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."