Belgian star Maxime Martin will stay with the Marc VDS Racing Team at the final round of the Blancpain Endurance Series. He was originally scheduled to race in the American Le Mans Series, but will instead fight for the Blancpain Endurance Series titles with the blessing of BMW Motorsport.

He will once again drive the #3 BMW Z4 GT3 with Yelmer Buurman and Bas Leinders, and the trio currently sit just three points behind the drivers’ standings leaders, with one win in the series already this season. A win for any of the top crews in the standings would earn the title, so it will be an intense battle in Germany and one Martin was keen to be involved in.

The teams’ championship is also up for grabs, with Marc VDS leading by just eight points. A strong result from the team is crucial, and the team will rely not just on #3 but also the #4 BMW Z4 GT3 of Nick Catsburg, Henri Moser and Markus Palttala. Bad luck has scuppered a title challenge from this partnership but they have shown race winning pace on more than one occasion and are keen to ensure the team earns the best result possible in Germany.

The race takes place on the 22nd September and runs over a new distance – 1000km, or roughly double the normal race length in the Blancpain Endurance Series.

Bas Leinders, Team Principal: “Of course, it’s fantastic to have Maxime race with us as we challenge for the titles. He’s been a part of the team for a long time and it would feel strange to race without him. This team works like a family in many ways and we can achieve our best with Maxime alongside us. Everyone at Marc VDS are grateful to Jens Marquardt and BMW Motorsport for clearing him to race with us. Now we aim for the best possible result in Germany.”

Maxime Martin, #3 BMW Z4 GT3: “It’s a pleasure to be going to the Nürburgring with Marc VDS – I’ve known this team for five years and I feel at home here. After fighting last year and coming so close to the title, it’s great to be able to challenge once more.I’ve done the whole season with the team and though I would normally have been in Austin for the American Le Mans Series with BMW Motorsport, between myself, Jens Marquardt and Marc VDS, we came to this decision. I’m not in a position to win the ALMS title and after Spa we are in a strong position in the Blancpain Endurance Series – it was natural to race in Germany.”

Source : Marc VDS Racing Team