BMW Motorsport DTM racers Timo Glock and Bruno Spengler will join Alessandro Zanardi in a specially built Z4 GT3 in the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps on July 25 and 26.
BMW Motorsport engineers have developed a car that will accommodate both Zanardi, who lost his legs in a crash in 2001, and fully able-bodied drivers. BMW’s release says, “Various modifications to the car make it possible to complete the driver changeovers between Zanardi, Glock and Spengler within the shortest time possible. The engineers at BMW Motorsport are also working together with the drivers to ensure the steering wheel, seat and pedals are perfectly positioned.”
Zanardi says, “Timo and Bruno are two fantastic people, great guys and outstanding racing drivers. I think we will form a really strong team. Everyone in the BMW Motorsport family has a very close relationship. However, one thing really touched me: when we started planning for the 24-hour race, everyone was hooked immediately. That makes me very proud, since they are all real racers who want to be successful. That showed me that they all believe in me and trust me to be competitive enough. They not only see it as an adventure to drive with me at this endurance race, but also believe they have a good chance of getting a good result for BMW. That is definitely what we will be aiming for.”
Both Glock and Spengler are excited about the project. Glock says, “When BMW asked me whether I would be willing to get involved in this project, I did not hesitate for a second. Alex had already told me in the winter that he really wanted to do a 24-hour race at some point. Back then I told him I would definitely be on board if he and BMW were to embark such a fantastic venture. And now that opportunity has actually presented itself. It is an incredibly exciting project. It requires a completely different approach to usual. It is also a very emotional project for me as I have always followed Alex Zanardi ever since his time in Formula One and ChampCar. It is fantastic to share a car with him now.”
Spengler adds, “I am really looking forward to the 24-hour race at Spa-Francorchamps. I drove the 24 Hours of Daytona in January and really enjoyed it. But the fact that BMW is now giving me the opportunity to race alongside Alex in a BMW Z4 GT3 is amazing. It really is an honor for me to be part of this team. This project will be a great experience for me, and I am very motivated. Alex, Timo and I are a good team and I can hardly wait to compete together.”
Roberto Ravaglia’s ROAL Motorsport team will field the car. In preparation for the Spa race the three drivers will run the Z4 in the Blancpain Endurance Series race at Circuit Paul Ricard in France on June 19 and 20. They will also participate in the official test for the 24 hour race on June 24 at Spa.—Brian S. Morgan
(The photo shows Bruno Spengler, Alex Zanardi, and Timo Glock, left to right)
