Quotes winners’ Press Conference

1st place / #99 ROWE Racing BMW M6 GT3

Alexander Sims (GBR):

“The car handled really great in the changeable conditions throughout the race. After the re-start it was particularly important to be able to match the pace and be able to work our way up without talking too many risks. And we succeeded in doing so in great style.”

Nicky Catsburg (NED):

“The dry conditions certainly were an advantage for us. And I think that represented the difference compared to our opponents. Bug altogether it was a truly challenging race – and the definitely most difficult race in my career to date. Making the right decisions at the right point in time was the key factor for our triumph – particularly when it came to the tyres. And of course you had to avoid making any driving mistake to be able to secure the win.”

Nick Yelloly (GBR):

“I’m so excited that we succeeded in winning the race at this fantastic circuit 50 years after the BMW triumph in the debut edition of the legendary event. Just incredible. Despite the extremely difficult conditions we made no mistakes at all. The car was really super. This win also means a lot to the team. They tried it so often and now they finally did it It’s such a good feeling.”

2nd Place / #3 Audi Sport Team CarCollection Audi R8 LMS GT3

Markus Winkelhock (Tschechien)

“By qualifying 11th we were the fastest Audi but definitely not among the favourites. But we knew that the car was able to deliver and we encountered no technical problems whatsoever throughout the race. A feat that also would have deserved a trophy. Due to the freak weather, this year’s 24h Race certainly was one of the most difficult 24h Races ever held in the Eifel. Of course we came here to win the race but in these conditions we also are happy with having finished second.”

Christopher Haase (Kulmbach)

“Yesterday, prior to the red flags, I spun but fortunately without the slightest consequences. Today the conditions unfortunately weren’t really better, as the returning rain and the dirt on the track made our lives really difficult. And it also didn’t help that I had to complete a lap in the wet on slicks before we could switch to wets. Therefore I’m really proud of our second place. The red flag was the absolutely right decision to prevent worse incidents.”

Mirko Bortolotti (AUT)

“The perfect debut for me as coming second is a great result. We gave our very best to win the race and held the lead for quite a while but sometimes, small details can make for a big difference. We were a great driver team and everybody made a fantastic job. It’s a pity that our fourth driver, Robin Frijns, couldn’t contest the race due to a flu. We all send him get-well-soon wishes from here.”

3. Place / #42 BMW Team Schnitzer BMW M6 GT3

Augusto Farfus (BRA)

“In 2010 the circuit was different but the race always was demanding. This year there was rain and we had to cope with difficult conditions. We had to give our very best. In 2010 we had a brand-new car and a dry race, this year we had a lot of rain and a race that was red-flagged for a long time. But today is a great day. Two BMWs on the podium, what a result! I’m delighted for the brand, the entire BMW family and BMW Motorsport.”

Jens Klingmann (SUI)

“Yes, I’m fit again – but it was a long way. I had to make do without extensive preparation for the race. Because of a bicycle accident I joined the team only for the fifth VLN round to make my first experiences with the car and the tyres. And now, this event offered me the chance of racing in the rain. But Martin already said it: we cooperated really well as team. Team Schnitzer did a great job and ROWE Racing also delivered in great style and deserved to win the race. We can be proud and happy.”

Martin Tomczyk (Kolbermoor)

At this circuit you can test as much as you want – it will surprise you every time. And without situations we experienced this weekend it wouldn’t be the Nürburgring 24h Race. Actually, we never raced with the optimum tyres for the respective conditions. We hoped so long for a BMW win and today it counts that BMW has won the race as manufacturer. Of course we would have loved to win as Team Schnitzer but the top priority was to see BMW on the top spot. And this was achieved by ROWE Racing. It’s great to have celebrated the 20th win after so many years. And it goes without saying that we hope the fans will be back for the 49th Nürburgring 24h Race. Let’s hope for the best.”

Sheldon van der Linde (Kempten)

“It was a really good weekend. The #99 was just more competitive but I’m happy for BMW. To see two cars on the podium and even three in the top four – what a great result! The re-start was just crazy. So much spray. The track was rather wet in the morning and therefore, it took quite a lot of time until it dried. But fortunately, our car delivers in both conditions. The performance was fantastic.”

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