A very promising start to BMW Team SRM’s Australian Grand Prix weekend ended in disappointment after today’s opening Australian GT race, first-lap contact robbing Steve Richards of a chance of a Top 10 result.
Things were looking up for the brand new BMW M6 GT3 after the two qualifying sessions, Richards qualifying 11th for the first 25-minute race.
But fortunes changed quickly when the race got underway, chances of a Top 10 finish going begging after just a few corners when he was hit from behind by another competitor.
With bodywork rubbing on the rear tyre Richards was forced into the pits, the team ultimately electing to park the car rather than risk further damage.
“We were just outside the Top 10 in qualifying, which is great,” said Richards. “But we got caught up in the first couple of corners – and that was it.
“We had barely got going, which is obviously disappointing. We would have been a shot for a Top 10, and that would have been nice.
“There is no question that we’re still learning about this car, that will continue to be an ongoing process. We will keep working away, and try and make it better and better at each round.”
The result means Max Twigg will start tomorrow’s second Australian GT Championship race from 32nd position.
“There’s a forecast for rain tomorrow, and if it’s wet that may well be a positive for us,” said Twigg.
“I’ve done some wet laps here at Albert Park, and some of the other guys in the field haven’t.”
