BMW keen on full-time 2020 Mostert deal

BMW has declared its interest in a full-time deal with Chaz Mostert for 2020, as the Supercars star approaches the end of his current contract with Tickford Racing.

Mostert’s future beyond this season is already making headlines, with speculation linking him to a possible seat at DJR Team Penske.

But the 26-year-old’s efforts with BMW in the last two seasons have also put him on the German manufacturer’s radar.

He’s undertaken a string of outings in its GT cars over the last 18 months, including in the USA’s IMSA Sportscar Series, Europe’s Blancpain Series and the Asian Le Mans Series.

After starting 2019 with the Daytona 24 Hour and Bathurst 12 Hour, clashes with Supercars events mean next month’s California 8 Hour is his last scheduled appearance this year.

Mostert's season started at Daytona

Asked whether he’d like to sign Mostert to a full-time GT deal next season, BMW Motorsport boss Jens Marquardt said: “It depends on Chaz, what he wants to do.

“We're definitely talking to him, but it really depends on where he sees... when he went into the car, he said 'Jens there are two things in racing; you have to do your best job, and you have to enjoy it'.

“So, that's something Chaz has to decide – where does he enjoy himself most. Is it mainly in Australia? Or is it on a bigger scale?

“And then obviously, yeah, I would be absolutely happy to talk to him about plans that we could do together.

“The way things have worked out over the last few years is actually pretty good.

“He is one of the superstars down here, and to have him for a few events out of Australia, and give the world a bit of a taste of Chazzy, is a good thing.”

While Mostert is frustrated by the clashing dates preventing more GT outings, he’s stressed a desire to remain in Supercars for the foreseeable future.

He has raced full-time in the category since partway through 2013, winning Bathurst a year later, but yet to take the championship title.

“It’s tough, but to be honest my heart’s always been here in Australia with the Supercar Championship, a bit like Gizzie (Shane van Gisbergen),” said Mostert following the Bathurst 12 Hour.

“It’s probably one of the best [categories] in the world. Our fan support here in Australia is very special, and for me I’m just lucky enough to go and do some races here and there for [BMW].

“I’d love to try and get some more races during the GT3 season but that all comes down to Supercars and what they can shuffle around to try and open up a few more opportunities.”

Wherever, whenever

Marquardt at Bathurst

For now, Marquardt says the manufacturer will utilise Mostert whenever possible, stressing the reputation the Australian has built within the company.

“Wherever we have a possibility to have Chaz in the car, we will try and do so,” he said.

“There are Asian races, we look at America, he was at Petit Le Mans last year as well.

“Not only the speed, but also the type of guy he is. He is just really a pleasure to work with. And he is super quick.

“Schedule-wise it's always difficult, but obviously the [Nürburgring] Nordschleife would be a good thing to have Chaz at. We'll have to see how that goes.

“But he's definitely impressed our friends in America, they are super happy whenever he's over.”

Mostert burst onto BMW’s radar at the 2017 Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour, while driving a customer M6 for MARC Cars Australia.

Marquardt sees the February event as a great place for local drivers to showcase their ability to the GT manufacturers.

“[The 12 Hour] definitely is a way for them to show their skills against the top drivers in Europe, in cars they are also getting to know better and better,” he said.

“You see the driver skills; it's a pretty good platform. For someone who wants to spread their wings a bit outside of Australia, it's one of the best ways to do it.

“I think it was often the other way around. Some of the European guys would come to the Supercars races.

“It's good that we've turned the thing around a little bit, so it's not just European guys coming down here and trying to show their skills, but also the other way around.

“It's good for everyone involved.”