Bentleys to start Nurburgring 24-Hour from P8 and P20

The two Bentley Motorsport Continental GT3s will start tomorrow’s ADAC Zurich 24h Race at the Nürburgring from P8 and P20 on the grid after an exciting “Top 30” final qualifying session. Lance David Arnold in the #84 car drove a clean lap of 8:19.592, while Guy Smith followed suit with a lap of 8:24.393 in the sister #85 car.

Bentley's first participation in famous race

In Bentley’s first participation in the famous Nürburgring 24-hour, recognised as the hardest endurance race in the world, the Bentley Motorsport team have quickly established a strong pace amid the experienced field of contenders.

Bentley’s Director of Motorsport, Brian Gush, commented: “We’re the definite newcomers to this race, so having both cars start in the top 20 is very satisfying. Lance David showed his expertise by getting the #84 car in to the top 10, but the teams of drivers in both of the cars can build on their grid positions. This race is the toughest test that both the car and the team have faced so far, and our focus will still be to stay out of trouble, adapt to what are likely to be changing conditions and hopefully set ourselves up for a strong result.”

The #85 Continental GT3 has already proved a favourite amongst the hundreds of thousands of fans that have arrived at the Nürburgring for the race, with a new British Racing Green livery setting the car apart and reminding spectators of the Bentley Speed 8 that won Le Mans in 2003.

Drivers look forward to building on grid positions in tomorrow's race

After qualifying, Guy Smith commented: “My targets for qualifying were to look after the car, not take any risks and keep us competitive. The car felt good, but our setup is focused on the race tomorrow so hopefully there’s more to come. It’s incredibly exciting to be here and I can’t wait to get started tomorrow.”

Lance David Arnold said: “I’m really pleased with my lap. I could push quite hard while staying safe, and starting in the top ten is a great result for us. The first lap was good, but I made a small mistake on my second lap as my tyres went away. The qualifying here isn’t vital, and we’re concentrating on the race, so let’s hope we can have a great 24 hours tomorrow.”

The ADAC Zurich 24-hour Race starts at 16:00 CEST tomorrow (16th May). Guy Smith shares car #84 with fellow British racers Andy Meyrick and Steven Kane, while car #85 is piloted by Lance David Arnold, Jeroen Bleekemolen and Christian Menzel.

Bentley Motorsport