Walkenhorst Motorsport with a positive premiere in the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS

Thomas Neubauer, James Kell and Anders Buchardt started at the season opener of the Fanatec GT World Challenge powered by AWS Endruance Cup in Monza in the #35 BMW M4 GT3. Walkenhorst Motorsport finished the race in sixth place in the Bronze Cup.

Monza. The season opener of the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS Endurance Cup took place in Monza at the weekend. Among 55 vehicles, the BMW M4 GT3 with starting number #35 entered the event. The car was driven by Thomas Neubauer, James Kell and Anders Buchardt. The Autodromo Nazionale di Monza had exciting sessions to offer.

Qualifying in the Royal Park was shortened due to a technical problem on the part of the organization on site, meaning that not all drivers were able to set a time. The #35 started the race from the 45th starting position with an average lap time of 1:47.976. The goal was clear: the field should be rolled up from behind and as many places as possible made up. After an hour and a half, the trio had already managed to move up to 27th overall position with impressive overtaking maneuvers. The podium finish was within reach. In the highly competitive Bronze Cup, James Kell successfully defended 3rd place in a close duel against his opponents when the Walkenhorst Motorsport team received a 5-second penalty due to a mistake in the pit lane. This penalty prevented the leap onto the podium.

The BMW M4 GT3 had good pace and the drivers put in a strong performance, so that the racing car crossed the finish line in a respectable 22nd place after 94 laps. In the Bronze Cup, this meant sixth place for Thomas Neubauer, James Kell and Anders Buchardt.

The next Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS Endurance Cup will be held June 2-4 at Circuit Paul Ricard, France.

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James Kell: “The team did an excellent job this weekend, the progression of the car from Friday to Sunday was exceptional. We had a very strong race car under us, Anders kept out of trouble for the start and first stint, and Thomas had an unbelievable middle stint. We knew we were in for a chance of a podium position but an unfortunate pit lane penalty dropped us down a few places. Still good points on the board and we’ll be back even stronger for Paul Ricard.”

Anders Buchardt: „It was exiting to finally enter the first race of the season and to be back at Monza. As a team we worked really well together from the first outing and till the last lap of the race. We showed that we have a strong package and are able to fight for top positions. The 5 sec penalty was hard to swallow when it cost us a podium but the strong drive of my teammates gives high hopes for the season.“

Thomas Neubauer: “I am very happy to drive with Walkenhorst Motorsport in the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS. I’m also very satisfied with the weekend. We would definitely have made the podium without the penalty. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to take part in qualifying, so it was even nicer to have a successful comeback on the track. We all did a great job. This good momentum will certainly help us in the Spa test and in Paul Ricard.”