Historic victory for BMW at Monza as OQ by Oman Racing secures incredible overall triumph

History was made in today's Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Powered by AWS Endurance Cup event at Monza when OQ by Oman Racing became the first team from outside the Pro class to secure overall victory.

The #30 BMW achieved the feat at an event that drew 35,393 spectators to the legendary Italian venue, which once again witnessed an incredible sporting spectacle.

In what could be remembered as the series’ most dramatic and unpredictable race, the Bronze Cup crew of Ahmad Al Harthy, Sam De Haan and Jens Klingmann delivered a masterclass aboard the #30 BMW to beat the biggest names in the business to outright honours. Indeed, the key story of this three-hour contest was the battle between raw speed and strategic thinking after a pre-event rule amendment saw an extra mandatory pit stop added to the teams' agendas.

Nevertheless, it appeared for much of the race that the #51 Ferrari – AF Corse Francorchamps Motors would prevail. The car dominated qualifying and led comfortably for the first two hours, with Alessio Rovera and then Vincent Abril delivering fast and consistent performances behind the wheel.

It was in the final hour that the importance of strategy truly emerged. The Ferrari needed to complete a full pit stop with a little under 50 minutes remaining, dropping it back into the pack. But with Alessandro Pier Guidi installed at the wheel the car was astonishingly fast, carving back through the order and seemingly returning to where it needed to be once everyone had made their stops.

But as the final minutes ticked down it became clear that victory was not secure. Klingmann and Dries Vanthoor (#32 BMW – Team WRT) had completed their mandatory stops early in the race, dropping to the very back of the field on the opening lap. As such, with just 10 minutes left they were able to complete a quick pass through the pit lane to ensure that they did not exceed the maximum stint time. They emerged ahead of Pier Guidi, setting up an incredible final fight for the win.

The Italian first had to pass Max Hofer (#66 Audi – Tresor Attempto Racing) for third spot and then obliterated the gap to the BMW duo. As he chased down Vanthoor, it was impossible not to recall the same two drivers doing battle in the closing stages of the 2021 CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa. That race is rightly remembered as a classic; this was quickly becoming one.

This time, however, Vanthoor was determined not to be passed. Pier Guidi unquestionably had the speed, establishing a new GT3 lap record at Monza as he chased down the leaders. But his first serious attack on Vanthoor was rebuked at the start of the penultimate lap; if he hoped to challenge Klingmann, he simply had to pass the other BMW at the start of the final tour.

Pier Guidi launched his assault into the Rettifilo chicane, but Vanthoor defended firmly. The Ferrari completed the pass, but only by running off-track and was quickly instructed to hand the position back. There was no time left to make a move and Klingmann was able to take the chequered flag and confirm the historic overall win – as well as Bronze Cup honours – for the Omani squad.

The #99 Audi – Tresor Attempto Racing came home fourth to close to within three points of the overall points lead, taking advantage of the #7 Aston Martin – Comtoyou Racing failing to score. The #46 BMW – Team WRT completed the top five, with Valentino Rossi behind the wheel to see the chequered flag in front of his home crowd.

There were celebrations for Daan Arrow, Colin Caresani and Tanart Sathienthirakul (#57 Winward Racing – Mercedes-AMG), who took Silver Cup honours in ninth overall and secured their class title with a round to spare. This was a richly deserved success, with the crew having finished on the podium at each race this term.

In the Gold Cup, Michele Beretta, Arjun Maini and Jusuf Owega (#77 Mercedes-AMG – Haupt Racing Team) bagged a first win of the season, while the #25 Saintéloc Racing Audi edged towards the title by recovering to second after being caught up in contact on the opening lap. Saintéloc drivers Paul Evrard and Gilles Magnus have already put the combined class crown beyond doubt with two events to spare.

The 2024 Endurance Cup campaign will conclude on 29/30 November when the series makes its first-ever visit to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit in Saudi Arabia. Before that, the Sprint Cup will decide its champions with a concluding race at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on 11–13 October.