Bentley Team HTP had a successful debut with its Continental GT3 in the Nürburgring 24-hours, one of the most challenging endurance races in the world. In the Bentley Continental GT3, Marco Seefried (D), Clemens Schmid (A), Christopher Brück (D) and Harold Primat (CH) drove a strong race and finished eighth at Bentley’s debut in the 24-hours on the longest and most difficult track in the world.
Fuel, tires and driver changes: The Bentley Team HTP Continental GT3 ran like clockwork. The team and drivers responded to difficult and changing weather conditions during the first part of the race, allowing the car to move through the field. Rain showers in parts of the 25 km-long track made tire choice a gamble. The four drivers of Bentley Team HTP acted prudently and subsequently worked their way up to the top ten from 21st on the grid. After a tough 24h race, Seefried / Schmid / Brück / Primat finished eighth out of 152 competitors in Bentley Team HTPs maiden 24-hour race with the Continental GT3.
“I’m very satisfied with the result, it can hardly be better then to finish in the top ten in our maiden 24-hours race with Bentley”, Bentley Team HTP team principal Norbert Brückner said. “A big compliment to the team. Without their performance this result wouldn’t have been possible. The team prepared the car very well and all four drivers showed exceptional performance in difficult conditions. Finishing eighth and without any scratch on the car is a testament to the team and the qualities of the Bentley.”
There is no time to rest for Bentley Team HTP after the 24-hours of the Nürburgring. Next weekend Bentley Team HTP enters one Bentley for Harold Primat, Vincent Abril and Mike Parisy in the second round of the Blancpain Endurance Series in Silverstone/England.
Driver Quotes
Harold Primat: “It was a great race. We tried to avoid any trouble and had a safe race. The conditions were very difficult, especially at night. Our race was absolutely flawless, we just had to refuel and change tires and brake pads. All drivers showed a good performance and our strategy was spot on. We always had the right tires on our car. Everyone did a great job and to finish eighth with Bentley in their début 24-hours Nürburgring is a great reward for the team and feels good.”
Clemens Schmid: “It was a very turbulent race. To finish the race as best-placed Bentley in the top 10 is an honour and the result of great teamwork. My race was very exciting because I drove the car in the race for the first time in wet conditions during the night. That was a very special experience. We did not risk everything during the race, as our main goal was to finish and I’m really happy that we achieved this.”
Christopher Brück: “Technically we had no problem throughout the race. Neither on the track, nor in the pits we lost time. The first half of the race was very difficult, and my stint during the early hours on Sunday was by far the most difficult stint I ever drove here. During the difficult conditions in the night many top cars had accidents. We came perfectly through the night and that is perhaps the most important thing for a good finish in this race. A eighth place finish is a great result for the team and for Bentley.”
Marco Seefried: “We met our goals and got the maximum out of our package. Before the race, certainly no one would seriously expect that we succeed in the Bentley debut here with such a good result. We not only had a trouble-free race, but also have a clean slate. There we have been concerns about the new regulations on the Nordschleife, but we did not put any foot wrong, had no penalty and had an optimal race.”