BMW M Team WRT Triumphs at Misano: Rossi Shines in Home Victory
The Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli roared with excitement this past weekend as BMW M Team WRT delivered an outstanding performance in the second round of the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS Sprint Cup. The Belgian team clinched victory in both races, highlighting their dominance on the track.
The weekend's highlight was Valentino Rossi's home victory in the first race. Teaming up with Maxime Martin, Rossi repeated his success from last season, crossing the finish line first in the #46 BMW M4 GT3. The duo of Dries Vanthoor and Charles Weerts completed the one-two finish for BMW M Team WRT, showcasing the strength of the BMW M4 GT3.
In the second race, held under the evening lights, Vanthoor and Weerts were unstoppable, securing first place and further solidifying their lead in the overall Sprint Cup standings. Rossi and Martin rounded off the podium in third place, adding to the team's impressive haul of points.
Qualifying Dominance Sets the Stage
The weekend's success was foreshadowed by a stellar performance in Friday's qualifying sessions, where BMW M Team WRT secured pole positions for both races. This strong start was a clear indicator of the team's potential and the BMW M4 GT3's capabilities at Misano.
Silver and Bronze Cup Success
The success was not limited to the main races. In the Silver Cup, Calan Williams and Sam De Haan drove the Team WRT #30 BMW M4 GT3 to victory in both races, significantly extending their lead in the standings. Century Motorsport also celebrated a remarkable achievement, finishing second in the Bronze Cup during race two with drivers Dan Harper and Darren Leung.
Voices from the Team
Andreas Roos, Head of BMW M Motorsport, praised the team's exceptional performance: “Congratulations to BMW M Team WRT on an incredible race weekend at Misano! Two victories, including the second home success for Valentino Rossi alongside Maxime Martin, and the overall lead in the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup for Dries Vanthoor and Charles Weerts following their commanding victory – simply gigantic!"
Team Principal Vincent Vosse reflected on the milestone 50th victory in the Sprint Cup: “What an impressive number! I can't praise the team enough for its performance during the pit stops today. Everyone did a perfect job. Now we can go into the countdown for Le Mans with a good feeling.”
Valentino Rossi expressed his joy at winning on home soil: “A fantastic weekend here at Misano! To have won at home again after last year is great. I am very happy about that. In race two in the evening, we tried to finish second, but we couldn't overtake on this track. Nevertheless, we can leave Misano very happy with a double podium.”
Looking Ahead
With four out of five season races won at Le Castellet, Brands Hatch, and Misano, the BMW M4 GT3 has proven its versatility and strength on diverse tracks. This strong performance leaves the team optimistic for the rest of the season.
As the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup moves forward, BMW M Team WRT is well-positioned to continue its success. With the next challenge on the horizon, fans and competitors alike will be watching closely to see if the team can maintain its winning streak.
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