BMW Team RLL Kicks Off 2017 Season In Daytona – The 19th BMW Art Car Will Feature In The 55Th Rolex 24
January 23, 2017 by BMW![BMW Team RLL Kicks Off 2017 Season In Daytona – The 19th BMW Art Car Will Feature In The 55Th Rolex 24](images/articleimages/bmw_rll_2017-rolex-24-photo-01-400.jpg)
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Bobby Rahal (Team Principal, BMW Team RLL): 'There's nothing like starting out the season with the most difficult race. In the recent past we have had some reasonable results with second place finishes in both 2014 and 2015. Last year wasn't a great one for us but now, a year later, the car has certainly progressed and is more reliable. We think our pace will be reasonable, although no one is quite sure how good others may be despite all of the testing that has happened. For us, it's just a matter of not having any problems. It sounds simplistic, but the least amount of time we spend in the pits the better chance we have of a podium. Our first job is to make sure we have the reliability, our second job is to make sure we have the pace and the third job is stay out of trouble on track. I'm very pleased with our driver line-up. We've always had good driver line-ups since day one of our relationship with BMW. That's a huge plus obviously and that's the part I worry about the least frankly.' Bill Auberlen (No. 19 BMW M6 GTLM): 'I am delighted that BMW chose me for the honour of driving an Art Car. I've been racing BMWs for many years and I can say without a doubt that this is a highlight of my career. We finished second at Daytona in 2014 and 2015, and fifth last year. I'm thinking there would be nothing better than to win on the 20th anniversary of my first Rolex 24 victory in 1997 for BMW.' Alexander Sims (No. 19 BMW M6 GTLM): 'I'm very excited about the Rolex 24, as it will be my first time racing in the States. The GTLM car is not far removed from the GT3 car I have raced, but with no ABS (anti-lock brake system) I am taking things one step at a time.' Augusto Farfus (No. 19 BMW M6 GTLM): 'It is always special to be in the Rolex 24, and on top of that this year I am driving a piece of art. It is an honour for me and I'm very thankful to BMW for giving me this opportunity. We've been close here quite a few times in past years with the BMW Z4 GTLM, and last year we made it to the finish and fifth place with the new BMW M6 GTLM. This year it just may be time to get it done.' Bruno Spengler (No. 19 BMW M6 GTLM): 'The Rolex 24 has been one of my highlights since first racing here in 2015 with BMW Team RLL. Many Canadians come to the race, so I can share the event with friends and family. I began with BMW in 2012 racing in the DTM and have heard of the Art Cars. I am honoured to now drive one and be part of such an important programme for the company.' John Edwards (No. 24 BMW M6 GTLM): 'We had a productive test focusing on integrating our new drivers. Things went very well, and I believe we are ready for the Rolex 24.' Martin Tomczyk (No. 24 BMW M6 GTLM): 'The Rolex 24 will be my first race in the US, so I am very excited. I have competed at Spa and the Nürburgring 24-hour races, but there certainly is something special about this race in America. I am genuinely looking forward to it.' Nick Catsburg (No. 24 BMW M6 GTLM): 'This will be my second Rolex 24. My first was last year. The BMW M6 GTLM is a bit different than the BMW M6 GT3 car I raced in Europe, but I am pleased with how the Roar test progressed. Our team is working well together and I am looking for a good result.' Kuno Wittmer (No. 24 BMW M6 GTLM): 'We have made good progress towards the second season of the BMW M6 GTLM. This will be the seventh Rolex 24 of my career and I would gladly wear a second Rolex on my wrist.'
posted on conceptcarz.com
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