Marc VDS BMW accepts Baku FIA GT Series invitation

The Belgian squad received an entry for the street race on November 23-24 for winning the overall teams' title in the Blancpain Endurance Series.

It will field a solo BMW Z4 for factory driver Maxime Martin and team regular Nicky Catsburg.

Team principal Bas Leinders explained that BMW, which supported Marc VDS in this year's Nurburgring 24 Hours, was keen to see the brand participate in Azerbaijan.

"BMW Motorsport's backing is obviously a fantastic thing to have and we're proud to be working with them closely again after the success we achieved together at the Nürburgring," he said.

The Auto Sport Promotion Ferrari squad, which won the Gentlemen Trophy class in the Blancpain, is also expected to take up its invite, but the RJN Nissan team, winner of the Pro-Am class, appears unlikely to race in Baku.

Two outfits from the British GT Championship are also invited: the Beechdean Aston Martin squad, winner of the drivers' title with Andrew Howard; and the teams' title-winner Trackspeed, which is planning to field a pair of Porsche 911 GT3-Rs for Danny Watts and Martin Ragginger, and Stephen Jelley and Phil Keen.

Ratel is aiming to take 24 cars that have competed in FIA GTs this year and a further six invitees to Baku.