WRT Dominates 49th Suzuka 1000km
In a stunning return to the Suzuka Summer Endurance Race after a six-year hiatus, Team WRT clinched victory in the 49th edition of the Suzuka 1000km, marking BMW’s first overall win since 1982. The driving trio of Raffaele Marciello, Kelvin van der Linde, and Charles Weerts piloted the #32 BMW M4 GT3 EVO to a dominant win, reinforcing WRT’s status as a formidable force in the Intercontinental GT Challenge (IGTC).
Race Summary
The race commenced under overcast skies with air temperatures nearing 30ºC. Van der Linde quickly seized the lead from pole position, building a substantial 18-second gap before the first driver transition to Weerts. As the race progressed, the #32 BMW displayed exceptional pace, leading 163 out of the race’s 170 laps.
Despite facing challenges, including two Full Course Yellows caused by crashes and mechanical issues, WRT’s strategy paid off. The final phase saw Marciello extend the lead to a comfortable 28 seconds. He maintained control amidst fierce competition from the #7 Porsche of Kévin Estre, who ultimately finished second. The BMW crossed the finish line with a margin of 13.647 seconds.
Key Incidents
Notable incidents included a fire that halted the #14 Audi Sport Asia Team Phantom’s run, which was forced to retire after a prolonged stay in the pits due to an oil leak igniting. The #9 Bingo Racing Corvette suffered a mechanical failure, pulling out of contention late in the race after a promising performance.
The battle for third place culminated in a close finish between the #2 Johor Motorsports Corvette and the #10 Absolute Racing Porsche, with just 0.263 seconds separating them at the line. This marked a significant result for Chevrolet, the first American car to make the overall podium in this historic race.
Drivers’ Perspectives
Van der Linde expressed elation at the victory, citing the team’s strong preparations, while Weerts, a first-time Suzuka competitor, dedicated the win to his father, reinforcing the personal significance of the event.
Estre acknowledged the strength of the BMW, admitting, “The #32 was stronger the whole race… we did the maximum, but that’s the way it is.” This perspective shed light on the competitive landscape as WRT extended its lead in the IGTC Manufacturers’ Championship.
Final Standings
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32 WRT BMW M4 GT3 EVO – Van der Linde / Marciello / Weerts
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7 Absolute Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R – Estre / Vanthoor / Pilet
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2 Johor Motorsports Corvette Z06 GT3.R – Catsburg / McLaughlin / Sims
The race attracted 24,000 fans over the weekend, highlighting a decrease in attendance compared to previous years. Stakeholders are optimistic about restoring interest as preparations begin for the 50th edition in 2026.
Conclusion
Team WRT’s decisive performance at Suzuka underscores their prowess in high-level endurance racing and sets a formidable benchmark for future competitors in the IGTC.
