Portimão. The GT World Challenge Europe season finale in Portimão saw notable achievements for BMW M Motorsport teams. Team WRT secured the overall team championship, earning this title by combining results from both the Sprint and Endurance races. This victory follows their earlier success in the Sprint Team Championship a fortnight ago. In individual accolades, Jens Klingmann, Tim Tramnitz, and Ugo de Wilde emerged as the drivers’ champions in the Gold Cup Endurance standings with their team, ROWE Racing, clinching the team title in the Endurance Gold Cup.
The championship title for Team WRT was solidified by the performance of the #30 BMW M4 GT3 EVO. In a gripping last race, drivers Matisse Lismont, Amaury Cordeel, and Ignacio Montenegro finished fifth overall while also winning the Silver Cup. This team had previously secured the Silver Cup titles in Sprint, Endurance, and combined standings prior to the final race.
The Gold Cup competition was equally exciting. The trio of Klingmann, Tramnitz, and de Wilde arrived in Portimão as leaders in the standings after winning the class title in the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps earlier in the year. In the concluding three-hour race, they faced stiff competition, with Klingmann securing second place in the Gold Cup, clinching the championship title.
In the Bronze Cup, Oman Racing by Century Motorsport’s #42 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, driven by Ahmad Al Harthy, Javier Sagrera, and Calan Williams, finished third. Meanwhile, the Paradine Competition #991 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, piloted by Darren Leung, James Kellett, and Robert de Haan, placed fourth in the same category.
ROWE Racing’s #98 BMW M4 GT3 EVO faced several challenges, ultimately finishing 22nd overall. Drivers Marco Wittmann, Jake Dennis, and Philipp Eng encountered difficulties after a puncture hindered their performance. Team WRT’s #32 BMW M4 GT3 EVO also ran into issues; Jordan Pepper served a drive-through penalty after causing a collision, and right before the finish, teammate Kelvin van der Linde suffered a puncture after being hit by a rival vehicle.
The #46 BMW M4 GT3 EVO from Team WRT, featuring drivers Valentino Rossi, Neil Verhagen, and Max Hesse, retired early in the race due to a mechanical failure after a puncture.
In reactions following the race, Vincent Vosse, Team Principal of Team WRT, expressed enthusiasm over achieving the team’s 80th title: “I’m thrilled with this 80th title for the team! That’s a great achievement.” He acknowledged their Silver Cup car’s significant contribution but noted less success with their Pro cars in the final race.
Hans-Peter Naundorf, Team Principal of ROWE Racing, reflected on the excitement of the season finale: “This was our first season competing in the Gold Cup, and we had a clear mission. It couldn’t have gone any better.”
The drivers also shared their thoughts: Klingmann acknowledged the thrill and challenges of the race, while Tramnitz highlighted their overall pace and consistency throughout the season. De Wilde emphasized the learning experience and teamwork involved in reaching their goals.
As the season concludes, the teams will look to analyze their performances and prepare for future competitions, with all eyes on maintaining momentum into the upcoming season.
