Latest news with #BMWM4GT3Evo
Belfast Telegraph
27-04-2025
- Automotive
- Belfast Telegraph
Dan Harper thrilled to see gamble pay off after clinching second Silverstone success
A one-off appearance at round two of the 2025 British GT Championship was rewarded with a hard-fought win for the Paradine Competition duo at the Northamptonshire venue. Starting fifth, they placed their faith in an unconventional driver changeover strategy that relied on safety car periods and Full Course Yellows coming to their rescue, and not being held up by back markers, or those competitors taking part in slower GT4 machinery. The approach left them out of sequence with the rest of the GT3 field and meant Harper had to play catch-up for most of his stint. However, the 24-year-old produced yet another trademark driving masterclass, and with 26 minutes remaining, he moved into the lead as Kiern Jewiss served a drive-through penalty in his 2 Seas Motorsport Mercedes-AMG. A nail-biting game of cat and mouse ensued, with Harper having to go on the defensive in his BMW M4 GT3 Evo in an effort to thwart Jewiss and his barrage of overtake manoeuvres. Despite being nose to tail as they started the final 3.661-mile lap, Harper did just enough to take the chequered flag first – by six-tenths of a second – and spark wild celebrations. 'The strategy was a gamble at the beginning – but we had seen in qualifying and Darren's opening stint that we weren't going to win this race on pace alone, so had to try something different,' reflected Harper, who returns to action at Laguna Seca in under a fortnight's time. 'The guys made that decision and it didn't always look like it was going to pay off, but we got some luck in our favour, which is something you will always need in a race like this. 'I knew it was Kiern behind me, and having raced with him during our Ginetta days, I was fully aware of what he is capable of. 'I know how good he is, so I was really under pressure. 'The guys in the garage were updating me every lap on the gap – I could see him coming. 'I was just praying that the GT4 cars would be kind to me – and on this occasion they were. 'I knew I just had to make the car as wide as possible whenever he got close to me,' he added. 'I think the BMW's strength is its ability to defend against other cars and first was not something I was going to give up easily.' Meanwhile, Chris Smiley opened his Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship account at Donington Park in strong fashion by scoring Independent wins in races two and three having brought his Restart Racing Hyundai home 10th overall earlier in the day.
Observer
27-03-2025
- Automotive
- Observer
Al Faisal showcases his BMW M4 GT3 Evo to the public
Oman's Al Faisal al Zubair and Al Manar Racing Team unveiled their new car, the BMW M4 GT3 Evo, to the public ahead of their participation in the 2025 GT World Challenge Europe Endurance and Sprint Cups this season, where Al Faisal remains the only Arab competitor in the Gold Class. The car is currently on display at City Centre Seeb until April 3, giving the public a chance to get an up-close look before it returns to the global racetracks, where Al Faisal and his team are set for an extraordinary season spanning ten races. The season's official launch was announced recently at a major press conference attended by both local and international media representatives. Fans will have a rare opportunity to explore the BMW M4 GT3 Evo, the latest car Al Faisal will drive in the upcoming season. Having previously raced with Mercedes and, before that, Porsche, and being the only racer to win back-to-back Porsche BWT GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East titles in 2018 and 2019, this marks an exciting new challenge as he joins the world-renowned WRT team for the 2025 GT World Challenge Europe, competing in both endurance and sprint races. Fans will have a rare opportunity to explore the BMW M4 GT3 Evo, the latest car Al Faisal will drive in the upcoming season Al Faisal's debut with WRT was already historic, as he became the first Omani driver to claim victory in the prestigious Dubai 24 Hours race. 'I am very excited to introduce the new car to the public before the season begins. It is a great chance for fans to see it up close and learn more about its technical features and modifications. This is also an opportunity to showcase the GT World Challenge, one of the most thrilling and competitive motorsport disciplines, featuring a diverse lineup of manufacturers,' Al Faisal al Zubair said. The action kicks off with the opening round of the Endurance Cup at the Paul Ricard circuit in France on April 11-13. The 2025 season will include ten high-profile races on some of the world's most renowned circuits. Al Faisal is determined to make his mark in the upcoming season with his new team and car. After an impressive run last year, where he consistently reached the podium, his biggest achievement was winning the Gold Class at the CrowdStrike Spa 24 Hours, making him the only Arab driver to secure this title. He also ended the season as vice-champion of the GTWC Gold Cup 2024, securing four podiums in five races.
