BMW Team Rahal Letterman Lanigan (RLL) will field two newly constructed BMW
M3 GT cars in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) this season. The 12 Hours of
Sebring (US) at "Sebring International Raceway" traditionally provides the stage
for the curtain-raiser to this popular endurance championship. The Bobby Rahal
(US) led team is focused on continuing last season's success. In 2010, BMW Team
RLL won both the Team and Manufacturer titles in the GT class with BMW M3 GT2
cars.
At the same time, Sebring will also see the first points awarded in
the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup (ILMC), in which BMW Motorsport will once again
be competing this year. BMW Team Schnitzer will be responsible for the fielding
two BMW M3 GT cars at the European rounds of the ILMC, which include the
legendary Le Mans 24 Hours (FR), as well as the season finale in China.
In Sebring, the no. 55 BMW M3 GT
will be driven by Dirk Werner (DE), Bill Auberlen (US) and Augusto Farfus (BR).
Dirk Müller (DE), Joey Hand (US) and Andy Priaulx (GB) will alternate behind the
wheel of the no. 56 car. Last year, BMW Team RLL started the season in style,
finishing second and third in Florida.
Bill Auberlen: "Last year at
Sebring we were on the second and third step of the podium. This year the plan
is to be on the first and second step. I'm looking forward to co-driving with
Dirk Werner and Augusto Farfus as I know the BMW M3 GT will always be in perfect
hands."
Augusto Farfus: "It's great to be back at the wheel of
the BMW M3 GT. My season started well with victory in the Dubai 24 Hours. Now
it's time to get the ball rolling in ALMS and ILMC. We have a great team, great
drivers and a great car - so I hope we can score a strong result in Sebring. I'm
looking forward to driving in America. Sebring has a long tradition and the fans
are enthusiastic."
Dirk Muller: "I am extremely excited about the 2011
season. BMW did a superb job over the winter and gave as an updated BMW M3 GT to
race. We are all looking forward to fight for a Sebring 12-Hour victory.
Everyone on the team is working very hard to continue BMW's positive momentum in
the US."
