Blancpain – Marc VDS is under pressure against Team WRT

The abandonment of the #4 BMW Z3 of Bas Leinders, Maxime Martin and Markus Palttala at the Nürburgring cost the Marc VDS Racing crew dearly before the Blancpain finale Endurance Series played in Navarra. The Championship leaders now only have three points ahead of Christopher Mies, Stéphane Ortelli and Christopher Haas, their rivals from the Belgian Audi Club Team WRT. The team representing the manufacturer at the Rings even took control of the Teams Championship, two points ahead of Marc van der Straten?s team.

Suffice to say that the pressure is high within Marc VDS Racing, even if the trio at the top of the Championship have achieved very good performances this season with already two victories in four events. “I am very excited to approach this last round in Spain at the top of the Championship”, comments Markus Palttala, the Finn from the crew of n°3. “Obviously, being in this position creates pressure, but this is normal. We are a good team, Max (Martin) and Bas (Leinders) have both been fantastic behind the wheel this year and I think we are the strongest in the field technically. I really feel confident with them. After the disappointment at the Nürburgring, we are all motivated and ready for the Championship. »

Marc VDS Racing will also closely observe the race of the No. 4 sister car where Nick Catsburg will replace Mike Hezemans alongside Bert Longin and Henri Moser. The result of the team?s second car will be just as important in the fight for the Teams title. “There is perhaps a little more media coverage around the Drivers’ title, but that does not mean that the Teams title is less important for us”, explains Bas Leinders who also serves as Team Principal. “Would being in first place at the end of the season mean so much to all the staff? We have worked hard for over a year to ensure we are in the best possible position to win in this discipline. We simply hope to have a problem-free race, with a good competitive spirit. This season has been fantastic so far and I hope it continues. »