PressClub Global · Article.
BMW Motorsport News – Issue 47/15.
Sun Dec 13 18:02:58 CET 2015 Press Release
Andy Priaulx says goodbye and looks back on his time at BMW – The BMW M6 GT3 is ready to do battle down under in 2016.
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Whether in the DTM, the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (WTSCC),
or countless other championships: week after week BMW teams and
drivers around the world do battle for points, victories and titles.
Away from the track too, members of the large BMW Motorsport family
around the world are also creating headlines. The “BMW Motorsport
News” allows us to regularly summarise all the action for you in a
compact and informative manner. This way, you are always up to speed.
Andy Priaulx leaves BMW Motorsport after 13 years.
His last big appearance, for now, in the BMW family was a very
emotional one: Andy Priaulx (GB) was presented with an honorary award
at last week’s Season Review in the BMW Museum, and took the
opportunity to bid farewell to many of those who have accompanied him
over the past 13 years. Priaulx has left in search of a new challenge
next year. He will announce details of precisely what this is in
January. However, he is already certain of a place in the BMW
Motorsport history books. Between 2005 and 2007, Priaulx won three
titles in a row with BMW Team RBM in the FIA World Touring Car
Championship (WTCC). In 2005, he was also victorious at the
Nürburgring 24 Hours (DE) in a BMW M3 GTR. In total, he amassed more
than 50 victories in BMW cars and played a key role in the
manufacturer’s return to the DTM in 2012. Speaking in an interview, he
looks back on his successful time with BMW.
Three questions for ... Andy Priaulx.
Andy, how emotional was it, saying farewell to the BMW family
after 13 years?
Andy Priaulx: “Very. On that evening
it was very tough emotionally to be confronted with all the fantastic
memories I have of my time with BMW Motorsport. At the same time, it
was also very nice. Thanks to BMW, my dream has come true for the last
13 years. Although I am now heading off in search of a new challenge,
I will never forget what I have achieved with BMW Motorsport. That
evening, I said 'Auf Wiedersehen' to what has been my family for the
past 13 years.”
What are your fondest memories?
Priaulx: “I have
had the privilege of driving some of the best racing cars in the
world, and have achieved fantastic success with them. I will obviously
always have particularly fond memories of my three world titles in the
WTCC and victory at the Nürburgring 24 Hours. I had a great time here.”
Is there anyone in particular that you would like to
thank?
Priaulx: “Firstly, I would obviously like to
thank BMW Motorsport for making it possible for me to live my dream.
Beyond that, I cannot thank all the teams I have driven for enough.
Not only were they all extremely professional, but it was also great
fun to work with them every single time. At this point, I could list a
lot of names of people who have helped me over the years, but I am
sure I would still forget many. Because of this, I would just like to
give a special mention to the Belgian BMW Team RBM, with whom I raced
for a decade. Although we are going out separate ways in 2016, we will
always remain friends. I wish BMW Motorsport all the best for the future.”
--
Australian GT: The BMW M6 GT3 is set to do battle down
under.
A new field of battle for the BMW M6 GT3: as of
the 2016 season, the top GT racing model will also fight for points
and podiums down under. The 585-hp racing car competes in the
prestigious Australian GT Championship. The BMW M6 GT3 will be run by
SRM Team BMW, which is owned by four-time and reigning Bathurst 1000
winner Steven Richards (NZ). The first model of the new BMW M6 GT3 is
expected to arrive in Australia in February. The new figurehead of BMW
Motorsport’s commitment to GT racing will make its race debut at the
second round of the Australian GT Sprint Series, which forms part of
the support programme for the Formula One Grand Prix in Albert Park,
Melbourne (AU). The plan is for the BMW M6 GT3 to appear in all four
events within the Australian GT Endurance Series. The first of these
is on Phillip Island (AU) on 29th May. This is followed by the events
at Sydney Motorsport Park (AU) from 26th to 28th August, Hampton Downs
Motorsport Park (NZ) from 28th to 30th October, and Highlands
Motorsport Park (NZ) on 13th November.