BMW Team SRM places M4 GT4 order

BMW Team SRM has placed an order for a BMW M4 GT4 race car which is set to make its debut at the Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour next year.

The BMW Australia supported squad had hinted at plans to move into the booming GT4 market alongside its GT3 operation since the launch of the new M4 GT4 earlier this year.

The Steven Richards run team has been allocated one of the first GT4 race cars from the German manufacturer’s initial allocation.

BMW Team SRM is expected to take delivery of its new M4 GT4 within the next two months.

The annual Bathurst 12 Hour endurance race in February has been earmarked as the vehicle’s race debut, ahead of a tilt at the 2018 Australian GT Championship.

Stan Sport is the only way to watch every round of Speedseries. Click here for all the action streaming ad-free, live and on demand.

From next year the BMW M4 GT4 will be eligible to join the Australian GT grid, which is set to feature a bespoke GT4 class.

GT4 is an entry level class predominately aimed at amateurs, while costs to run the cars are significantly lower than the faster GT3 machines.

“The M4 GT4 program is something we’ve had our eyes on since it was first announced,” said Richards.

“From a BMW Team SRM perspective, what it will do is bring a lot of guys from state-level motorsport or even the lower ranks of national categories, and give them an opportunity to go and compete at some of the big circuits and big race meetings in cars that still have very low operating costs.

“GT4 is going to create a whole new demographic of motor racing for the next 10 years.

“Competitors will literally be able to change the oil, change the brake pads, and go and do another test day.

“It will mean drivers can afford to spend time behind the wheel, testing and practicing to hone and improve their skills. And then they can race at some really cool events, including some of the region’s best long- distance events.

“We want to use this first car to give people the opportunity to come and have a drive, to experience what the car is like, with the view of having more cars here in Australia in the next six months.”

BMW Team SRM is expected to field its M4 GT4 alongside its M6 GT3 in Australian GT next year.