BMW victory in a thrilling first race at the Salzburgring

Leyton Fourie and Tim Zimmermann won the first ADAC GT Masters race at the Salzburgring. In extremely challenging weather conditions, the duo secured their third victory of the season in the long-established GT3 series. As a result, the two BMW drivers have once again taken the lead in the championship.

Emil Gjerdrum and debutant Fabian Dybionka finished in second place. They were just 0.493 minutes behind after 80 minutes of racing.

Niklas Kalus and Kiano Blum, in the second Mustang from the Haupt Racing Team, completed the podium.

Things took a dramatic turn even before the race started: pole-sitter Finn Zulauf came to a standstill on his way to the grid because the engine was running on only nine cylinders. This was a massive setback for the championship leaders in the title race. After repairs lasting around 20 minutes, the car returned to the track, with the duo being classified in eleventh place.

There were several collisions on the opening lap. Jamie Day suffered a puncture and limped back to the pits at slow speed, but was able to continue the race. Pavel Lefterov retired in the pits with suspension damage.

After around ten minutes, rain began to fall once more on the high-speed circuit at Nesselgraben; Niklas Kalus subsequently skidded into the gravel trap at the first chicane but was able to carry on.

ADAC GT Masters Salzburgring Race 1 results (Top 10):

1. Leyton Fourie/Tim Zimmermann – FK Performance Motorsport – BMW M4 GT3

2. Emil Gjerdrum/Fabian Dybionka – Haupt Racing Team – Ford Mustang GT3

3. Niklas Kalus/Kiano Blum – Haupt Racing Team – Ford Mustang GT3

4. Leo Pichler/Colin Bönighausen – razoon – more than racing – Porsche 911 GT3 R

5. Juliano Holzem/Sandro Holzem – Schubert Motorsport – BMW M4 GT3

6. Simon Connor Primm/Robin Rogalski – HGL Racing – Audi R8 LMS GT3

7. Fabio Rauer/Storm Gjerdrum – FK Performance Motorsport – BMW M4 GT3

8. John Paul Southern Jr./Jonas Karklys – Liqui Moly Team Engstler – Lamborghini Huracán GT3

9. Tim Hütter/Ethan Brown – Liqui Moly Team Engstler – Lamborghini Huracán GT3

10. Jamie Day/Baudouin Detout – Comtoyou Racing – Aston Martin Vantage GT3