special. The track conditions were much more difficult on Sunday. There was a lot of aquaplaning. That is what caused my spin, but fortunately there were no major consequences.”

“PIXUM Team Schubert” ready for the dunes of Zandvoort

“PIXUM Team Schubert” powered by Jochen Schweizer is completing its final preparations for the second round of the ADAC GT Masters. Races three and four of the season will take place this weekend (10th and 11th May) in Zandvoort, Netherlands. The circuit, which is nestled in the dunes on the North Sea coast, last hosted the ADAC GT Masters in 2012. Team Manager Stefan Wendl’s outfit will once again compete with two BMW Z4 GT3s in Zandvoort. The number 19 car will be driven by Claudia Hürtgen (DE) and Dominik Baumann (AT). Driving duties in the number 20 BMW Z4 GT3 will be shared by Jens Klingmann (DE) and Max Sandritter (DE). 

When the team’s home circuit of Oschersleben (DE) hosted the opening round of the season a fortnight ago, Hürtgen and Baumann finished third in Sunday’s race to claim their first podium of the year. The same duo had ended Saturday’s opening race in sixth place after an impressive fightback. Klingmann and Sandritter were unlucky at the season-opener: they had to settle for 20th in race one, after Sandritter was hit by another competitor. Klingmann was then involved in a pile-up as the result of a chain reaction at the start of the second race. Fortunately he was uninjured, but the BMW Z4 GT3 suffered some serious damage. He and Sandritter are now looking to get their ADAC GT Masters season off and running again in Zandvoort. The races on Saturday and Sunday at the circuit in the dunes on the North Sea coast of the Netherlands both begin at 12:00 local time. 

Stefan Wendl (Team Manager Schubert Motorsport): “Firstly I must say a big thank you to our crew of mechanics, who have managed to return the number 20 BMW Z4 GT3 to perfect condition following its crash. All the damage has been repaired, and the crash will not affect this weekend in Zandvoort at all. That was our most important job between the first two rounds of the season. All in all, we are very optimistic looking ahead to Zandvoort. As we have shown in the past, the characteristics of the circuit suit our car. We got the maximum out of the car in Oschersleben, and had not expected to pick up so many points prior to the race. Therefore, we should now also be able to put in a good performance in Zandvoort with the BMW Z4 GT3.” 

Claudia Hürtgen (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 19): “We would obviously like to continue in Zandvoort where we left off in Oschersleben. I think Zandvoort is a good circuit for the BMW Z4 GT3. We have been strong there in the past. Sure, everyone will be starting from scratch again there, but we showed in Oschersleben that we can compete at the front of the field, and that should be our goal for Zandvoort too.” 

Jens Klingmann (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 20): “I can still feel the effects of the crash a little, but all in all I was actually rather lucky that it was nothing more serious. We go into the race weekend with high expectations. As far as speed is concerned, we are definitely right up there. We were quick in Oschersleben too, but were unfortunately unable to show that due to the crashes. Because of that, I have a good feeling about Zandvoort. The circuit is far more suited to the BMW Z4 GT3, particularly as aerodynamics play a larger role there. I hope everything runs smoothly this time and that we end up on the podium.”

“PIXUM Team Schubert” on the podium at home race

“PIXUM Team Schubert” powered by Jochen Schweizer finished the opening weekend of the ADAC GT Masters season in their home town of Oschersleben with a podium place in the race on Sunday. Dominik Baumann (AT) and Claudia Hürtgen (DE) in the number 19 BMW Z4 GT3 made up a place to finish third after starting from fourth. In the first race on Saturday, Baumann and Hürtgen started eighth, but lost a lot of places at the first corner. After a strong recovery they managed to finish sixth to secure some vital points. 

Jens Klingmann (DE) and Max Sandritter (DE) in car number 20 were extremely unlucky in both races and didn't manage to finish in the points in Oschersleben. Klingmann experienced a moment of terror on Sunday when he was involved in a serious accident at the start. In a chain reaction he was hit by another vehicle in a pile-up and was forced into the wall. Fortunately Klingmann was relatively unscathed. However, the BMW Z4 GT3 was badly damaged and was unable to restart the race. On Saturday, Sandritter was hit by another competitor in the first few metres of the race, which broke a rim on his car. He managed to make it back to the pits, but after being lapped neither he nor Klingmann stood a chance. They only managed to finish in 20th. 

Stefan Wendl (Team Manager Schubert Motorsport): “Overall I'm very pleased with the performance of the BMW Z4 GT3. We knew the track in Oschersleben wasn't going to be ideal for the car, so did a lot of testing to work hard on our weaknesses. It paid off. Both cars had the same speed and showed that they can be at the sharp end of the field. With number 19 we did the best we could on this track. I'm delighted with the podium at our home race. Unfortunately we were terribly unlucky with number 20 in both races. That type of accident at the start on Sunday is common in the ADAC GT Masters. The competition is so strong that it is always extremely close. All the team bosses agree that the lights should have gone green earlier.” 

Dominik Baumann (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 19): “Before the weekend we said that the key to this season would be to score points in every race. We did really well here in Oschersleben. Unfortunately on Saturday Claudia was forced into the gravel and fell back to 19th. It was an amazing achievement that we managed to finish sixth from there. On Sunday I was lucky at the start. I glanced in my rear mirror and saw a giant dust cloud right behind me. I didn't manage to get my tyres to the perfect temperature for the restart so fell back from second place to third. However, we were able to bring home third place comfortably.” 

Jens Klingmann (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 20): “Everything hurts after the severe crash, but the medical centre gave me the all-clear. Apart from a few bruises, I'm fine. I started well and beginning to make up places. Suddenly the Audi came crashing into me from the left-hand side at a right angle. I couldn't do anything and just tensed all my muscles and waited for it to be over. It was a really unlucky starting accident. The rest of our weekend was also unfortunate. Max was hit at the start on Saturday, which broke a rim. At least the qualifying sessions showed us that we are among the front runners in terms of speed. That's encouraging for the coming races.”

“PIXUM Team Schubert” ready for new ADAC GT Masters season

This weekend, “PIXUM Team Schubert” powered by Jochen Schweizer commences its second season in the ADAC GT Masters. Thanks to the support of its partners, the team from Oschersleben (DE) is once again able to line up with two BMW Z4 GT3s and two strong
pairs of drivers. Dominik Baumann (AT) and Claudia Hürtgen (DE) will take a second crack at the title in the number 19 car. In 2013, the duo was in contention to win the Driver and Team classifications right down to the season finale in Hockenheim (DE). Max Sandritter
shares the driving duties in the number 20 BMW Z4 GT3 with the only newcomer to the team, Jens Klingmann (DE). Klingmann made a guest appearance with “PIXUM Team Schubert” powered by Jochen Schweizer at the Sachsenring (DE) in 2013, and impressed by
finishing first and third. He replaces Jörg Müller (DE), who has switched to Japan.

The ADAC GT Masters kicks off on Schubert Motorsport’s doorstep in Oschersleben. The two races in the Magdeburger Börde region of Germany both begin at 12:00 on Saturday and Sunday. Just in time for their home races Schubert Motorsport’s updated website
(www.schubert-motorsport.de) will be published next weekend. Stefan Wendl (Team Manager Schubert Motorsport): “Three quarters of our team is the same as last year. As Jörg Müller has moved to Japan, where he will support BMW Sports Trophy Team Studie, it was a logical step for us to move to secure the services of Jens Klingmann. He knows our team and did an outstanding job last year when he stood in for the injured Müller. I am confident we have two very competitive pairs of drivers. Our goal is clear: we want to compete for the titles in the Driver and Team competitions.”

Dominik Baumann (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 19): “After last season’s success, I am very happy to be able to line up together with Schubert Motorsport for a second year in the ADAC GT Masters. While we may have come up just short of winning the title in 2013, my
performances proved good enough to make it into BMW Motorsport’s squad for the Nürburgring 24 Hours. That is an important accolade for me. I am confident going into the new ADAC GT Masters season. The experience we gained last year means we ought to be
well prepared for the first two races in Oschersleben. However, only once we get out on the track will we discover just how we compare to our rivals.”

Claudia Hürtgen (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 19): “I am really pleased that we have held on to the combination of Schubert Motorsport, the BMW Z4 GT3, Dominik and me. We have analysed last season’s weaknesses and are well prepared. The goal is to once again be in
contention for the title come the end of the season.”

Jens Klingmann (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 20): “I am really looking forward to contesting a whole season in one series again in 2014. Thank you very much to the Schubert team and BMW Motorsport for giving me this opportunity. I love driving on the Nürburgring-
Nordschleife, and at the Spa 24 Hours, but to contest an entire season in one series is a whole different challenge. I know the team and my team-mate Max really well since my guest appearance at the Sachsenring in 2013. My goal now is to be involved in the battle for the
title in my first complete season with Schubert Motorsport.”

Max Sandritter (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 20): “Last year was a learning experience for me. The BMW Z4 GT3 was a whole new world compared to the cars I had driven previously. Jörg Müller helped me to understand the car. The objective for 2014 is to consistently
achieve good results alongside Jens Klingmann, and to aim for at least the top five in the championship.”

BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert misses a podium place in a chaotic race

 

BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert took 6th and 10th at the third race weekend on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife (DE). Claudia Hürtgen (DE) and Martin Tomczyk (DE) quickly worked themselves up the field from 11th on the grid, but constantly became embroiled in two-car battles in what was an extraordinarily close race. They finished up in 6th as a result of this. Their sister car, with Alexander Sims (GB) and Dirk Werner (DE) behind the wheel, was still on track for a podium spot just before the finish, but then fell back into 10th due to a tyre failure.

The scheduled four-hour race had to be stopped after less than 60 minutes because of a serious accident that fortunately resulted in no serious injuries. The race was continued approximately three and a half hours later after the heavily damaged crash barriers were replaced in the Pflanzgarten section of the track. The total race time was reduced to three hours.

Stefan Wendl (Team Manager, Schubert Motorsport): “The race was chaotic and very difficult to plan out due to the interruption and the resulting reduced running time. The field was very close and we didn’t manage to break away from our opposition on the Nordschleife. That meant we were put under pressure again and again in slipstream duels on the Döttinger Höhe. Nevertheless, our number 19 car was still on track for a podium place shortly before the end of the race, but then unfortunately we had a tyre failure. It’s a shame.”

Alexander Sims (BMW Z4 GT3, Number 19): “It’s a shame that I could only drive one stint because the race was shortened, but it’s still really helped me prepare for the 24 Hour race. In contrast to the qualification races, I was able to learn a lot today about driving and overtaking on the Nordschleife.”

Claudia Hürtgen (BMW Z4 GT3, Number 20): “The race unfortunately had to be interrupted due to a serious accident – that made it pretty hectic. Nevertheless I think we managed to make the best out of the day. Once again, we didn’t have any technical problems, and we were able to gain some more important experience. The anticipation for the 24 Hour race in June is growing with every kilometre we drive.”

Third guest appearance at the Nordschleife in three weeks

Three races in three weekends: BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert is heading back to the Eifel again, this time to take part in the second leg of the VLN Endurance Championship on the Nürburgring (DE) this Saturday. So far this season, they have claimed three podium spots in two races. Following on from third place for the number 20 BMW Z4 GT3 in the first leg of the VLN, they finished in second and third in the 6-hour qualification race for the Nürburgring 24 Hours.

Dirk Werner (DE) and Alexander Sims (GB) will be contesting the 4-hour race this Saturday in car number 19. Jens Klingmann (DE), Claudia Hürtgen (DE) and Martin Tomczyk (DE) will be in action in the number 20 BMW Z4 GT3.

Stefan Wendl (Team Manager Schubert Motorsport): “Once again the priority this weekend is to complete as many test kilometres as possible, but we also have other goals. Firstly, we need to ensure that car number 20 qualifies for the Top 30 Qualifying at the 24-
hour race. Also, together with our partner KW, we developed ideas for damper settings during the 6-hour race that we would like to test further. Lastly, we would be delighted to finish on the podium again. After all, good results are confirmation that we are on the right
track.”

Dirk Werner (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 19): “After being unlucky in a few races this year already, it felt really good to stand on the podium last weekend. However, results are not the most important factor in this phase of preparation for the 24-hour race. Once again the priority in the next race is to rack up valuable test kilometres.”

Martin Tomczyk (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 20): “After a two-week break that I used to prepare for the DTM season on the Hungaroring in my BMW M4 DTM, I am looking forward to returning to BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert. Our number 20 BMW Z4 GT3 has finished on the podium twice in two races. That shows that we are on the right track with our preparations for the 24-hour race. I hope that I can claim a podium finish again on Saturday.”

BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert with both vehicles on the podium

The qualifying race for the Nürburgring 24 Hours (DE) finished with two podium spots for BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert. Jens Klingmann (DE), Claudia Hürtgen (DE) and Dominik Baumann (AT) finished second in the number 20 BMW Z4 GT3, directly ahead of their team-mates Dirk Werner (DE), Dirk Müller (DE), Lucas Luhr (DE) and Alexander Sims (GB). First place in the one-two-three-four for BMW Motorsport went to BMW Sports Trophy Team Marc VDS. Maxime Martin (BE), Marco Wittmann (DE) and Uwe Alzen (DE) were victorious in the number 25 BMW Z4 GT3. 

In qualifying on Sunday morning the two cars from BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert finished tenth and 11th. Thanks to finishing tenth, the number 19 car secured a place in the top 30 qualifying at the 24-hour race in June. The sister car narrowly missed out on this early qualifying. However, there are still more chances to obtain a place in the top 30. The next one being next weekend at the second race in the VLN Endurance Championship. 

Stefan Wendl (team manager Schubert Motorsport): “We couldn't have expected such a result after qualifying. In qualifying one of our cars narrowly missed out on a top ten spot, which was due to the fact that we focussed our set-up strongly on the race. Overall BMW Motorsport did a fantastic job with the BMW Z4 GT3. The vehicle runs extremely reliably. 

That is what's most important on the Nordschleife. We held on while our rivals had all manner of technical problems. We can be proud of that.” 

Jens Klingmann (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 20): “We concentrated on a set-up that worked better in the race than in qualifying. In qualifying we saw that we had a lot of work to do. But we were consistent and reliable, which is what counts on the Nordschleife. We were also fortunate that our rivals had to battle with various problems.” 

Dirk Werner (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 19): “It was an important test for us. Being able to drive so many laps with relatively little traffic on the track and to get into the swing of things was invaluable with regard to the 24-hour race. The car held up very well, but it's quite difficult to say what this result means. So many top cars had problems or didn't start with their best drivers. But the most important thing is that we qualified in the top ten and are therefore in the top 30 qualifying in June.”

BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert working flat-out towards qualifying race for the Nürburgring 24 Hours

 

There is still an air of joy following last weekend’s podium at the opening VLN race of the year, but preparations for this weekend’s qualifying race for the Nürburgring 24 Hours (DE) are already in full swing. BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert is working particularly hard to prepare the number 19 BMW Z4 GT3 following its crash last Saturday. 

That car will be driven during Sunday’s 6-hour race and the day and night practice sessions by Dirk Werner (DE), Lucas Luhr (DE), Alexander Sims (GB) and, for the first time this season, Dirk Müller (DE). Dominik Baumann (AT), Claudia Hürtgen (DE) and Jens Klingmann (DE) will alternate at the wheel of the number 20 BMW Z4 GT3. 

Stefan Wendl (Team Manager Schubert Motorsport): “This weekend we are taking full advantage of the opportunity to assemble all our drivers – apart from Martin Tomczyk – to complete some night drives, carry out seat tests, and rehearse the kind of processes that occur during a race weekend. We were delighted with the podium at the opening VLN race. We have great confidence in our package and had hoped we would be up there at the front of the field from the word go. This proved to be the case, although the fact that we were two minutes behind Audi also showed quite clearly that we still have a lot to do. Unfortunately the number 19 car is severely damaged following Saturday’s crash. We are working flat-out to ensure it is able to line up in perfect condition this weekend.” 

Dirk Müller (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 19): “I am really looking forward to my first outing of the season on the Nordschleife. I cannot wait to get back behind the wheel of a car. I was in close contact with the team last weekend, and am completely up to speed with everything. As such, it should be easy to adapt to the circuit and the car.”

Claudia Hürtgen (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 20): “I was delighted with my team-mates’ podium at the first VLN race of the year. I now travel to the Nürburgring with a good feeling, and knowing that the car is competitive. The test and set-up sessions allowed me to get used to the circuit and the BMW Z4 GT3, so I should be able to find my feet quickly in the cockpit. The 6-hour race is a good opportunity for us all to do some testing, and one that we want to take full opportunity of.”

A podium to kick off proceedings: third place for BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert at the VLN opener

BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert made a successful start to the new racing season on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife (DE). Martin Tomczyk (DE), Jens Klingmann (DE) and Dominik Baumann (AT) finished third in the number 20 BMW Z4 GT3 at the opening race of the VLN Endurance Championship. A good strategy and some impressive driving saw the trio fight through the field from eleventh on the grid to claim a well-deserved podium.

The second BMW Z4 GT3, with drivers Dirk Werner (DE), Lucas Luhr (DE) and Alexander Sims (GB), was also on course for a podium until shortly before the end of the race. However, the number 19 car failed to finish the 60th ADAC Westfalenfahrt following a crash with Sims at the wheel. Victory went to Audi drivers Frank Stippler (DE), Marc Basseng (DE) and Laurens Vanthoor (BE).

Stefan Wendl (Team Manager Schubert Motorsport): “All in all that was a positive start to the Nordschleife season. It was a very tactical race for us. We did not qualify as high up as we would have hoped, so we sent both cars into the race with different strategies. The aim was to stay out of traffic. We were then able to work our way through the field bit by bit. Unfortunately we missed out on an impressive team result of third and fourth when Alexander Sims crashed out in the Aremberg section of the circuit shortly before the end of the race. Despite this, we are obviously pleased with the podium.”

Martin Tomczyk (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 20): “It feels good to start the season with a podium. The focus for us was obviously on continuing our preparations for the 24-hour race. As a racing driver, however, you always want to get a good result. And we did exactly that today. The team did a great job and I now head to next week’s DTM tests in Budapest with plenty of momentum.”

Dominik Baumann (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 20): “This third place shows that both the team and drivers have done a good job so far. Knowing that you are in the frame right from the start of the season gives everyone in the team a lot of confidence. My stint went to plan, and there were not too many yellow flags. The final phase was far more complicated for Jens Klingmann. We are happy with this result – and will now continue to work hard.”

Jens Klingmann (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 20): “Personally, I did not find it very easy to get into a good rhythm at the end. There was one yellow flag after another, and it would have been easy to lose track of what was going on. With that in mind, we can be very happy with the result. Our car is running well and we covered the distance without any technical problems. There was also a good chemistry between the drivers. It all fills me with optimism for the challenges ahead.”

Lucas Luhr (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 19): “It was actually impossible to tell that that was my first race in the BMW Z4 GT3. I feel right at home in that car. We had a slight problem in qualifying, which meant we started from quite a long way back. However, we then made good progress. After the start I was able to overtake several cars on the outside in Querspange. That was definitely a good decision. It is obviously a shame that the crash meant we were not rewarded with a good result. However, we will hopefully have a few more opportunities over the course of the year.”

BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert lines up at VLN opener with two BMW Z4 GT3s

Preparations for the Nürburgring 24 Hours (DE) are entering their critical stage. This Saturday, BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert will send two BMW Z4 GT3s into action at the opening race of the VLN Endurance Championship, where they will face the strong opposition on the iconic Nordschleife for the first time this year.

Lucas Luhr (DE), Alexander Sims (GB) and Dirk Werner (DE) will alternate in the cockpit of the number 19 car over the course of the four-hour race. Luhr and Werner were also in action at last week’s test and set-up sessions, where a trouble-free car meant they were able to complete numerous laps. Driving duties in the number 20 BMW Z4 GT3 will be shared by Dominik Baumann (AT), Jens Klingmann (DE) and Martin Tomczyk (DE). Like Luhr and Werner, Klingmann was also involved in the test and set-up sessions, where he alternated behind the wheel with Claudia Hürtgen (DE). The 60th ADAC Westfalenfahrt gets underway at 12:00 on Saturday.

Stefan Wendl (Team Manager Schubert Motorsport): “We were able to implement our programme with the BMW Z4 GT3 as planned at the test and set-up sessions, and hope that the opening VLN race is equally successful. We have already taken a very big step in the right direction as far as reliability is concerned. BMW Motorsport did a very good job over the winter. We saw that at the 24 Hours of Dubai, when we were able to complete the race without a hint of a technical fault. Our task at the preparatory races on the Nordschleife is now to optimise the performance of the car and the processes within the team.”

Dirk Werner (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 19): “The test and set-up sessions were the first time I had driven on the Nordschleife for about three years. It was a challenge to find my feet on the track again. A few places have been resurfaced, which has made the circuit even faster. For this reason, it was important for me to get a few laps under my belt before the first race weekend. I am really looking forward to the season-opener in the VLN, as this is the first time we will line up against our opposition.”

Jens Klingmann (BMW Z4 GT3, car number 20): “Last weekend I returned to the Nordschleife for the first time since the 24-hour race in 2013, and I needed a few laps to adapt to the ‘Green Hell’ again. The asphalt and kerbs are different in a few sections, but at least I now know this ahead of the start of the VLN season. I am looking forward to racing again. The car is running flawlessly, so we should be up there with the front-runners right from the word go.”

Collisions shatter SX Team Schubert’s hopes of victory at the 24 Hours of Dubai

For over twelve hours, it looked as though SX Team Schubert could possibly win the 24 Hours of Dubai (AE) for the second time, having previously triumphed in the desert emirate in 2011. However, two collisions in the early hours of morning saw the number 76 BMW Z4  GT3 drop back down the field. The team eventually came home tenth after 583 laps. 

Drivers Dirk Werner (DE), Bill Auberlen (US), Paul Dalla Lana (CA), Dane Cameron (US) and Claudia Hürtgen (DE) showed consistently good speed throughout the first half of the race, lapping among the leading group right from the word go and actually leading the race for a long period. However, shortly before five in the morning local time, two collisions with slower cars in quick succession resulted in SX Team Schubert dropping back down the standings. 

The subsequent repair work caused the car to lose several laps on its rivals, and the gap to the leaders proved too much to overcome at the end of the race. 

Racingdivas Team Schubert had more reason to celebrate. Natasja Smit-Sø (NL), Gaby Uljee (NL), Sandra van der Sloot (NL), Paulien Zwart (NL) and Shirley van der Lof (NL) recovered from problems early on in the race to produce a magnificent charge in their BMW 320d. They stormed through the field in the A3T class to snatch the class victory. In doing so, they were able to repeat last year’s success – this time against far stronger opposition. 

Stefan Wendl (Team Manager Schubert Motorsport): “We paved the way to a good result in the first half of the race. We did not take too many risks and kept out of trouble. That worked very well and, after lapping consistently and a few problems for our rivals, we found ourselves at the head of the field. Unfortunately we then had our share of misfortune. We had to repair the car twice after collisions. Despite the excellent and fast work performed by our team, this cost us a lot of time. Despite this, the race was generally encouraging for the remaining endurance races this year, as the BMW Z4 GT3 ran without any technical problems from practice right through to the finish – and that despite all the stresses and strains. Our drivers were also magnificent. Paul Dalla Lana, in particular, was extremely consistent. Congratulations to our Racingdivas, who produced an energetic performance to pick up the class win despite several collisions.” 

Dirk Werner: “It is a real shame that we were not able to convert the good performance of our car into a place on the podium. It could have been so much better, so you are obviously going to be disappointed after such a tiring race. I was in the car for the first of the two collisions. A Ferrari drove into my rear wheel when turning into the corner. That broke the wishbone. We were very unlucky, as it was not such a hard contact on the rear axle. Despite everything, I still really enjoyed being able to work with Team Schubert. I met a lot of familiar faces and the BMW Z4 GT3 is a very good car to drive. Those are the positives I will take away with me from Dubai.”

SX Team Schubert lines up with a BMW Z4 GT3 at the 24 Hours of Dubai

 

The first highlight of the 2014 motorsport season gets underway on 10th January. When Schubert Motorsport lines up with two cars at the 24 Hours of Dubai (AE), the team will be looking to follow on from the success it has enjoyed in previous years at this endurance classic. At the forefront will be SX Team Schubert in the number 76 BMW Z4 GT3. Drivers Bill Auberlen (US), Dane Cameron (US), Paul Dalla Lana (CA) und Dirk Werner (DE) have their sights set firmly on a podium finish. Auberlen and Dalla Lana were part of the Schubert Motorsport outfit that triumphed in Dubai with a BMW Z4 GT3 in 2011, coming home fifth in the team’s second car. Werner was in action for Team Schubert at the 24-hour race at Spa- Francorchamps (BE) in 2011, when he finished runner-up. 

Like last year, the Racingdivas Team Schubert will once again take their place on the starting grid in Dubai. The five drivers – Natasja Smit-Sø (NL), Gaby Uljee (NL), Sandra van der  Sloot (NL), Paulien Zwart (NL) and Shirley van der Lof (NL) – will be out to repeat last year’s victory in the A3T class in their BMW 320d. 

The team will set off on the journey from Oschersleben (DE) to Dubai on Sunday, and will take to the desert track with the BMW Z4 GT3 for the first time on Wednesday. The race begins at 14:00 (local time) on Friday 10th January. 

Stefan Wendl (Team Manager Schubert Motorsport): “We are delighted to be able to line up with a BMW Z4 GT3 again in Dubai in 2014. Positive discussions with Paul and Bill at BMW Motorsport’s Season Review in Munich meant we were able to finalise our package for the first highlight of the 2014 season on Christmas Eve. We were able to recall the successful relationships we enjoyed in the past, and want to challenge for a podium again in 2014. With his class and experience, Dirk Werner will prove a valuable member of the team – as will Dane Cameron, who already boasts a wealth of endurance experience from the GRAND-AM Series. As far as the Racingdivas are concerned, I hope they are able to repeat last year’s class victory against significantly stronger opposition.”
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