Farfus replaces Soderlund at Dubai 24 Hours

World Touring Car Championship front runner Augusto Farfus is the latest big-name driver to confirm his participation in this month’s Dubai 24 Hours.

The 27-year-old Brazilian has been drafted into the Schubert Motorsport driver line-up to replace the injured Patrick Soderlund, who misses the race with a neck problem following an accident at Zolder last year. Farfus will join Claudia Hurtgen, Edward Sandstrom and Tommy Milner in one of the German squad’s two BMW Z3 GT3 cars. The second entry will be shared by Americans Bill Auberlen, Boris Said and Matt Plumb as well as Canadian driver Paul Dalla Lana.

“It is a real shame that Patrick is unable to drive for us, however, at a 24-hour race – particularly in the heat of Dubai – the drivers must be one hundred percent fit,” said team manager Stefan Wendle. “Patrick is a strong pillar of our team, and he developed extremely well over the course of the 2010 season. However, due to the aftermath of his accident in Zolder it’s impossible for him to support us in Dubai as a driver. He will be integrated into our crew of engineers though, making sure we will benefit from his vast experience at this track.

“We are pleased to have a worthy replacement in the form of Augusto Farfus, who is a top-class driver. The whole team is hungry for the first race of the year, and we are determined to get the season off to a good start in Dubai.”

Farfus, who looks set to make the permanent switch from Touring Cars to GT racing in 2011 following BMW’s withdrawal from the WTCC, added: “I am pleased to have the opportunity to represent Schubert at the Dubai 24 Hours.

“The break from racing is always difficult time for a driver, which makes this appearance even better, as it means I can return to action sooner.

“The BMW Z4 GT3 is a great car, the team is also a class outfit, and the driving line-up speaks for itself: it will definitely be a fantastic weekend.”

Watch Dubai 24 Hours highlights on Motors TV.


Andy Wilkinson

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