Marc VDS Racing Team Announces Blancpain Line-Ups

It was already known that Marc VDS Racing Team would enter a pair of BMW Z4 GT3 in the Blancpain Endurance Series, but today the Belgian squad announced its driver line-ups for the two cars.

Marc VDS Racing Team remember the old saying of "Never change a winning team" and as a result Bas Leinders, Maxime Martin and Markus Palttala, winners of the final two rounds of the 2011 season are together again in the #3 BMW for 2012. The team's second car will also have a highly experienced driver line-up with Bert Longin, Mike Hezemans and Henri Moser teaming up for 2012.

Bert Longin: "There are a few reasons why I was keen to join the Marc VDS Racing Team this season. Firstly, they are focussed on contesting one championship, at a very professional level and with a very quick car. They are also a Belgian team and I've known Marc van der Straten for many, many years. Both Marc and his team are really motivated to win the Blancpain title this year and that's my motivation also. Last year I was third in the series standings and fourth in the 24 Hours of Spa. With the Marc VDS Racing Team and the BMW Z4 GT3, I hope it will be possible to win both the series and its most prestigious race."

Mike Hezemans: "Driving for the Marc VDS Racing Team was the best option for me this season. My teammate from last year, Nicky Catsburg, has told me how competitive the BMW Z4 GT3 is and now I'm looking forward to finding out for myself. I have two experienced co-drivers in the car with me; Bert I have known for a long time, and Henri was on the podium with me when I won the 24 Hours of Spa in 2009. To win this championship you need to be in the top five at every race, and that's what I'm aiming for this year."

Henri Moser: "I'm happy to be joining the Marc VDS Racing Team for the coming season. They are an experienced and professional team, as their success in both the GT1 World Championship and Blancpain Endurance Series last year showed quite clearly. The BMW Z4 GT3 has already proved to be a competitive package and I think it will be a strong car again this year. With a good team and a strong driver line-up, I hope we will see the two Marc VDS BMW's pushing each other at the front this season, especially at the 24 Hours of Spa."

Bas Leinders: "I'm pleased to be able to welcome Bert, Mike and Henri to the Marc VDS Racing Team. Our aim this season was to field two cars capable of winning races and fighting for the championship, and signing drivers of Bert, Mike and Henri's calibre for the second of our BMW Z4 GT3 cars means we're well on the way to achieving this goal. Now we must work to ensure that both cars are fully prepared and ready for the official test at Paul Ricard later this month."