Team WRT Clinches Victory at Dubai 24 Hours
For the fourth time in five years, Team WRT secured a dominant victory in the Dubai 24 Hours, showcasing their prowess with a newly refreshed driver lineup. The #669 BMW M4 GT3 Evo, driven by Kelvin van der Linde, Anthony McIntosh, Jordan Pepper, Fran Rueda, and Ben Tuck, triumphed over their sister car by a full lap.
This win marks a triumphant debut for Jordan Pepper as a BMW factory driver, following his transition from Lamborghini. “First race as a BMW factory driver, and I’m on the top step — it’s a dream,” Pepper expressed post-race. He highlighted the importance of strategy in navigating the unique challenges presented by Creventic’s pit stop regulations and Code 60 scenarios.
The race saw the #669 car maintain a strategic advantage, especially during a critical Code 60 period near the end, allowing them to conserve fuel effectively. Pepper noted, “We had enough for one more lap, but I had to ensure we made it to the finish.”
The victory emphasized WRT’s consistency and strategic depth, with Tuck acknowledging the significance of a well-executed strategy in winning. “We just had the consistency across the 24 hours,” Tuck stated.
McIntosh’s performance was notable as he pulled double duty, racing in both the #669 BMW and the Paradine Competition’s #992 GT3-Am M4 GT3 Evo. Despite a mechanical failure causing the #992 to retire from podium contention, McIntosh remained positive about the experience. “It turned into something truly magical,” he remarked.
On the other hand, teammate Darren Leung expressed disappointment over the breakdown. “We had no indicators for a problem,” he lamented, underscoring the unexpected nature of the failure.
Overall, the race once again highlighted Team WRT’s exceptional competitiveness and adaptability, strategically navigating the complexities of the Dubai 24 Hours to emerge victorious.
