Steven Richards’ BMW Team SRM will run the first BMW M6 GT3 in Australia in the Australian GT Championships this year.

THE FIRST BMW M6 GT3 has lobbed into Australia with BMW Team SRM the first team to run the twin-turbo V8 racer. It will compete in the Australian GT Championships as a factory-supported entry into GT racing.

Reining Bathurst 1000 winner and his SRM outfit will run the thing and, once other M6 GT3s join the Australia GT field will provide both on-track support and parts to other teams.

Richards reckons this is the most exciting new car delivery he’s ever been involved in. “I don’t think I’ve ever been this excited,” he said.

“I’ve had a few new race cars in my time, but this one takes the cake. We’re really lucky to have this program up and running with BMW Group Australia, and to be involved in the Australian GT Championship with something that is so new. I’m really looking forward to sinking my teeth into it.

“These GT3 cars have the same technical innovations as modern road cars, so to have things like anti-lock braking and traction control, not to mention the aerodynamics – that makes them as exciting to drive as you can get. “I just can’t wait to drive it.”

Marc Werner, CEO of BMW Group Australia, agreed that the arrival of the BMW M6 GT3 is an exciting moment. “The arrival of the first BMW M6 GT3 in Australia is a major milestone in the development of this brand new program,” said Werner.

“To have the car here, and see it in the flesh, is incredibly exciting. Welcoming the BMW M6 GT3 to the BMW family here in Australia is the perfect way to kick-start celebrations for our 100th year, and we can’t wait for the new car to hit the track for the first time.”

Richards will have his first taste of the BMW Team SRM M6 GT3 at the car’s debut test session at Winton next week. The all-new BMW M6 GT3 is powered by a BMW 4.4-litre V8 engine with M TwinPower turbo technology, and replaces the successful BMW Z4 GT3 as the brand’s top-level GT3-specification racer.