24-Hour-Race Nürburgring - Bulletin 1

The 2005 Nürburgring 24 Hour Race is on. The conditions were wet
when the field, including Team BMW Motorsport's two BMW M3 GTRs,
started the first racing lap. In fact the start of the long-distance
classic was delayed because of the bad weather conditions, with the
organisers deciding they should complete two formation laps due to the
heavy rainfall. It was the right decision as within minutes of the
green flag the conditions improved. The opening kilometres of the
marathon in the Eifel were eventful. At the wheel of the number 2
GT-sportscar, Duncan Huisman (NLD) made a good start, moving from
fourth on the grid to second. Jörg Müller (GER) made a good
start as well and defended his third position on the grid. Both drivers
benefited from a spin by Peter Zakowski (Dodge Viper GTS-R), who had
taken the lead during the early stages of lap one, moving the two BMW
M3 GTRs into first and second places respectively. The duo
consolidated their one-two over the early laps, flying over the
Nordschleife in formation. On lap six, however, this order changed, when
Huisman spun off while overtaking a slower competitor. His car suffered
a damaged right rear tyre, and he drove slowly to the pits, while
Jörg Müller inherited the lead from his team-mate. During
the stop for repairs Pedro Lamy (POR) took over the wheel of car number
2 from Huisman. This BMW M3 GTR is now moving back up the leaderboard
and is currently running in 28th. On lap seven, Dirk Müller (GER)
took over from Jörg Müller in car number 1 and is still
leading the race. On lap 12, the 29-year-old set the fastest lap time,
with 9:04.798. Hans-Joachim Stuck (GER) will be the next driver to take
over in car number 1, while Andy Priaulx (GBR) will be next in car
number 2, and will then be followed by Boris Said (USA). Charly Lamm
(Team Manager, Team BMW Motorsport): "We had not expected to be in
the lead right from the beginning. However, it's a pity we have lost the
double lead due to a lack of concentration by Duncan. The race started
very well for us, but there are still about 22 hours ahead of us."