BMW's Bathurst Comeback

BMW M Team WRT is set to make a formidable return to the Bathurst 12 Hour, aiming to conquer the podium with an enhanced driver roster and two BMW M4 GT3s. This marks the team's second appearance at the iconic Australian race since debuting as a BMW M works team.

Last year's outing culminated in fourth and sixth-place finishes – respectable results but short of the team's lofty ambitions. The upcoming race offers another opportunity for the Belgian team to vie for the top spot at Bathurst's legendary 12-hour race.

The team's #32 BMW M4 GT3 will be piloted by Sheldon van der Linde (RSA), Dries Vanthoor, and Charles Weerts (both BEL), who narrowly missed the podium last year, finishing fourth. Meanwhile, the #46 BMW M4 GT3 sees Valentino Rossi and Maxime Martin (BEL) – a seasoned duo – joined by newcomer Raffaele Marciello, who will be racing for BMW M Motorsport for the first time at Bathurst.

Andreas Roos, Head of BMW M Motorsport, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming challenge: "The Bathurst 12 Hour is a spectacular event to start the year with, and we're thrilled to field another strong line-up in Australia in 2024. We're eager to rectify last year's missed opportunity for a podium finish. With our current driver line-up, we're well-positioned for a successful race."

Team Principal Vincent Vosse shared his anticipation: "Returning to Bathurst is a thrilling way to kick off our second season with BMW M Motorsport. We're aiming for a strong performance with our exceptional squad of drivers."

Raffaele Marciello, set to drive the #46 BMW M4 GT3, commented on his debut race with BMW M Motorsport: "Bathurst holds a special place for me. It's the perfect venue for my first race with the team. I've been close to winning here several times. Sharing the car with Valentino, someone I admired in MotoGP as a kid, is incredibly special."

As the team gears up for the Bathurst 12 Hour, all eyes will be on BMW M Team WRT as they strive to leave a lasting impression on the challenging Mount Panorama Circuit. The blend of experienced drivers and the proven prowess of the BMW M4 GT3 positions the team as a strong contender in this year's race.

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