PressClub Middle East · Article.
BMW Motorsport News - Issue 45/2017.
Mon Dec 18 14:50:00 CET 2017 Press Release
An interview with BMW Sports Trophy winners Ricardo van der Ende and Max Koebolt – Formula E test for Bruno Spengler.
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BMW Sports Trophy: Van der Ende and Koebolt unbeatable.
Not only did Ricardo van der Ende and Max Koebolt (both NED) dominate the GT4 European Series last season, but the Dutch pair’s success also made them the top private drivers in the BMW Sports Trophy. The two drivers from the Ekris Motorsport team were honoured at the traditional BMW Motorsport Season Review in Munich (GER) on Friday.
Three questions for ... Ricardo van der Ende and Max Koebolt.
Ricardo, how would you sum up this fantastic season?
Ricardo van der Ende: “We had a magnificent season. Out of 18 races we were on the podium a total of 15 times. That underlines the fantastic performance from the whole team. We are proud to stand in front of this amazing audience as winners now. Every season has its highs and lows, but this year we managed to claim two titles in the European GT4 Series. That is just unique.”
Max, you are the younger member of the team. What does this year’s success mean to you?
Max Koebolt: “It is very special. After the misfortune I suffered last year, I never thought that this year would work out so well. This was my second season with BMW, and my first time at the BMW Sports Trophy presentation ceremony. To stand on the stage as a winner is incredible. That really was a crazy season!”
Ricardo, you have now added the Sports Trophy to your impressive collection of trophies…
Van der Ende: “You could say that. I won the GT4 European Series for the fourth time this year. In total, I have now won 23 titles. However, this is the first time that I have been able to celebrate a success like this together with Max. I am delighted about that. He did a great job.”
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Formula E: Bruno Spengler tests for MS&AD Andretti in Marrakech.
BMW works driver Bruno Spengler (CAN) will get his first taste of Formula E on 14th January 2018. The 2012 DTM champion will take part in the rookie test drives in Marrakech with MS&AD Andretti Formula E. "I'm really looking forward to having the opportunity to get to know a completely new style of racing for me," said Spengler. "Formula E is a really exciting race series, which will no doubt become even more popular over the next few years. I'm always keen to gain experience of other series in addition to the DTM. I am interested to see how the Formula E car drives. After all, it's 13 years since I was last in a single-seater car in Formula 3." In addition to Spengler, who will once again be part of the BMW squad for the DTM, MS&AD Andretti Formula E will make use of the young IndyLights driver Colton Herta (USA) at the test in Marrakech. The day before the test, the same track will host the third race of the FIA Formula E Championship season, in which BMW works driver Tom Blomqvist (GBR) will make his Formula E race debut alongside António Félix da Costa (POR).