News

BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert is looking forward to the third race weekend of the ADAC GT Masters with renewed confidence. The team from Oschersleben (DE) has fond memories of the iconic circuit at Spa-Franchorchamps (BE) in the Ardennes, Belgium. The last time the ADAC GT Masters visited this track two years ago, Claudia Hürtgen (DE) and Dominik Baumann (AT) were victorious. For Hürtgen, who this year shares the cockpit of the number 19 BMW Z4 GT3 with Uwe Alzen (DE), the races in Spa are a real home outing, as she was born just a few kilometres away in Aachen (DE). Baumann will drive the number 80 BMW Z4 GT3 powered by HUAWEI alongside Jens Klingmann (DE). 

The rollercoaster circuit in Spa suits the BMW Z4 GT3, particularly the legendary Eau Rouge corner and the flowing second section of the track. Furthermore, a new grading of the “Balance of Performance” (BoP), with 10 kg less, and an increase in the size of the restrictor from 70 to 80.6 mm should have a positive effect on the competitiveness of the car. The races on Saturday and Sunday both begin at 13:15 and will be broadcast live on Sport1. 

Timo Frings (Team Manager): “We hope that the change to the BoP will allow us to take an important step back towards being competitive. Also, Spa is a track that has always suited the BMW Z4 GT3, as our win there two years ago showed. The long uphill straight is not ideal for us, but we believe we can perhaps open up a small gap before then in Eau Rouge. The rear part of the track, including Blanchimont, ought to suit us. The event in Spa is a home outing for Claudia Hürtgen, and that gives the entire team an extra boost of motivation.” 

Claudia Hürtgen (BMW Z4 GT3 #19): “Spa is just 70 kilometres from Aachen. I always enjoy driving there and enjoy all the races, including our win there two years ago. I am really looking forward to this great racetrack. We could not have hoped for more than a few points from the Red Bull Ring. I hope we fare better again in Spa.” 

Jens Klingmann (BMW Z4 GT3 powered by HUAWEI #80): “Spa is one of the highlights of the season in the ADAC GT Masters. The circuit is like a little Nordschleife and by far the longest of the year. I have competed in the 24-hour race there twice recently, so I know the circuit well. Following the change to the BoP, our classification is a healthy one again. It gives us a real boost to be able to show what we are capable of again. The BMW successes here in the past are a positive sign of what is possible at this circuit, and maybe we can claim a spot on the podium again.”