Straight back on the pace after five years: Jamie Vandenbalck tests BMW M6 GT3 at Zolder
After five years without racing, Jamie Vandenbalck got into the Koopman Racing BMW M6 GT3 at Zolder and was on the pace within just ten laps. The conclusion is clear: with this car and this team, winning in Belcar is within reach.
Five years after his last race, Jamie Vandenbalck was back in a GT3 car on 17 September 2026, and it clicked straight away. At the International Test Day at Circuit Zolder he set a 1:31 in the Koopman Racing BMW M6 GT3 in only ten laps, in a car that had not even been set up for the day. It lays the foundation for a full season in the 2027 Belcar Endurance Championship.
Test first, then decide
A comeback has to be backed up. That is why Vandenbalck first wanted to see on track where he stands, before committing to a programme. The test had to answer three questions: how quickly does he find his rhythm, how is the chemistry with the team, and how competitive is the M6 GT3 still under the Belcar regulations?
He did not start from scratch. Vandenbalck had already done test mileage in the BMW M6 GT3, and he feels at home at Zolder: in 2019 he won his class there at the 24 Hours of Zolder.
Fast, despite the wrong set-up
The track was dry, but conditions were far from ideal. The car was still set up for Hankook tyres from an earlier race and test days at Hockenheim, while at Zolder it ran on used Michelins. The result: heavy understeer.
Even so, the pace was there straight away. Vandenbalck drove only ten laps in total, and within those a 1:31 was on the board. With fresh tyres and a car fully set up for those tyres and for Zolder, a time of around 1:29 is expected.
Koopman Racing was impressed that someone could be on that pace within just ten laps, after five years away and with a set-up that did not match the tyres. The cooperation and communication were excellent from the very first minute.
A car to win with
The test also gave a clear answer about the car. Even without the right set-up, the pace was immediately at a level that counts in Belcar. Under the current regulations, the BMW M6 GT3 remains a car to win with.
“With these lap times, a win in Belcar is definitely possible. The M6 is more than competitive enough, and with the right set-up there is even more to come.” — Jamie Vandenbalck
What struck Vandenbalck most was how familiar the car feels straight away. The M6 GT3 is accessible and easy to drive. It only becomes truly demanding at the absolute limit. For the drivers joining in 2027 that is good news: you build confidence quickly, with a team that knows how to get the most out of this car.
A dream come true
Beyond the numbers, above all it was a day to remember.
“Driving a GT3 car again was a dream come true. I had a smile on my face from start to finish.” — Jamie Vandenbalck
“After the test at Zolder there was no doubt left. Racing is my passion, and I’m not coming back to make up the numbers — I’m coming back to win.” — Jamie Vandenbalck
Ready for 2027
With this test under his belt, the project is moving full speed ahead: a full season in the 2027 Belcar Endurance Championship in the Koopman Racing BMW M6 GT3, with the 24 Hours of Zolder as the absolute highlight. The focus now is on building a strong line-up of four drivers and a group of partners who want to help write this story.
Want to join as a driver or partner? Get in touch at [email protected]. Read more about the project in the comeback press release; partners can find all details in the sponsorship deck, and high-resolution images of the test are available in the press kit.