A 7th place tinged with bitterness for BMW on the grid for the 6H of Imola

This is the little surprise of these qualifications at Imola: behind the untouchables Ferrari and the inevitable Porsche, BMW did well to take 7th place during the Hyperpole, a performance to the credit of René Rast at the wheel of the No. 20. The German Hypercar revealed itself this Saturday, finding a rhythm that we did not suspect based on the performances displayed in Qatar. No surprise to the WRT team which operates the BMW M Hybrid V8, which was expecting to gain momentum in Italy.

“The bad surprise was in Qatar. Of course, we tested here, which we didn't do for Qatar. Also, the track was probably a little better [for us], explained Vincent Vosse, WRT Team Principal. We are still learning and we still need to understand if this is our position [in the hierarchy]. We don't want to be 7th or 8th, we want to win races. Our goal is to have the best LMDh. (…) With BMW, we have worked very hard since Qatar to make progress. We were surprised by our position there. Let's say that here, it corresponds a little more to reality. »

However, the story is not as rosy regarding the other car, number 15. Just two minutes from the end of the first qualifying session, Dries Vanthoor made a mistake at the exit of Piratella. A spin with no impact on the car... but with serious consequences, since the race management quickly decided to display a red flag, probably to clean the track of scattered gravel. A red flag which also meant the end of hopes for the Belgian driver, who was not allowed to restart.

BMW questions red flag

If the commissioners showed leniency towards the situation, by not deleting the best time set by Dries Vanthoor and leaving the No. 15 in 13th place on the grid, the bitterness is indeed present at BMW. The German-Belgian team is questioning the relevance and timing of a red flag for this incident, when the driver of the No. 15 was able to leave almost immediately afterwards. “[Not being able to] join the session is one thing. The rules are the rules. But the red flag... You could have had a red flag for the Toyota (spin at Tosa, Editor’s note) and for the #5 [Porsche]… But things are what they are. If it’s the rules, it’s the rules”, confided Vincent Vosse after qualifying.

The main director of the WRT team also clarified that his team was " in discussion " with the race commissioners to have an explanation for this decision. Despite the frustration, BMW and WRT are already focused on racing, and aim to “finish the race without problem” et “in the points”. “We will see tomorrow how the first round goes. If it's wet, dry, humid... As we know, races are long. On the other hand, we know it would be difficult to overtake here. It's difficult to maintain your position, that's one thing. You will have to stay clean. It's'Endurance ! »

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