BMW Team SRM has confirmed its driver line-up for the penultimate 2018 Australian GT round at Sydney Motorsport Park, with Ricky Capo returning to the squad.
Capo, a European LMP3 race winner, debuted alongside lead driver Steve Richards in the factory-backed BMW M6 GT3 at May’s Sandown round. He impressed with his pace, despite being fresh to the car and team heading into the meeting.
He achieved the eighth-quickest time in a 26-car co-driver qualifying session, teaming up with Richards for a seventh placing in the Saturday race.
Capo has now been confirmed to make his second Australian GT start this season, returning to BMW Team SRM for this weekend’s Sydney Motorsport Park sprint round.
“I am really excited to race the BMW Team SRM M6 GT3 again,” said Capo. “I think the Sydney Motorsport Park layout will really work for the car.
“The fact that I now have some experience in the M6 GT3 will be a huge help, although I’ll still be studying in the build-up as a refresh of the car’s controls and settings. There are many things to manage in the cockpit of a modern GT car, so I’ll make sure I’m prepared for every situation.”
Capo will have an important role to play in Sydney, given that Richards heads into the penultimate round of the season in genuine title contention.
Richards is currently 31 points shy of series leader Tony Bates, which means a good result at SMP is crucial.
“‘Richo’ has a strong shot of winning the title this year, so I’ll do all I can to help him and the team get a good result,” added Capo.
Richards himself is equally confident that Capo is the right man for the job, and agrees that the flowing, open SMP circuit should suit the BMW M6 GT3.
“To have someone the calibre of Ricky in the team, a young guy with the potential to make his mark, is exciting,” said Richards.
“Being his second time in the car and with our team helps, too. I’m really looking forward to it.
“We’re heading to a circuit that suits the M6. The car has been performing so well, and it’s been so reliable, that we’ve found ourselves in contention for the championship.
“The mentality hasn’t shifted too far, but there is a bit more focus on getting results. It’s a great place for the team to be in.”
The fifth round of the Australian GT season will kick off with practice, qualifying, and an opening 40-minute race on Friday August 3. Two more 40-minute races complete the round on the Saturday August 4.
