BMW Z4 GTE Ready for Debut at 12 Hours of Sebring This Weekend [Video]

Jason · 03-12-2013, 08:59 AM

BIMMERPOST NEWS

BMW Z4 GTE Ready for Debut at 12 Hours of Sebring This Weekend [Video]

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BMW Z4 GTE race debut in Sebring – BMW Team RLL ready for fifth ALMS season.

Munich (DE), 12th March 2013. The 2013 season of the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) is not the only thing kicking off at the 12 Hours of Sebring (US) this weekend. The race also marks the start of a new era in BMW Motorsport’s programme in North America: This is the first time BMW Team RLL will line up against opposition in the GT class with the newly developed BMW Z4 GTE [official details].

The BMW Z4 GTE debuts in the wake of an extremely successful Sebring scorecard for its predecessor, the BMW M3 GT. BMW Team RLL won the GT class at the endurance classic in Florida in both 2011 and 2012. This year, the 61st staging of the race at the “Sebring International Raceway” will serve as a marker to determine the strength of the new car. At the wheel of a sinister No. 55 BMW Z4 GTE finished in BMW’s Frozen Black will be Bill Auberlen (US), Maxime Martin (BE) and Jörg Müller (DE). The No. 56 car – in classic, Alpine White BMW Motorsport livery – will be driven by Dirk Müller (DE), Joey Hand (US) and John Edwards (US).

Jens Marquardt (BMW Motorsport Director):

“After all the months of development and preparation with the new BMW Z4 GTE, we are obviously now looking forward to testing ourselves against the opposition for the first time in Sebring. We have been very successful at this 12-hour race in recent years. I am excited to see whether the BMW Z4 GTE will cope as well with the specific demands of this race as its predecessor the BMW M3 GT did. We would like to start the season with a good result. However, the priority is to capitalise on the potential of the new car. This will obviously take a while.”

Bobby Rahal (Team Principal of BMW Team RLL):

“We had a reasonably good test at Sebring. The new BMW Z4 GTE ran relatively reliably, which is the first battle at a place like Sebring. I don't know how we stack up against the competition, because we didn't run with many of them and track conditions changed. The drivers seemed to be happy with the handling of the car. I guess I'm never confident going into any race – and particularly not going into Sebring. However, we can be quite happy with the way our preparation program went. Let’s wait and see what the season opener has in store for us.”

Bill Auberlen (BMW Z4 GTE – car number 55):

“This year will be my 20th time at the 12 Hours of Sebring and, after driving the new BMW Z4 GTE at our tests, I’m looking forward to my anniversary even more. I think we’re looking quite good, considering the early phase in our development program. It’s a lot of fun to drive the car and my new teammate, Maxime Martin, is fantastic. There are not many things someone can do for 20 years without it ever getting a little boring. Racing is one of those things. I am more passionate about it every year.”

Maxime Martin (BMW Z4 GTE – car number 55):

“I’ve heard many great things about Sebring. The track is completely ‘American Style’. By that I mean it is very bumpy with walls everywhere. It is quite different to the European circuits I’m used to. The BMW Z4 GTE made a good impression on me in our two-day test at Sebring. I’m really looking forward to the race.”

Jörg Müller (BMW Z4 GTE – car number 55):

“I really enjoyed my return to Sebring in 2012. The atmosphere in Florida is simply sensational. You can sense just how pleased the ALMS fans are that the winter break is finally over. The new season is welcomed with a big party. BMW Team RLL has prepared intensely for this weekend. We will do our best.”

Dirk Müller (BMW Z4 GTE – car number 56):

“I’m always excited to start the season, especially at Sebring. This year almost everything is new, from the car and tyres to my two new team-mates. We are obviously well aware it will be very difficult to win the GT class three years in a row, especially with a new car. However, I know everyone in the team is extremely motivated to do well.”

Joey Hand (BMW Z4 GTE – car number 56):

“Sebring has become a very special place for me with two consecutive wins. In fact, I still hear from people about how exciting last year’s finish was. GT racing in the ALMS – especially at Sebring - is outstanding. It is a race and a place that makes me drive every lap as hard as I can.”

John Edwards (BMW Z4 GTE – car number 56):

“I’ve raced in support races to the 12 Hours in previous seasons, but have not been here for four years. Because of this, it was very nice to be able to test here and familiarise myself with the Sebring circuit. I’ve kept my eye on ALMS competition in past years and I’m delighted to make my debut at Sebring with BMW and BMW Team RLL.”

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Some bonus videos (previously posted):

BMW Z4 GTE Launch - B Roll Footage

Live Look and Listen [Video]

Share this story

OTHER STORIES YOU MIGHT LIKE

Gorgeous New Shots of BMW Z4 GTE, with Launch Event B-Roll Footage

Video: BMW Z4 GTE Looking Fast and Sounding Furious

BMW Z4 GTE Debuts, Replacing M3 GT in ALMS (Hi-Res Wallpapers)

shivaswrath · 03-12-2013, 09:50 AM

Woot!!

SCBMW02 · 03-12-2013, 09:54 AM

Can't wait to see these things race, heading down tomorrow in the 35is!

OerdingE93 · 03-12-2013, 10:42 AM

Sweet!

RingMeister01 · 03-12-2013, 04:24 PM

Can't wait. Ill be watching closely.

codesurge · 03-12-2013, 04:56 PM

Will be heading down on Thursday. Can't wait to see the new car in action! Sounds awesome in the vids.

Dackelone · 03-12-2013, 05:19 PM

One GOAL = WIN!!

ussoldierforhire · 03-12-2013, 05:21 PM

Sad to see the M3 go from ALMS but this car rocks!

mdosu · 03-12-2013, 07:19 PM

wish I lived in FL..

bliss at 9k · 03-12-2013, 10:33 PM

This beg's the question.. Why the Z4 is BMW coming out with a z4 gt or something of that nature?

RogeM3 · 03-12-2013, 10:39 PM

Z4 looks great! is that a V8 M3 engine?

Can't wait to see it in the races

Rolitto · 03-13-2013, 08:52 AM

The Z4 is 100x better than an M3. Go BMW Go!

cheshirecat79 · 03-13-2013, 11:11 AM

Going to be a great time. Heading to the corral Saturday.

M3_WC · 03-13-2013, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bliss at 9k

This beg's the question.. Why the Z4 is BMW coming out with a z4 gt or something of that nature?

No...they got a waiver to run a none production setup.

Funny part is they got a waiver for a regulation that was put into place because of the E46 M3 GTR. ALMS is hard up not to piss off BMW and loose them before the big merger.

codesurge · 03-13-2013, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bliss at 9k

This beg's the question.. Why the Z4 is BMW coming out with a z4 gt or something of that nature?

Because the E92 M3 is out of production and it doesn't make sense for them to promote a car that they're no longer selling. It'll be interesting to see if they switch back to the M4 when that model finally hits the market.

Also helps that the Z4's smaller glasshouse means for a more aerodynamically efficient profile vs. the bulkier M3.

z4z4z4 · 03-14-2013, 06:36 PM

http://www.alms.com/sites/default/fi...actice%202.pdf

03-12-2013, 08:59 AM	#1
Jason Administrator Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: IoT Posts: 13,961 iTrader: (0)	BMW Z4 GTE Ready for Debut at 12 Hours of Sebring This Weekend [Video] BIMMERPOST NEWS BMW Z4 GTE Ready for Debut at 12 Hours of Sebring This Weekend [Video] 15 COMMENTS Tweet BMW Z4 GTE race debut in Sebring – BMW Team RLL ready for fifth ALMS season. Munich (DE), 12th March 2013. The 2013 season of the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) is not the only thing kicking off at the 12 Hours of Sebring (US) this weekend. The race also marks the start of a new era in BMW Motorsport’s programme in North America: This is the first time BMW Team RLL will line up against opposition in the GT class with the newly developed BMW Z4 GTE [official details]. The BMW Z4 GTE debuts in the wake of an extremely successful Sebring scorecard for its predecessor, the BMW M3 GT. BMW Team RLL won the GT class at the endurance classic in Florida in both 2011 and 2012. This year, the 61st staging of the race at the “Sebring International Raceway” will serve as a marker to determine the strength of the new car. At the wheel of a sinister No. 55 BMW Z4 GTE finished in BMW’s Frozen Black will be Bill Auberlen (US), Maxime Martin (BE) and Jörg Müller (DE). The No. 56 car – in classic, Alpine White BMW Motorsport livery – will be driven by Dirk Müller (DE), Joey Hand (US) and John Edwards (US). Jens Marquardt (BMW Motorsport Director): “After all the months of development and preparation with the new BMW Z4 GTE, we are obviously now looking forward to testing ourselves against the opposition for the first time in Sebring. We have been very successful at this 12-hour race in recent years. I am excited to see whether the BMW Z4 GTE will cope as well with the specific demands of this race as its predecessor the BMW M3 GT did. We would like to start the season with a good result. However, the priority is to capitalise on the potential of the new car. This will obviously take a while.” Bobby Rahal (Team Principal of BMW Team RLL): “We had a reasonably good test at Sebring. The new BMW Z4 GTE ran relatively reliably, which is the first battle at a place like Sebring. I don't know how we stack up against the competition, because we didn't run with many of them and track conditions changed. The drivers seemed to be happy with the handling of the car. I guess I'm never confident going into any race – and particularly not going into Sebring. However, we can be quite happy with the way our preparation program went. Let’s wait and see what the season opener has in store for us.” Bill Auberlen (BMW Z4 GTE – car number 55): “This year will be my 20th time at the 12 Hours of Sebring and, after driving the new BMW Z4 GTE at our tests, I’m looking forward to my anniversary even more. I think we’re looking quite good, considering the early phase in our development program. It’s a lot of fun to drive the car and my new teammate, Maxime Martin, is fantastic. There are not many things someone can do for 20 years without it ever getting a little boring. Racing is one of those things. I am more passionate about it every year.” Maxime Martin (BMW Z4 GTE – car number 55): “I’ve heard many great things about Sebring. The track is completely ‘American Style’. By that I mean it is very bumpy with walls everywhere. It is quite different to the European circuits I’m used to. The BMW Z4 GTE made a good impression on me in our two-day test at Sebring. I’m really looking forward to the race.” Jörg Müller (BMW Z4 GTE – car number 55): “I really enjoyed my return to Sebring in 2012. The atmosphere in Florida is simply sensational. You can sense just how pleased the ALMS fans are that the winter break is finally over. The new season is welcomed with a big party. BMW Team RLL has prepared intensely for this weekend. We will do our best.” Dirk Müller (BMW Z4 GTE – car number 56): “I’m always excited to start the season, especially at Sebring. This year almost everything is new, from the car and tyres to my two new team-mates. We are obviously well aware it will be very difficult to win the GT class three years in a row, especially with a new car. However, I know everyone in the team is extremely motivated to do well.” Joey Hand (BMW Z4 GTE – car number 56): “Sebring has become a very special place for me with two consecutive wins. In fact, I still hear from people about how exciting last year’s finish was. GT racing in the ALMS – especially at Sebring - is outstanding. It is a race and a place that makes me drive every lap as hard as I can.” John Edwards (BMW Z4 GTE – car number 56): “I’ve raced in support races to the 12 Hours in previous seasons, but have not been here for four years. Because of this, it was very nice to be able to test here and familiarise myself with the Sebring circuit. I’ve kept my eye on ALMS competition in past years and I’m delighted to make my debut at Sebring with BMW and BMW Team RLL.” Some bonus videos (previously posted): BMW Z4 GTE Launch - B Roll Footage Live Look and Listen [Video] Share this story OTHER STORIES YOU MIGHT LIKE Gorgeous New Shots of BMW Z4 GTE, with Launch Event B-Roll Footage Video: BMW Z4 GTE Looking Fast and Sounding Furious BMW Z4 GTE Debuts, Replacing M3 GT in ALMS (Hi-Res Wallpapers)
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03-12-2013, 09:50 AM	#2
shivaswrath Lieutenant Colonel Drives: 2012 335i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Norwalk CT Posts: 1,988 iTrader: (2)	Woot!! __________________ 2012 335i Mineral Gray M Performance Whore: PPK\|Exhaust\|Brakes\|Performance Suspension Struts & Springs\|Black Kidney Grilles\|CF Spoiler and Mirror Caps\|M Sport 400M\|BMWF30.com 335i brakes FS!

03-12-2013, 10:42 AM	#4
OerdingE93 First Lieutenant Drives: 2011 Mineral White E93 M3 DCT Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: LA/OC Posts: 327 iTrader: (2)	Sweet! __________________ E93 ///M3 Mods: Tints\|Arkym Lip\|3D-Design Diffuser\|IND Gloss Black Grills, Gills & Badge\|Trim Wrap\|MS Stud Kit\|AE Performance Exhaust\|RPI Mid Pipes Catless\|RPI Scoops\|BMC Filter\|MS Pully\|V1\|Evolve-R Tune\|KW Sleeve Kit\|VMR V710\|CSL Carbon Trunk Future Mods: BBK\|Vented Hood

03-12-2013, 04:24 PM	#5
RingMeister01 Danger, Play & Profession Drives: '13 Frozen Gray M3 Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 1,053 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW M3 [0.00]	Can't wait. Ill be watching closely. __________________ Wait and see..

03-12-2013, 04:56 PM	#6
codesurge This space for rent Drives: Thing with four wheels Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: MI Posts: 38 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW E90 335i [0.00]	Will be heading down on Thursday. Can't wait to see the new car in action! Sounds awesome in the vids. __________________ To finish first, first you must finish.

03-12-2013, 09:54 AM	#3
SCBMW02 Private First Class Drives: 2010 X5d/ 2011 sDrive 35is Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Florence,South Carolina Posts: 152 iTrader: (0)	Can't wait to see these things race, heading down tomorrow in the 35is!

03-12-2013, 05:19 PM	#7
Dackelone Moderator Drives: 135i Silber mit/Rot 6MT N54 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bayern, Germany Posts: 13,042 iTrader: (0)	One GOAL = WIN!! __________________ Dackel's European Delivery Museum Guide 1addicts at Stelv1oPass

03-12-2013, 05:21 PM	#8
ussoldierforhire Lieutenant Drives: 2011 M3 E92 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 553 iTrader: (1)	Sad to see the M3 go from ALMS but this car rocks!

03-12-2013, 07:19 PM	#9
mdosu Help! Can't decide btw MW & AW, 1st world problems Drives: 2008.99989 SSII E90 "Civic" Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 5,922 iTrader: (4)	wish I lived in FL.. __________________ Yes, that's a xmas tree in my trunk

03-12-2013, 10:33 PM	#10
bliss at 9k Lieutenant Drives: Alpine White E90 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Hermosa Beach California Posts: 597 iTrader: (2)	This beg's the question.. Why the Z4 is BMW coming out with a z4 gt or something of that nature?

03-12-2013, 10:39 PM	#11
RogeM3 Ultrasiete Drives: BMW E93 M3 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Asheville, NC Posts: 221 iTrader: (0)	Z4 looks great! is that a V8 M3 engine? Can't wait to see it in the races

03-13-2013, 08:52 AM	#12
Rolitto Second Lieutenant Drives: BMW Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Beirut and Canada Posts: 238 iTrader: (0)	The Z4 is 100x better than an M3. Go BMW Go!

03-13-2013, 11:11 AM	#13
cheshirecat79 Second Lieutenant Drives: 370z & 135i Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Port Saint Lucie, FL Posts: 235 iTrader: (0)	Going to be a great time. Heading to the corral Saturday.

03-14-2013, 06:36 PM	#16
z4z4z4 First Lieutenant Drives: 2002 M3, 2011 Z4, & her 740Li Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: mild mediterranean breezes Posts: 390 iTrader: (1)	4th and 5th in Practice Session #2 today http://www.alms.com/sites/default/fi...actice%202.pdf __________________

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