Last year ROWE Racing-driver Stef Dusseldorp came close to (at least) a podium finish in the Total 24 Hours of Spa, but tough luck meant his car had to retire close to the end. Over the winter he and the other ROWE-drivers switched from Mercedes to BMW and the team has had various success. For Dusseldorp the start of the season was rather tough, but the 26-year-old Dutchman is determined to get to the front during the upcoming races.
How big an adjustment was the new BMW M6 GT3?
"The difference between the Mercedes SLS, which I drove for two years, and the new BMW M6 is rather big. They are both big cars, but the philosophy behind is completely different. Now we have a turbo engine and in the fast corners, the BMW is even stronger than the SLS. We're not quite there yet, but we are making a lot of progress."
Is the car better suited for endurance races or sprint events?
"I think it can do both. It all depends on the track we're racing on. The BMW does not really like tight corners, but it will be strong on the fast circuits which we will have in the second part of the season."
It's been a tough start of the season for you. Was there one particular reason, or rather a coincidence?
"We have not yet determined an ideal set-up for the car. That's the reason why we cannot get to the front in qualifying, which makes getting a good result more difficult. But the car and the team has plenty of potential, enough to change that situation during the course of this season."
You've competed in the Blancpain GT Series for a while now. How high do you think this year's level is?
"It's a very high level of racing, as always, especially the Sprint Cup. There's plenty of good cars, good teams, and great driver line-ups. The Endurance Cup has the same level it had during the past few seasons."
Last year you came close to a podium finish, even a win, in the Total 24 Hours of Spa. Is a repeat performance with the BMW on for this year.
"It's difficult to predict where we will be in Spa, but the track should suit the BMW. Of course we will try our very best to be at the front again, but it is the most important race of the season and it will be a tough fight."