Nicky Catsburg survived an eventful FIA GT World Cup Qualification Race this afternoon (19 November 2016) at Macau to take the chequered flag seventh overall in his Rowe Racing BMW F13 M6 GT3, second of the non-manufacturer entered FIA GT World Cup cars.

Catsburg enjoyed a great build up to the first race of the weekend, putting in an error free run in Friday qualifying to set the eighth fastest time. The start of the 12-lap Qualification race saw previous race winner and pole-sitter Edoardo Mortara spin at the start and fortunately was not collected by the rest of the pack as they swerved past the stricken Audi.

Catsburg quickly settled into a race rhythm, in what was a short 12-lap sprint segmented by two caution periods, applying pressure to the bright yellow Bentley of Adderly Fong and despite his best efforts, was unable to wrestle away sixth position and took the chequered flag just two-seconds adrift.

“I wanted a top ten in qualifying so ninth is obviously a good result,” Catsburg said following the Friday action. “I’m the second fastest rookie and second fastest of the non-manufacturer teams, so I’m pleased with that.”

Speaking of his 12-lap race, Catsburg was equally as upbeat. “P7 is a great result. We found yesterday that experience here really does count with my fastest lap and final lap being seven-tenths faster than anything before.
 
“I made a good start and avoided the inevitable first lap incident to run in seventh. I picked up pace as the race progressed – gaining race experience at this tough track – but with the two yellows, was unable to make further gains. Seventh is a great result for today, second of the non-manufacturer teams, so I look forward to Sunday and see where we can make further progress.”

Today’s result from the Qualification race determines the starting position for Sunday’s 18-lap FIA GT Cup finale that begins at 12.55 local time, +8 hours GMT.