BMW Team RLL looking to maintain podium streak at Watkins Glen.
Munich. BMW Team RLL is ready for the third endurance race of the 2021 season, the Six Hours of the Glen at Watkins Glen (USA) this coming Sunday, 27th June. As they look to defend the 2020 GTLM class Michelin Endurance Cup title, the team has already scored three podium results with its MOTUL BMW M8 GTEs in the first two races of the year. A third-place finish at the Rolex 24 At Daytona (USA) to start the season was followed by a double-podium (second and third places) at the 12 Hours of Sebring (USA) in March. BMW Team RLL now aims to continue this podium streak, in the final season of competition of the BMW M8 GTE, at Watkins Glen.
The #24 MOTUL BMW M8 GTE will be driven by John Edwards (USA), Jesse Krohn (FIN) and Augusto Farfus (BRA). Their team-mates Connor De Phillippi (USA), Bruno Spengler (CAN) and Philipp Eng (AUT) will share duties in the #25 car. Earlier this month, the team completed two successful days of testing at Watkins Glen in preparation for the race.
In the GTD class, the Turner Motorsport team will enter the #96 BMW M6 GT3 with Bill Auberlen, Robby Foley (both USA) and Aidan Read (AUS) at the wheel. The Six Hours of the Glen will take the green flag at 10:40 a.m. local time (16:40 CEST) on Sunday, 27th June.
Quotes ahead of the Six Hours of the Glen:
Bobby Rahal (Team Principal BMW Team RLL): “Based on the results of the test at the Glen we can be very encouraged. We have had some good qualifying results in recent years, but podium finishes have eluded us. There is nothing easy about Watkins Glen. It demands a great deal from a driver, but that is what makes it a track that is always looked forward to.”
John Edwards (BMW Team RLL, #24 MOTUL BMW M8 GTE): “Watkins Glen is definitely my favorite track in the U.S. and after we didn’t get to race here last year, I’ve been itching to get back! The elevation changes and high average speeds have always made this a special place, but since the track got repaved a few years ago, it added even more grip to an already fast circuit. After a couple podiums to start out our season, I would love to get our first win of 2021 at this awesome track to keep us in the fight in our title defense of the Michelin Endurance Cup.”
Jesse Krohn (BMW Team RLL, #24 MOTUL BMW M8 GTE): “I have always enjoyed racing at Watkins Glen. BMW Team RLL has always proven competitive there and this year we are looking very strong.”
Augusto Farfus (BMW Team RLL, #24 MOTUL BMW M8 GTE): “This will be my first-time racing at Watkins Glen. On paper and in the simulator it looks challenging and looks to be a track I will enjoy. We have two podiums from two races so far this season so let’s keep up the good work.”
Bruno Spengler (BMW Team RLL, #25 MOTUL BMW M8 GTE): “Our test this month was my first time at Watkins Glen, and I thoroughly enjoyed the track. Last year, the six-hour race was moved to Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta because of Covid-19 and Connor and I won that race. It looks to me that traffic management will be one of the keys to success this weekend.”
Connor De Phillippi (BMW Team RLL, #25 MOTUL BMW M8 GTE): “After two years away from Watkins Glen, it is great to finally be back to one of my favorite racetracks. The BMW M8 GTE has always performed very well there, and I’m confident we can give our M8 an excellent final showing at this historic track. The #25 car boys are ready for a win after being so close in the previous event!”
Philipp Eng (BMW Team RLL, #25 MOTUL BMW M8 GTE): “I am very much looking forward to my first laps around the great circuit of Watkins Glen. We had a good run in Sebring finishing second. I really enjoy my racing in IMSA together with BMW Team RLL and I really hope that we are scoring another strong result at the Glen!”
