Luhr Replaces Leinders at Marc VDS For Spa 24

BMW Sports Trophy Team Marc VDS has announced Lucas Luhr will join the team for this year’s 24 Hours of Spa.

BMW Motorsports factory driver Lucas Luhr will replace Bas Leinders in the No. 77 BMW Z4 GT3. Leinders has decided to step down from the lineup of the car to focus on his role as team principal during the next round of the Blancpain Endurance Series.

“I feel very positive, I look forward to it – what else can I say. I know that Marc VDS are a strong team, and I remember fighting against them in GT1, where they were one of the best,” Luhr said.

“Spa is a very special race for them, because they are a Belgian team and based not so far from the track. It’s always been a great race, but the last couple of years have been fantastic, with so many high quality GT3 cars. It’s very challenging, and I can’t wait.”

Even though Leinders will not compete in his home event, the Belgian will not retire from racing: “I’d like to make it clear this isn’t my retirement from racing, though! I still have plenty of hunger for that, but for now my focus is on ensuring good results for BMW Sports Trophy Team Marc VDS at the 24 Hours of Spa.”

“Obviously this is an extremely difficult decision for me. To race in front of home fans is one of the most amazing things a driver can do, and these Belgian fans have always been superb. However, I’ve made this decision with the team in mind – we need a team principal who is purely focused on organisation and leadership.”

The full lineup for BMW Sports Trophy Team Marc VDS for the 24 Hours of Spa is:
No. 66 BMW Z4 GT3: Jörg Müller, Maxime Martin and Augusto Farfus.
No. 77 BMW Z4 GT3: Lucas Luhr, Dirk Werner, Markus Palttala.