The Marc VDS Racing Team head to the Zolder 24 Hours this weekend, aiming to score a top result and continue their strong 2012 form. The team enter one BMW Z4 GT3 for Blancpain Endurance Series regulars Bas Leinders, Markus Palttala and Henri Moser, who will be joined in the car by Nick Catsburg.
The Belgian squad have achieved strong endurance results already this season, with top six finishes at both the Nürburgring and Spa 24 hour races, as well as wins in the Blancpain Endurance Series. All four drivers come with pedigree and Marc VDS regulars Leinders and Palttala are currently leading the BES, after winning four of the last six events with Maxime Martin.
Martin is unavailable for the Zolder 24 Hours this weekend, after sustaining rib injuries whilst training. The Marc VDS driver will focus now on regaining full fitness ahead of the next BES round at the Nürburgring.
The Zolder 24 Hours is a unique challenge in the racing calendar, with multi class competition the format for the revived event. The Belgian circuit is tight and technical, with a mix of turns. From the slow speed Kleine Chicane, the track sweeps through the fast and unforgiving Butte, and down into the treacherous Terlamenbocht. This section of track alone features hard braking, flat out acceleration, slow, medium and high speed turns. It is a track layout that provides very little rest for the drivers, who have no chance to relax as the straights on the circuit are extremely short. The circuit itself is just 4.011km in length.
A good set up will be key to avoid mechanical and driver fatigue, and the team have spent time testing at the circuit to ensure they are best prepared to take victory. However, like any 24 hour race, the team must be consistent and careful – the team were twice delayed by contact out of their control at the 24 Hours of Spa and will be hoping to avoid a recurrence of that bad luck.
The race begins at 16:00 local time on 8 September, finishing at 16:00 on Sunday, where Marc VDS aim to be the first under the chequered flag.
Henri Moser: “I’m really happy to join such a successful crew. I’ve seen what they’ve done this season, and I know they’re very strong and prepared. This is my third 24 hour race this season, and I haven’t had a great deal of luck – this time it’s third time lucky! Of course, our main aim is victory. It will be a tough race and though there aren’t as many cars as there were at Spa or Nürburgring, but there’s some very high quality opposition. I think it will be the toughest we’ve done so far, physically and on the cars. It’s a very stop and go lap, and there’s no chance to chill on a long straight. Even with four drivers it will be tough, especially if the temperatures or the humidity is high. I just can’t wait to get started.”
Markus Palttala: “Zolder has always been a very Belgian race. It’s not been at its top strength the last few years, but the organisers are making a real effort. It’s a stand alone event, and we want to show our support to the new organisers. They wanted us to come, and it fitted our calendar so we are coming despite the fact it wasn’t originally part of our plan. We don’t believe it will be easy for a second – it’s a harder race than Spa and though there is less opposition, it is very strong. There are a lot of unknowns, but that’s great. The race here in Zolder has a fantastic atmosphere and a lot of history, it really is a race worth taking part in. It’s an exciting prospect, and great to race in front of the team’s home fans.”
Source : Marc VDS Racing Team