Munich. BMW M Team RLL is set to wrap up the first season of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship for its BMW M Hybrid V8 racing cars at this weekend’s Petit Le Mans in Road Atlanta, USA. The team aims to secure a second GTP class victory and potentially clinch the driver’s title. BMW M works drivers Connor De Phillippi (USA) and Nick Yelloly (GBR) currently sit in fourth place in the GTP driver’s championship, just 38 points behind the leader. They hope to achieve another strong finish to add to their successful season, which already includes one victory and five podium finishes.
For the 10-hour Petit Le Mans race, De Phillippi and Yelloly will be joined by fellow BMW M works driver Sheldon van der Linde (RSA) in the cockpit of the #25 BMW M Hybrid V8. Marco Wittmann (GER) will team up with fellow BMW M works drivers Augusto Farfus (BRA) and Philipp Eng (AUT) in the #24 BMW M Hybrid V8 with the goal of securing the car’s first podium.
In the GTD class, three BMW M4 GT3s will be competing. Bryan Sellers and Madison Snow (both USA), with their #1 Paul Miller Racing BMW M4 GT3, have already clinched the title with five victories this season. They will be joined by Corey Lewis (USA) at Petit Le Mans. Turner Motorsport will enter two GTD class cars: the #96 BMW M4 GT3, driven by Robby Foley and Patrick Gallagher (both USA), will also feature Michael Dinan (USA), while Thomas Merrill (USA) will share duties with regular pairing Bill Auberlen and Chandler Hull (USA) in the #97 car.
Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta begins on Saturday, October 14th at 11:40 local time (17:40 CEST).
Quotes ahead of Petit Le Mans:
Bobby Rahal (Team Principal BMW M Team RLL): “There is no question that our GTP program was a significant endeavor for BMW M Team RLL, BMW M Motorsport, and everyone involved with the BMW M Hybrid V8. The victory at Watkins Glen was undoubtedly a highlight, and achieving five podiums so far with the number 25 car is a great accomplishment. Comparing where we were just one year ago when we started with this new formula to our recent test at Road Atlanta in preparation for Petit Le Mans, we have made significant progress. Historically, Petit has been a good weekend for us, so we can’t help but be optimistic.”
Connor De Phillippi (#25 BMW M Hybrid V8): “The 2023 season has been a rollercoaster of emotions, and the finale at Petit Le Mans is going to be one last fireworks show. We recently had a great two-day test and feel well-prepared. With nearly 60 cars on a 70-second lap, it’s going to be a hectic race, and we all have one goal in mind—to win!”
Nick Yelloly (#25 BMW M Hybrid V8): “I have tested at Road Atlanta but haven’t raced there yet, so I am looking forward to Petit Le Mans. Connor and I are in the fight for the driver’s title, so everything is on the line. After Daytona and our disappointing day, I wouldn’t have expected our season to go so well, but BMW M Motorsport and BMW M Team RLL have provided us with a car and strategy that has kept us in contention for the rest of the season.”
Sheldon van der Linde (#25 BMW M Hybrid V8): “I’m very excited to be back with Connor and Nick at my favorite circuit in the US for the season finale. It’s been a while since I’ve been in the number 25 BMW M Hybrid V8, so I’m looking forward to seeing how the car has developed this season. I hope to quickly get up to speed and give the boys the best chance at a win and the championship.”
Philipp Eng (#24 BMW M Hybrid V8): “Our test at Road Atlanta a couple of weeks ago went well. We tried out many things and found the car in a very good state. The combination of this track and car is phenomenal, and I can’t wait for ten hours of racing.”
Augusto Farfus (#24 BMW M Hybrid V8): “We had a very successful test at Road Atlanta recently, so we are looking to finish the season with our best performance.”
Marco Wittmann (#24 BMW M Hybrid V8): “I’m really looking forward to the season finale at Petit Le Mans. It’s been a while since Sebring, but it’s always a pleasure to race with our LMDh car and the BMW M Team RLL crew. I hope we will have a good and successful weekend to finish the first GTP season on a high note for Augusto, Philipp, myself, and also to support the sister car as they are still in the fight for the title.”