Team KRC showcased formidable competitiveness in FIA GT World Cup 2024, with official BMW M Works Driver Augusto Farfus clinching 2nd Place in a race filled with incidents and excitement, gaining the team the spot on the podium in the 71st Macau Grand Prix.
This year's event was significantly affected by Typhoon“Toraji”with the entire weekend's races conducted on wet surface, posing a severe test of rain driving skills for all competitors. The first free practice session began on Thursday at 11:05 AM, officially kicking off the team's journey in Macau. Over two practice sessions, Farfus accumulated over 20 laps in No. 89 BMW M4 GT3. In the second session, he achieved a personal best lap time of 2:22.419, securing fifth place and laying a solid foundation for the subsequent races. During Friday's qualifying, Farfus engaged in a fierce battle with top drivers, striving for the best starting position. On his second flying lap, he improved his time across three sectors and recorded a lap of 2:16.814, moving up to fifth place. Farfus pushed hard and made significant time gains in his second sprint. However, a yellow flag in the middle of the track interrupted his momentum, and a serious incident at the Mandarin corner prematurely ended qualifying, leaving Team KRC's No. 89 car missed a potential front-row start. The No. 89 car started from fifth position in the Saturday Qualification Race, with the finishing order determining the starting grid for main race on Sunday. Farfus was initially blocked by cars ahead at the start, losing a position but remained composed, regaining fifth place at the Mandarin corner. Over the 12 laps in total, the Brazilian veteran maintained a solid race pace and finished P5 overall.
Sunday's main event was again affected by rain and began under the safety car. Once the green flag waved, Farfus launched into Turn 1 with full speed. Due to excessive water on the track, visibility was severely affected by the spray from the cars ahead, prompting Farfus to maintain a safe distance early in the race to ensure clear sightlines while waiting for an opportunity to attack. The 2018 FIA GT World Cup champion found his rhythm as the race progressed, setting a personal best lap of 2:34.087 and gaining a position due to a battle between cars ahead, moving up to fourth. In the final phases, a collision among the front runners provided a crucial opportunity, allowing Farfus to elevate to second place, which he maintained until the checkered flag. Farfus crossed the line second in the Team KRC No. 89 BMW M4 GT3, earning the FIA GT World Cup runner-up trophy for 2024 and marking his second consecutive podium appearance at the Macau Grand Prix! Quotes Augusto Farfus: Macau is always a surprise package. I drove for a new team, a team from Macau, which makes me very proud. BMW M Motorsport has supported us as a small team very well, which is great. We worked closely together, and now I'm back on the podium. This weekend was probably the toughest I've had in Macau, with all kinds of weather conditions and situations. The weather played a big role this time. A dry race would certainly have produced a different result but I am very satisfied with what I have achieved. Mars Kang (Team Principal): After participating in several editions of Macau Grand Prix as the technical service provider, this year we finally represented Macau under our own Team KRC name at the FIA GT World Cup, and we were fortunate to achieve an excellent second place thanks to Augusto.
Additionally, our Team KRC mascot, Makus, made his official debut in Macau and received great praise! Thanks to all the support for Team KRC and we look forward to returning to Macau next year in even better form!
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