GDM Motors expresses condolences after tragedy at Legend Boucles de Bastogne
What was supposed to be a spectacular start to the Belgian rally season sadly turned into a tragedy on Sunday morning. A fatal accident caused the Legend Boucles de Bastogne to be stopped early.
GDM Motors would first like to express its condolences. ‘A black day for motorsport in Belgium, that is the main feeling right now,’ says Hendrik Béatse, CEO of GDM Motors. ‘First and foremost, our thoughts are with the victims, the drivers of the car involved in the accident, the organisation and the entire motorsport world in Belgium.’
A number of last-minute adjustments were made, which meant we were unable to test sufficiently.
The GDM Motors Volvo 240 Turbo had already dropped out of the race at that point. Driver Marc Duez and co-driver Béatse had to throw in the towel on Saturday with a broken exhaust manifold after a difficult start. ‘A number of last-minute adjustments were made, which meant we were unable to test sufficiently,’ Béatse continues. ‘The car did not perform as expected, despite a last-minute turbo change on Friday night.’
Nevertheless, the race kilometres in Bastogne proved to be very useful once again. "All the adjustments we made after Kortrijk are paying off. The car is much more stable and has all the qualities needed for rallying. We do need to review the engine and turbo control and test them extensively before we compete again," concludes Béatse.