Testing of the new BMW M4 GT3 took a significant step forward as Augusto Farfus and Jens Klingmann put the car through its paces on the Nordschleife at the Nürburgring on April 29.
BMW Motorsport said, “The special characteristics of the over twenty kilometers of the Nürburgring Nordschleife make it the perfect testing ground for the development of new race cars. It is a very long track with plenty of options, and its combination of high speeds, fast corners, and significant climbs and descents provide everything that BMW M Motorsport engineers require for comprehensive vehicle testing. A race car that emerges from testing on the Nordschleife is well prepared to take on all other racetracks.”
Comparing the car to its predecessor, the M6 GT3, Klingmann said, “The debut of the BMW M4 GT3 on the Nordschleife went very well. My initial feedback is that the BMW M4 GT3 has retained the strengths of its predecessor on the Nordschleife, while eradicating its weaknesses. Of course, it’s not possible to transfer that one to one to other circuits from such a special track, but as a driver you feel right at home from the word go in the BMW M4 GT3. It is not unpredictable, but it’s fast nonetheless. It was really great fun.”
Testing will continue, with a race appearance in the Nürburgring Endurance Series planned for later in the year. The new car will be shown to the public in advance of the June 3–6 Nürburgring 24-Hour Race.—Brian Morgan
[Photo courtesy BMW Motorsport.]