Mugello (IT), 15th October 2016. Alessandro Zanardi (IT) is back in
the race cockpit. This weekend, the 49-year old BMW works driver and
BMW brand ambassador is competing in his first ever races in the new
BMW M6 GT3. Zanardi is competing in the season finale of the Italian
GT Championship in Mugello (IT). The car is entered by BMW Team Italia
and ROAL Motorsport and was specially modified by BMW Motorsport.
Despite the fact that he had not raced for over a year in order to
fully focus on para-cycling, and that Mugello marks his debut in the
BMW M6 GT3, Zanardi was again fast from the word go. After claiming
third position in Friday’s first free practice session, the Italian
qualified eighth on the grid for Saturday’s race and secured P3 on the
second row for Sunday’s encounter. Saturday’s race was held over 48
minutes, and included a mandatory pit stop. The final stages
especially became pretty hectic, but Zanardi called on all his
experience and brought his BMW M6 GT3 home in a strong sixth place.
“It is an unbelievable feeling to be back behind the wheel – and to
race this beautiful BMW M6 GT3,” said Zanardi. “The car is fantastic.
It is a very powerful machine and like a rocket down the straight –
and it handles as well as I remember from the BMW Z4 GT3. After not
having raced for more than one year, I had no difficulties at all in
getting up to speed. My first race in the BMW M6 GT3 was very
competitive. Finishing in sixth position is certainly a very good
result. I have to admit that in the early stages of the race I did not
have exactly the feeling in the car that I was hoping for. Probably we
did not get the tyre pressures completely right. But towards the end I
was one of the fastest cars out there. So this for sure is very
encouraging and I am certain we can do even better than P6. That is
the plan for tomorrow, when I will start from third on the grid.”
Zanardi’s participation in the Italian GT Championship finale will be
a triple anniversary celebration: next weekend, on 23rd October, the
BMW works driver will celebrate his 50th birthday. In addition, BMW
Italy is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and the 100th
birthday of the BMW Group. The car features a special livery,
honouring these anniversaries as well as the gold and silver medals
Zanardi has won in Rio de Janeiro in September.