With the first European rounds of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Super Season complete, BMW Team MTEK is making the 9,500 kilometre journey to the Fuji International Speedway in Japan for the “Six Hours of Fuji”, the first of two rounds in Asia.
The #81 BMW M8 GTE will be driven by Martin Tomcyzk (GER) and Nick Catsburg (NED), while António Félix Da Costa (POR) and Tom Blomqvist (GBR) will pilot the #82 machine, with Blomqvist standing in for Augusto Farfus (BRA) while he fulfils his DTM duties. BMW Team MTEK Team Principal Ernest Knoors (NED) is extremely happy with the progress made by the team so far this year and believes that if they continue where they left-off at the previous round at Silverstone (GBR) in August, they have a good chance of success at Fuji next weekend (14th October).
Comments ahead of the Six Hours of Fuji:
Ernest Knoors (Team Principal, BMW Team MTEK):
“Everyone in the team is excited heading to Fuji, not just because the fans always provide a fantastic atmosphere, but because we feel like we are in a good position. The team was near perfect at Silverstone and I’m very proud of that. We had a couple of reliability issues that cost us the results we deserved but we’ve worked hard and believe a good result is ours to take.”
Martin Tomczyk (#81 BMW M8 GTE):
“I’m really excited to be heading to the Six Hours of Fuji. Again, for me, it is a new track but I drove it in the simulator and loved the layout. I especially enjoyed the first part with the quick corners, which should suit the BMW M8 GTE. The last sector will be more tricky for us but, overall, it should be good.”
Nick Catsburg (#81 BMW M8 GTE):
“It will be my first time at the Fuji International Speedway but, from looking at it, we should be strong here. It would be great to score our first WEC podium as that would put us in a good position as we travel to the events further afield.”
António Félix da Costa (#82 BMW M8 GTE):
“We’ve learned so much about the car so I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do at Fuji. It’s my first time there but I think the BMW M8 GTE will be competitive. Although I’ll miss Augusto, it’s great to have Tom back in the car with me. He did an insanely good job at Spa and he’s always fun to share with – we push each other a lot.”
Tom Blomqvist (#82 BMW M8 GTE):
“First and foremost, I’m just excited to get back behind the wheel of the BMW M8 GTE. Looking at the weekend specifically, I think we have a chance to score our best result in the WEC so far. I enjoy the track and I’m hoping it will suit the characteristics a little more than previous events. I also love Japan but, at this time of year, you can never count on good weather so that has the potential to mix things up!”
Source. BMW
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