Return to Spa: ROWE RACING looking forward to the biggest GT race in the world
St. Ingbert, 22nd July 2022 – After a year away, ROWE RACING is returning to the scene of past success: at the 74th staging of the 24 Hours of Spa, the team from St. Ingbert will be aiming for another podium at the iconic circuit in the Belgian Ardennes. With victories in 2016 and 2020, as well as runner up finishes in 2018 and 2019, ROWE RACING has finished in the top two in four of its five starts in Spa. No other team in the field of 66 starters, in what is the biggest and toughest GT3 race in the world, can point to such a successful record. The race at the undulating circuit is the highlight of the season in the GT World Challenge Europe, and the second big highlight of the season for the team, after the 24h Nürburgring.
As well as the team, with its victories in 2016 and 2020, one driver also knows how it feels to triumph in Spa. In 2015, Dutchman Nick Catsburg was one of the victorious trio in his neighbouring Belgium. This year, he shares the cockpit of the #98 BMW M4 GT3 with his two fellow BMW M works drivers Augusto Farfus from Brazil and Nick Yelloly from Great Britain. The BMW Junior Team, consisting of Britain’s Dan Harper, German Max Hesse, and Neil Verhagen from the USA, is set to make its Spa debut in the #50 car. The trio recently showed what it is capable of, with fourth place at the 1,000 km race in Le Castellet.
The 7.004 kilometre Formula 1 circuit in Spa is the longest track in this season’s GT World Challenge Europe – and by far the most demanding. Extensive renovations in the winter, which have seen Circuit de Spa Francorchamps receive a new stand at the famous Eau Rouge/Raidillon combination of corners, as well as new asphalt in many sections, making the high speed track even faster. Furthermore, the asphalted run-off zones in many corners, including the La Source hairpin directly after the start/finish straight and the ultra fast Blanchimont, have been replaced by classic gravel beds. This means there is even less room for error in the packed field. Furthermore, excursions into the gravel, much of which is sharp, can lead to punctures and consequently full course yellow phases and safety cars, which can also affect the teams’ extremely complex strategies.
Another victory in Spa would be the 25th success for record winner BMW on the 50th birthday of BMW M. “Spa Francorchamps is the next debut at one of the really big 24 hour classics for the new BMW M4 GT3. Since the Nürburgring 24 Hours, we have worked hard to make the car more stable and to keep improving it. We are confident that that work will pay dividends at Spa-Francorchamps,” says Andreas Roos, Head of BMW M Motorsport.
For the first time since the two year break due to COVID 19, the race week in Spa begins with the traditional parade of cars from the racetrack to the centre of Spa on Wednesday evening (27th July). An autograph session and driver briefing will take place there, before the entourage heads back to the circuit. The Thursday (28th July) then features plenty of time on the track, starting with the 90 minute free practice from 10:50 to 12:20. Pre qualifying is scheduled from 16:15 to 17:15. Each of the maximum four drivers per car will have a 15 minute qualifying session between 20:35 and 21:56. The day concludes with a 90 minute night practice from 22:15 to 23:45. On the Friday (29th July), Max Hesse will be at the wheel for the one hour Esports race at 15:05. This is followed by a 30 minute warm up at 18:15. From 18:55 to 19:25, the 20 fastest cars from qualifying will battle it out for pole position in the Superpole – an individual time trial against the clock. This will determine the final grid positions for the race, which starts at 16:45 on the Saturday (30th July).
Hans-Peter Naundorf, Team Principal ROWE RACING: “We are really looking forward to racing in Spa again. This race is a big challenge for the teams and drivers, and a mega show for the fans. A big thank you goes to Stephane Ratel and SRO, which this year celebrates 30 years of the GT3 format, which dominates endurance racing around the world. The 24 Hours of Spa once again has a top class field this year, and it is particularly nice that the traditional parade can take place again, as this allows the fans to experience the drivers and cars at first hand. Our goal for the race is actually very simple: ROWE RACING aspires to finish on the podium in every 24 hour race. And we obviously also want to add to our unique record at this circuit. To do this, however, the reliability of our new BMW M4 GT3 must play ball, which is always a challenge in the first year with a new car. Our partner BMW M Motorsport and we have worked hard on this in recent weeks. As a team, we have prepared as meticulously and intensively for this race than ever before.”
Nick Catsburg (#98 ROWE RACING BMW M4 GT3): “Every year, this race is one of my absolute favourites – I am obviously delighted with my overall victory in 2015. Together with Augusto Farfus and Nick Yelloly, we have a very fast and experienced trio of drivers in our car. The team has an impressive record, with Spa victories in cars from various manufacturers. With this in mind, we should have a good chance of competing at the very front. There have been a few changes to the circuit, which could be an issue in the race. I’m thinking of gravel on the track, for example. It will therefore be all the more important to avoid any trouble and drive a clean race. I can hardly wait.”
Max Hesse (#50 ROWE RACING BMW M4 GT3): “We are really looking forward to our first 24 hour race with ROWE RACING and the big challenge at Spa Francorchamps. Our last race in Le Castellet went well, with fourth place. At the recent 24h Portimão, where we tested the new BMW M4 GT4, we learned a lot more about good practice during a 24 hour race. Based on the impressions gained during the Spa test, we seem to have good race pace. We can definitely still improve a little in qualifying. I will also have my first outing in the simulator, in the Fanatec Esports GT Pro Series. I will try to perform well and possibly score a few points for the team.”
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