More than 78,000 folks camped out to look at the opening spherical of the 2024 FIM Endurance World Championship.
Tag Archives: Endurance
FIA WEC: BMW M4 GT3 triumphs at Imola – Strong race for the #20 BMW M Hybrid V8.
Imola. Great outcomes for BMW M Motorsport and Team WRT on the second spherical of the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC). The 6 Hours of Imola (ITA) ended with a one-two outcome for the BMW M4 GT3 within the LMGT3 class. Augusto Farfus (BRA), Sean Gelael (INA), and Darren Leung (GBR) triumphed forward of their team-mates Maxime Martin (BEL), Valentino Rossi (ITA), and Ahmad Al Harthy (OMA). It was the primary victory for a BMW M Motorsport automotive within the historical past of the FIA WEC. BMW M Team WRT additionally celebrated success within the Hypercar class. After a difficult begin in Qatar, Robin Frijns (NED), René Rast (GER), and Sheldon van der Linde (RSA) gave a really sturdy efficiency, battled for the rostrum for a very long time, and finally completed in sixth place.
The climate circumstances, with rain setting in across the midway level of the race, turned the occasion into a technique gamble. However, all BMW M Motorsport groups made the correct tyre decisions and have been rewarded with excellent outcomes. The BMW M Hybrid V8 made huge enhancements in comparison with the season opener and was aggressive underneath all circumstances. On the moist observe, last driver van der Linde even had the rostrum inside attain, however issues over the last pit cease and a subsequent drive-through penalty pushed the #20 BMW M Hybrid V8 again to a still-strong sixth place. The #15 BMW M Hybrid V8 with Raffaele Marciello (SUI), Dries Vanthoor (BEL), and Marco Wittmann (GER) within the cockpit was unfortunate and received innocently concerned in a collision firstly. After about an hour of repairs, the group managed to get the automotive again on observe for necessary take a look at kilometres.
The celebration was even better within the LMGT3 class. Both BMW M4 GT3 crews continued on slick tyres because the rain started to fall, making the correct choice. No competitor may match their velocity, and so they drove to a commanding one-two end. Never earlier than had a BMW M Motorsport automotive gained a race on this collection because the founding of the FIA WEC in 2012.
Comments after the race at Imola:
Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “That was an extremely positive FIA WEC event at Imola. In Hypercar, we made great progress after the challenging start in Qatar. We had the pace to achieve a top result on our own. I am pleased that car #20 was able to hold its own in the leading group throughout the race, even under difficult conditions. The early unprovoked accident of car #15 was very unfortunate and annoying. Many thanks to BMW M Team WRT, which rebuilt the car and sent it back on track. That allowed us to finish the race and collect important data to continue improving. On the LMGT3 side of the garage, it couldn’t have gone better. Congratulations to all drivers and crew members for very strong performances. Thank you to everyone at BMW M Motorsport and the team for a very successful weekend!”
Vincent Vosse (Team Principal BMW M Team WRT): “What a great weekend for our LMGT3 crews! Qualifying and the race went very well, and we did the little things right. Augusto and Maxime stayed on slicks on a wet track and were able to show incredible pace. That gave us a good lead and ultimately the one-two result. In Hypercar we were in the window where we belong this time after the big disappointment in Qatar. We are taking one step at a time and have already done some things very well here. On to the next race at Spa-Francorchamps.”
Sheldon van der Linde (BMW M Team WRT, #20 BMW M Hybrid V8, sixth place): “In the end, that was one of the most challenging and craziest stints I’ve ever driven. I thought several times that I would lose the car. I knew I had to bring it home so we could score very good points. Luckily, that worked out. The team did a great job improving the car so much since Qatar. We can be very proud of that. Thank you to everyone!”
Marco Wittmann (BMW M Team WRT, #15 BMW M Hybrid V8, 18th place): “That was a wild start phase, where some of our competitors quite misjudged themselves. I was hit from behind and spun around. That was very annoying. The guys did a great job repairing the car and getting us back on track. That allowed us to collect important test kilometres. My stint after the repair was great. The car felt good, and we could have made up some places. The pace and balance were good; we need to build on that. Hopefully, we’ll have more racing luck next time.”
Augusto Farfus (Team WRT, #31 BMW M4 GT3, 1st place): “I am incredibly happy and proud. We showed today that it’s about having the best team in this championship, not just the best car or the best individual driver. In my stint, the track was always differently wet, and it was a constant question of which tyres were better. We stayed on slicks the whole time, and I felt very comfortable in the BMW M4 GT3 under those conditions. The team always stayed calm and did everything right in the end. It’s my son’s birthday today – I couldn’t have given him a better gift.”
Sean Gelael (Team WRT, #31 BMW M4 GT3, 1st place): “I’m super happy! Darren qualified the car in fourth place on Saturday and drove a strong first stint. I had quite a bit of fun after that and was able to make up some time. Then I handed over to Augusto, who was sensational on the track and put pressure on Maxime. It was not so bad today.”
Darren Leung (Team WRT, #31 BMW M4 GT3, 1st place): “Winning in just my second FIA WEC race – that’s just incredible! We did an outstanding job as a team. The turbulent start phase was difficult for me, but I got through it very well and was able to hand over the car in a good position to my colleagues.”
Maxime Martin (Team WRT, #46 BMW M4 GT3, 2nd place): “A fantastic result for the team. We had a strong car and decided on a bold strategy. That made the difference in the end. Congratulations to the #31 crew on the victory! We collected a lot of points and will continue to work hard in the next races.”
Valentino Rossi (Team WRT, #46 BMW M4 GT3, 2nd place): “I am very happy about the one-two for Team WRT, for BMW M Motorsport, and my first podium in FIA WEC. We already had a strong car on Saturday in qualifying, and Ahmad achieved a very good third starting position. In the race, we then decided to stay out on slicks. Augusto was a bit faster than Maxime at the beginning and took the lead. Nevertheless, I am very happy with the result.”
Ahmad Al Harthy (Team WRT, #46 BMW M4 GT3, 2nd place): “My first podium with Team WRT – that’s an incredible feeling! Many thanks to the team, which did a fantastic job. We took a calculated risk, and it paid off in the end.”
24 Heures Motos: BMW Motorrad Motorsport kicks off its title chase within the FIM Endurance World Championship at Le Mans.
Le Mans. Go time for the endurance heroes. BMW Motorrad Motorsport kicks off the 2024 season within the FIM Endurance World Championship (FIM EWC) with the 24 Heures Motos at Le Mans (FRA) on twentieth/twenty first April. In the highest class, the Formula EWC, BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team returns to hunt for total victories and the world championship title with the #37 BMW M 1000 RR. This yr, the core trio consists of Markus Reiterberger (GER), Ilya Mikhalchik (UKR), and new addition Sylvain Guintoli (FRA). The fourth rider is Estonian Hannes Soomer. In the Superstock class, the Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team is the recent BMW contender. In its 2023 debut season, the French staff proved that it’s among the many greatest within the discipline.
For complete details about BMW Motorrad Motorsport’s involvement within the FIM EWC 2024, please go to on-line:
BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team.
The three common BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team riders for the 2024 season comprise continuity and a powerful addition. The two BMW Motorrad manufacturing facility riders Reiterberger and Mikhalchik have been integral elements of the staff led by Team Manager Werner Daemen (BEL) because the debut season 2019/20. Together, they instantly secured podium finishes with the #37 bike, adopted by their first victory in 2021. In the 2022 season, they celebrated triumph on the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps (BEL) and completed as runner-ups on this planet championship. Last season, the Reiterberger/ Mikhalchik staff claimed podium finishes in all three 24-hour races, achieved sixth place as the most effective European staff in Suzuka (JPN), and completed third on this planet championship standings.
The outstanding new addition to the trio is Guintoli, who has already clinched the world championship title in each the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) and the FIM EWC. The Frenchman is likely one of the most skilled and revered riders in worldwide motorbike racing. As a BMW Motorrad manufacturing facility rider, he’s additionally a part of the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Test Team and intently concerned within the growth of the BMW M 1000 RR.
Another new member of the BMW household is Soomer. The 26-year-old Estonian will help each the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team and the Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team because the fourth rider within the upcoming season.
Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team.
The Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team competed in its first full season within the Superstock class of the FIM EWC, the FIM Endurance World Cup, in 2023. The staff, led by Team Principal Arnaud Sassone (FRA), is a collaboration between the French Tecmas Racing Team, Werner Daemen’s firm Motorcycle Racing Parts, and BMW Motorrad Motorsport. The Tecmas Racing Team has lengthy been profitable within the French Superbike Championship (FBSK) and had beforehand competed in chosen FIM EWC races within the EWC class.
Last yr’s Superstock debut of the Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team couldn’t have gone higher. At the season opener, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the staff celebrated its first victory within the Superstock class with riders Kenny Foray (FRA), Jan Bühn (GER), and Loïc Arbel (FRA). The staff continued to point out convincing performances with the #9 BMW M 1000 RR within the following races as effectively. However, technical induced DNFs prevented additional prime outcomes.
Foray, Bühn, and Arbel will proceed to compete for the Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team this season. The line-up can be supplemented by Soomer because the fourth rider.
24 Heures Motos.
Prior to the season opener, there can be a possibility to take part in non-public check classes on Tuesday, sixteenth April. The 24 Hours of Le Mans race weekend begins on Thursday, 18th April, with free follow, the primary qualifying classes, and evening follow. The remaining determination on the beginning positions can be made within the second qualifying session on Friday morning. The race itself, the forty seventh version of the 24 Heures Motos, will begin on Saturday at 15:00 CEST.
In addition to the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team and the Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team, two different BMW groups will take part in Le Mans: Japanese Team Étoile and Team T2C Racing from France. Both will compete within the Superstock class.
Quotes earlier than the season opener at Le Mans.
Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director: “We are entering the FIM EWC 2024 well prepared and with great confidence. Over the winter, our engineers, together with our technical partners, have further optimised the #37 BMW M 1000 RR as a complete package in many areas, from the power unit to the chassis and electronics to the exhaust system, brakes, and tyres. On the rider side, we have one of the best trios in the field with Markus, Ilya, and Sylvain in the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team. Together with the experienced team led by Werner Daemen, they form the perfect squad to achieve our goal, which is to fight for the world championship title. Everyone knows how strong the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team is, and now we want to take the next step forward. In the Superstock class, the Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team has already shown in the past season that it belongs at the absolute top. Over the winter, we have intensively worked on the technical side to address the deficits identified in 2023. Now we are looking forward to Le Mans – we are ready! Of course, endurance racing has its own laws, and a lot can happen in 24 race hours. But we are confident.”
Werner Daemen, Teammanager BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team: “Our target for the season must be to fight for the world championship as we do every year. Of course, in endurance you also need some luck. Last year, we had a very good season, we were on the podium in all three 24-hour races and finished in a strong sixth place in Japan. I think, if we can do the same this year, and if we maybe can win one or two races and stand on the podium in the other ones, then we can fight for the title. That is the main goal. All looks good, we are well prepared and the feeling is very good.”
Sylvain Guintoli (#37 BMW M 1000 RR, BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team): “We go into the 24 Heures Moto at Le Mans with a very positive mindset because we’ve done some testing and it went better and better. The most successful test was the Pre-Test at Le Mans where we all had a good feeling with the bike and also a good race rhythm. We worked for the race in all conditions, we are ready, and for sure, the objective is to win the race. We are going into this with confidence and the bike is behaving really well. For me, it’s a new bike this year and I am very happy with it, everything is going well. So there are big hopes for this race in Le Mans and for the entire season, but we have to think from race by race and now focus 100 per cent on Le Mans. I can’t wait and am looking forward to it.”
Ilya Mikhalchik (#37 BMW M 1000 RR, BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team): “I’m looking forward to the race week at Le Mans and am pretty confident. It also looks that the weather stays dry and quite good. This also adds to my positive feelings. During free practice we need to focus on finding the final settings before we head into the qualifications and the race. But overall, we already have a very good base and I we will start from this and work on improving the small things we need to. I think that we will have good days at Le Mans. Let’s enjoy our progress and riding the bike and have great moments there. We can’t wait to start the season!”
Markus Reiterberger (#37 BMW M 1000 RR, BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team): “After the positive Pre-Test at Le Mans, we have of course set high goals for ourselves. We aim to take the next step this year and get even closer to our ultimate goal, the world championship. After the previous years we are now aiming for the top position. We are well-prepared for Le Mans. There are a few minor things we still need to improve, but we have everything necessary on board and will give our best from both the team and rider side. During the free practice sessions we will try to fine-tune the bike a bit more to suit us as riders and continue to adapt to each other within the new line-up, so that we can attack properly in qualifying and have a good, stable, and fast bike for all three riders in the 24-hour race with the aim of hopefully standing at the top on Sunday. It will be a long and tough race, a long, tough season, but I believe we are all in good spirits and have realistic chances.”
Arnaud Sassone (Teamchef Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team): “We really are confident. We proved last season that we could go and obtain the title. The performance was there together with the strategy. We only missed the reliability in the races at Spa and at the Bol d’Or, after we had pole position and the fastest race lap on both occasions. BMW in Germany worked a lot on the reliability and this should pay off. On the riders’ side, we did changed nothing and that is an asset. We know that we have strong team, a strong bike and strong riders, and our goal is clearly to win the FIM Endurance World Cup.”
Technical information #37 BMW M 1000 RR.
Capacity / engine: 999 cc, four-cylinder four-stroke engine with 4 titanium valves per cylinder and variable consumption camshaft management BMW ShiftCam, liquid-cooled, titanium rods, 2-ring pistons
Gearbox: Constant mesh 6-speed gearbox with straight minimize gears
Output: > 215 hp at over 14,000 rpm
Bore x stroke: 80 x 49.7 mm
Fuel system: Electronic injection, variable consumption manifold size
Tank capability: 24 l
Lubrication: Wet sump
Dry weight: 168 kg with out tank
Wheelbase: 1,450 mm (variable)
Length: 2,080 mm
Width: 538 mm
Front wheel management: ZF Upside-down telescopic CFK fork with pressurised damping system
Rear wheel management: Underslung BMW swing arm, full-floater central spring ZF twin tube monoshock
Front brake: Twin-disc Motomaster 320 mm, Nissin radial 6-piston callipers
Rear brake: Single-disc Motomaster 220 mm, Nissin 2-piston callipers
Wheels: PVM forged aluminium wheels, entrance 17’’ x 3.5’’, rear 17’’ x 6.0’’
Tyres: Dunlop
FIM EWC 2024 calendar.
twentieth/twenty first April – 24 Heures Motos Le Mans – France
eighth June – 8 Hours of Spa Motos – Belgium
twenty first July – Suzuka 8 Hours – Japan
14th/fifteenth September – Bol d’Or Le Castellet – France
Final preparations for the 2024 FIM EWC: BMW Motorrad Motorsport on the Pre-Test for the 24 hours of Le Mans.
Le Mans. At BMW Motorrad Motorsport, the countdown to the beginning of the 2024 season within the FIM Endurance World Championship (FIM EWC) is underway. With the two-day Pre-Test at Le Mans (FRA) this week, the ultimate section of preparations for the season opener has begun. It will happen from 18th to twenty first April on the identical venue, that includes the racing traditional 24 Heures Motos. The BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team, which is able to compete in 2024 with Markus Reiterberger (GER), Ilya Mikhalchik (UKR) and new addition Sylvain Guintoli (FRA), labored on fine-tuning the #37 BMW M 1000 RR for the 2024 season throughout the take a look at.
While the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team with Reiterberger, Mikhalchik and Guintoli competes within the highest class, Formula EWC, for total victories and the title, the Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team enters its second full season within the FIM EWC’s Superstock class. Like final 12 months, Kenny Foray (FRA), Jan Bühn (GER), and Loïc Arbel (FRA) will alternate on the #9 BMW M 1000 RR. Also current on the take a look at at Le Mans was BMW’s new addition Hannes Soomer. The 26-year-old Estonian will help each groups because the fourth rider within the upcoming season.
Additionally, two extra BMW groups from the Superstock class ready for the season opener on the take a look at. The Japanese Team Etoile is utilizing the #25 BMW M 1000 RR and Team T2C Racing from France is competing with the beginning quantity 2.
Reactions to the Pre-Test at Le Mans.
Werner Daemen, Team Manager BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team: “In the end, I think we can be very happy with the test. We know what to do for race week. For sure, not everything was perfect but it looks like we have found a good way. All three riders did a very good job so I think we are well prepared for the race in two weeks’ time and I have a good feeling.”
Sylvain Guintoli: “It was a positive test. We got a lot of work done and had all the conditions that we could get. We had rain and then dry and then rain again, so we did a lot of testing in the wet as well which was good. The pace was good in wet and dry for everybody so it’s looking good and we managed to find some interesting solutions for the setup which was the idea of these two days. We’re happy with the progress and now I’m very much looking forward to the race in two weeks’ time. Hopefully we can fight for the win; that’s the objective.”
Ilya Mikhalchik: “The test was quite tricky with the weather conditions but in the wet, we did not have a bad feeling and then in the end we had a few hours in dry conditions. That also went pretty well but we still have some work to do for the race weekend to further improve the bike. That will be our focus in the next two weeks. We are ready to fight again and will try to bring our bike to the top.”
Markus Reiterberger: “We finished the test in third place, and all three of us were within four-tenths of a second. Unfortunately, I encountered some traffic on my fast lap and couldn’t quite show my best but we are quite satisfied. We sorted out a lot and tried things during this test which is important for the race. It was also positive that we made good progress in the rain. All three of us were at or near the front in all conditions. Of course, we all need to keep working hard to achieve our goals because there’s always room for improvement. We have now identified everything, understood the new package for 2024, and the new team composition, and know which direction we need to work in to be at the front in two weeks. Many thanks to the team, and now we keep pushing!”
How Bankruptcy Affects The Future Of The Lordstown Endurance Electric Pickup Truck
Lordstown Motors started out with a bang. Its Endurance pickup was featured at the White House in 2020 with President Trump praising the design. “This is incredible”, Trump mentioned in describing the truck. Trump went on to explain the advantages that the corporate would convey to Lordstown Ohio, with the founder Steve Burns claiming 100,000 vans can be constructed within the Lordstown plant. Senator Rob Portman from Ohio mentioned that Lordstown would rent 1,100 folks that 12 months, and the world would newly be christened, “Voltage Valley”. However, Lordstown Motors didn’t create a “voltage valley”. None of this occurred.
Lordstown didn’t promote 100,000 trucks. It didn’t rent 1,100 individuals. It didn’t do something however go bankrupt, and get sued and investigated by the SEC. Yet, miraculously, evidently the Endurance pickup will stay on despite all of this. Burns has someway snuck the belongings out of the failing firm, and brings them to a brand new house in his latest enterprise LandX. Here’s what we all know in regards to the Lordstown debacle and the way forward for the Endurance pickup.
In order to provide the newest and correct info potential, the info used to compile this text was sourced from producer web sites and different authoritative sources, together with C-SPAN, Reuters, Hindenberg Research, Automotive News, and The SEC.
Related
Lordstown Unveils The Endurance Electric Pickup Truck
The prototype was introduced on the stage however no info was supplied about it
Lordstown Motors Filed For Bankruptcy In 2023
Lordstown Motors launched in 2018, with its Endurance Pickup deliberate to go to market in late 2020. Then it pushed again the discharge date of the electrical truck to 2021. Then it pushed the discharge date again to 2022, after promoting its manufacturing facility to Foxconn, and agreeing to have Foxconn be the contract producer of the pickup.
The failure to get to market completely undermined the whole mission of the corporate. Lordstown’s aim was to be the primary American EV pickup on the highway. However, throughout the time of its delays, the Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T have been accessible to the general public first. The truck truly hit the streets in late 2022, however virtually instantly had a recall on account of a propulsion difficulty. If all of this wasn’t unhealthy sufficient, Lordstown filed for chapter in June 2023.
Lordstown Motors Had A Bevvy Of Financial Issues
Lordstown had entered into a deal with Foxconn to receive $170M. Foxconn, nonetheless, solely invested ~$57M to accumulate an eight-percent stake in Lordstown. Lordstown sued Foxconn over the hole in cost. Lordstown claimed that Foxconn persistently modified the necessities within the settlement to attain cost. At the identical time it filed the Foxconn lawsuit, Lordstown filed its Chapter 11 chapter. The firm meant to be offered to an even bigger participant within the area.
Before the chapter, in 2021, the analysis agency Hindenberg published a report that blew the whistle on Lordstown’s shady enterprise practices. Lordstown repeatedly claimed, even to the President of the United States, that it had orders for 100,000 vans. However, these orders have been by and enormous not actual. Many corporations and consultants have been paid to create orders that they by no means meant to fill.
Other companies merely took benefit of the no-cost, no-obligation reservation system to make themselves look higher by being tied to Lordstown’s electrical truck. The wake of this report precipitated a seismic shock in Lordstown’s C-Suite. Steve Burns, the founder, offered his whole share and the CFO resigned.
Lordstown has by no means been a financially steady firm, and as soon as the layers are pulled again, it seems the EV maker is nearer to a fraud operation than a automotive firm. Lordstown was a bell cow for a change within the EV market. Per Reuters:
“The bankruptcy of Lordstown signals that the days of successful EV startups is in the rear-view mirror,” mentioned Thomas Hayes, chairman at hedge fund Great Hill Capital. “Moving forward it will be Tesla and the traditional incumbents … that will duke it out for market share.”
This is unhealthy information for corporations like Rivian and Fisker, if that is true. However, we are inclined to assume that different small EV makers usually are not fairly on the extent of Lordstown’s scheming and plotting.
The Company Was Sued By Karma Automotive
Beyond inside points, Lordstown additionally had points with different EV corporations. Karma, a inexperienced automaker, alleged that Lordstown poached staff from Karma and stole commerce secrets and techniques as properly. Karma initially sued Lordstown for $900M. However after the chapter information, Karma accepted a $40M settlement. Rather than try to bilk the penniless firm out of cash it did not have, Karma took what it may get, together with a $5M royalty for the usage of infotainment expertise.
Related
The Future Of Electric Pickup Trucks
Electric vans are already right here with hybrid and full EV variants in existence, however what does this imply for the long run?
Lordstown Has Also Run Afoul Of The SEC
Lordstown’s troubles do not finish with lawsuits and chapter. We can’t declare to know whether or not Lordstown is responsible, nevertheless it actually has been accused of committing crimes towards its buyers. Here’s what we all know in regards to the SEC prices.
The Company Has Been Charged With Misleading Investors
The SEC has said the following on Lordstown’s actions:
“We allege that, in a highly competitive race to deliver the first mass-produced electric pickup truck to the U.S. market, Lordstown oversold true demand for the Endurance,” mentioned Mark Cave, Associate Director of the Division of Enforcement. “Exaggerations that misrepresent a public company’s competitive advantages distort the capital markets and foil investors’ ability to make informed decisions about where to put their money.”
The SEC introduced these prices on February twenty ninth, 2024. So practically a 12 months after the chapter, the hits hold coming for Lordstown. Not solely has Lordstown needed to pay thousands and thousands in court docket settlements and money owed, it now offers with prison prices for its underhanded enterprise techniques. I
In this SEC case, Lordstown has already agreed to pay $25.5M to the SEC in a cease-and-desist and disgorgement order. However, this cost doesn’t embrace an settlement or denial of the SEC’s findings. The SEC’s investigation remains to be ongoing, and there’s no telling the place this might wind up.
Related
Why Lordstown’s Downfall Is A Breath Of Relief For All Electric Truckmakers
While Lordstown Motors was in scorching water for some time, it looks as if the EV truck phase would possibly’ve misplaced a stellar all-electric pickup truck.
The Lordstown Endurance May Live On
Despite all of this nefarious dealing, the Endurance pickup truck shouldn’t be fairly useless. In truth, it appears like Lordstown itself shouldn’t be even useless. Lordstown has emerged from chapter, as a new corporation called NuRide.
NuRide is already buying and selling on the inventory market and opened at $2.80 per share. Not solely does the precise Lordstown firm stay on, however so does the Endurance. Due to some opportunistic buying throughout the chapter, the Endurance pickup will nonetheless be produced, although beneath a brand new identify.
Steve Burns, Lordstown’s Founder, Has Bought Assets From The Bankrupt Company And Founded LandX, An EV Company
Steve Burns based Lordstown, and isn’t performed together with his pursuit of an electrical pickup truck. In January 2024, Burns introduced that he had began a new EV startup called LandX. LandX claims to be the “future of mobility”. This is a relatively ridiculous declare, as the premise of the whole firm is a failed pickup that might not get to market earlier than its opponents.
It is totally unclear what LandX’s market plan is. It doesn’t also have a new identify for its pickup. It doesn’t have a worth, an order system, or actually even a option to manufacture the vans, as Foxconn at present owns the plant that constructed the Endurance, not NuRide or LandX.
It appears unlikely Foxconn would enter right into a cope with an organization that’s so intently tied to 1 that sued them inside the final twelve months, and is run by somebody who couldn’t adequately cope with Foxconn in manufacturing EVs up to now.
LandX Is Marketing Pickup Trucks Identical To The Endurance
On LandX’s website, there are photos and movies that includes the Endurance. This shouldn’t be merely a truck that appears much like the Endurance, or making use of the identical physique, it actually bears a Lordstown brand proper on the location. This is extraordinarily complicated, as LandX is seemingly a completely new firm to each the failed Lordstown, and the brand new firm, NuRide.
Simply put, we aren’t positive what’s going on with the Endurance. We have no idea what the long run for the Endurance is as a result of Steve Burns has not made any concrete strikes as to what is going to occur with the truck. The new firm LandX does seem to hunt to create extra electrical pickups which can be based mostly solely on the Endurance’s construct, however whether or not it will likely be the very same truck (together with the identify) we’re uncertain. Unfortunately, virtually each celebration concerned here’s a mess, and it’s troublesome to discern the long run with these gamers.
FIA WEC in Qatar: Challenging season opener for BMW M Motorsport and BMW M Team WRT.
Doha. BMW M Motorsport commenced the 2024 season within the FIA World Endurance Championship with the Qatar 1812 km on the Lusail International Circuit close to Doha (UAE). In the Hypercar class, BMW M Team WRT enters two BMW M Hybrid V8s. However, the debut race of the prototype within the FIA WEC introduced challenges, and each automobiles completed outdoors the highest ten after practically ten hours of racing. In distinction, the #46 BMW M4 GT3 narrowly missed the rostrum within the new LMGT3 class by just a few seconds.
The #20 BMW M Hybrid V8 concluded the season opener in twelfth place. BMW M works drivers Sheldon van der Linde (RSA), René Rast (GER), and Robin Frijns (NED) took turns behind the wheel. Their teammates Dries Vanthoor (BEL), Raffaele Marciello (SUI), and Marco Wittmann (GER) completed in sixteenth place within the #15 BMW M Hybrid V8 after the automobile required a short restore within the pitbox about an hour earlier than the tip.
The Team WRT #46 BMW M4 GT3, pushed by BMW M works drivers Valentino Rossi (ITA) and Maxime Martin (BEL), together with Ahmad Al Harthy (OMA), fought for the rostrum within the new LMGT3 class till the tip. Ultimately, the trio completed in fourth place, just some seconds behind the highest three. The #31 BMW M4 GT3 reached the end line in sixth place in school. In that automobile, BMW M works driver Augusto Farfus (BRA) shared the cockpit with Sean Gelael (INA) and Darren Leung (GBR).
The second of a complete of eight races within the FIA WEC 2024, the 6 Hours of Imola (ITA), will happen on twenty first April.
Reactions to the Qatar season opener:
Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “We have returned to the FIA WEC with BMW M Motorsport, and it was our first race together with BMW M Team WRT in this world championship. It certainly was not the season opener we all had wished for. I think that in the Hypercar class it quickly became apparent that we couldn’t show the necessary pace in the race. This needs to be carefully analysed now and the necessary steps must be taken to extract the maximum. In the LMGT3 class, we could still hope until the end to reach the podium with car #46. It didn’t quite happen, but we’ll try again in the next race. A solid result here satisfies us because we scored points with both cars. This is crucial in such a championship, especially in a race like in Qatar, where there are more points at stake. Very positively, in our first race together with BMW M Team WRT in FIA WEC, all procedures worked very well. We must now build on this because we aim to win races and championships.”
Vincent Vosse (BMW M Team WRT Team Principal): “It was a tough weekend. In the Hypercar class, finishing P12 and P16 is not really what we were looking for but we got a lot of data and now we have plenty of work to do. It seems like Porsche has done a brilliant job during the winter and they achieved an incredible outcome this weekend. In LMGT3 we had a solid race, with both cars and both line-ups. We had a strong race, without any mistakes, but we did not have the tools to fight for a better position. The guys in the pitlane did a really good job for their first race in FIA WEC. Finishing P4 and P6 is a good result but it’s not what we are looking for so we still have some work to do to improve.”
Sheldon van der Linde (#20 BMW M Hybrid V8, twelfth place Hypercar): “The first race of the WEC season is done. It was quite disappointing for the whole team to just miss the points in P12 with a completely clean race from outside and no real mistakes on execution. On the other hand, we have a lot more races to improve this year, with seven more events so I hope we can make some big steps on the car. We are learning a lot with BMW M Team WRT on our side and I believe that we have one of the best teams and will make significant steps. A big thanks to everyone for the hard work these last few weeks for this first race in FIA WEC and without these guys we wouldn’t be here so thank you so much.”
Raffaele Marciello (#15 BMW M Hybrid V8, sixteenth place Hypercar): “It was definitely a tough race. We learnt a lot during this weekend and we will keep learning. We will analyse everything, and we will try to do better at Imola because I believe that we have the potential to be better and that’s why we are here.”
Valentino Rossi (#46 BMW M4 GT3, 4th place LMGT3): “It’s a good start to the season as finishing P4 is quite good but it’s a shame to be so close to the podium and to not step onto it. It was a perfect race for us with no mistakes, no track limits. The guys did an amazing job in the pits as well and we just missed a little bit of speed to make it to the podium.”
Augusto Farfus (#31 BMW M4 GT3, sixth place LMGT3): “I think we did what we could. Unfortunately, we had that issue in the pit stop with the refuelling, which cost us some time. At least we finished, getting P6 pretty much trouble-free. Now we go from there.”
FIA WEC: BMW M Motorsport Media Guide, video interviews and preliminary impressions after the Prologue in Qatar.
Doha. Next weekend will see BMW M Motorsport return to centre stage in endurance racing on the season-opener within the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC). The BMW M Team WRT shall be racing with two BMW M Hybrid V8s within the Hypercar class on the Qatar 1812 km. A prototype from BMW M Motorsport shall be battling for total wins for the primary time in 25 years. The BMW M Motorsport Media Guide hooked up to this press launch incorporates an in depth introduction to the BMW M Hybrid V8 and the BMW M4 GT3, which shall be competing within the LMGT3 class. It additionally options all the pieces it’s essential to find out about groups, drivers, and the twentieth BMW Art Car for the 24 Hours of Le Mans (FRA) in June 2024.
Link to BMW M Motorsport Media Guide: https://b.mw/WEC_Media_Guide.
On Monday and Tuesday, the 2 BMW M Hybrid V8s and the pair of BMW M4 GT3s every accomplished round 500 check laps through the Prologue on the Lusail International Circuit (QAT) because the group supplied the absolute best preparation for the primary race on Saturday (begin time: 09:00 CET).
Reactions to the Prologue:
Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “Overall, we can be really satisfied with the Prologue. We were able to complete our testing schedule without any issues for the BMW M Hybrid V8 and for the BMW M4 GT3. We concentrated on getting the cars into the right working conditions and ticking off all the open items that we still had on our list. In the Hypercar class, it was also important for us to continue optimising the workflows between the BMW M Motorsport engineers and the BMW M Team WRT. That worked out really well. In the case of the LMGT3 crews with the new drivers, our focus was on generating great team spirit and I think that we did an excellent job there as well. I am now really looking forward to some racing after all this testing.”
Vincent Vosse (BMW M Team WRT Team Principal): “The two days of testing here in Qatar went well. We had no problems at all with the cars and the reliability was very good. The processes within the team also worked perfectly. In terms of performance, it’s still very difficult to estimate what the balance of power will be like, but it’s always like that in the run-up to a season.”
Dries Vanthoor (#15 BMW M Hybrid V8): “It feels good to finally be making a start to a race week. Testing went well for us and we were able to take a few steps in the right direction. We still have a bit of work to do on the performance, but that’s what the practice sessions are there for. All in all, things have gone according to plan so far.”
Robin Frijns (#20 BMW M Hybrid V8): “My first competitive appearance for BMW M Motorsport! The Prologue was really valuable for me personally, as I was able to chalk up plenty of kilometres and learn a lot about the car. We had no significant issues, which is very good. It is difficult to estimate where we are compared to our rivals, but I am going into my first race as a BMW M works driver with plenty of confidence.”
Augusto Farfus (#31 BMW M4 GT3): “The Prologue was important to help us familiarise ourselves with a new circuit, which was a lot of fun, and for getting to know the new team configuration for the FIA WEC even better. We were able to get plenty of laps under our belts and gather some valuable data that we will now analyse to ensure that we are perfectly prepared for the race weekend.”
Valentino Rossi (#46 BMW M4 GT3): “We did a good job, as I still had a lot of understeer and my tyres were overheating on the morning of day two. I wasn’t feeling too good. However, we got a grip on the balance of the car in the afternoon and I coped a lot better. I was able to complete plenty of laps and my pace was good. That was a good way to round off the testing. Now we will analyse everything to see where we are for the race weekend.”
Note to editors:
Click on the hyperlink beneath for video interviews with all BMW M Motorsport drivers within the FIA WEC: https://b.mw/WEC_driver_interviews.
FIA WEC: BMW M Team WRT kicks off 2024 season with the BMW M Hybrid V8 and the BMW M4 GT3 – First drivers confirmed.
Munich. BMW M Motorsport is set to make its debut in the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) with BMW M Team WRT participating in both the Hypercar and LMGT3 classes. The Belgian team is fielding two BMW M Hybrid V8s and two BMW M4 GT3 cars. The initial driver lineup has been confirmed, with Dries Vanthoor (BEL) and Sheldon van der Linde (RSA) driving the two LMDh cars, while Augusto Farfus (BRA) and Valentino Rossi (ITA) will be competing in the two BMW M4 GT3 cars.
The nine-time motorcycle world champion, Valentino Rossi, will be taking on a new challenge in the BMW M4 GT3 with his iconic number 46. Last season, he made his debut on the iconic Le Mans circuit (FRA) during the “Road to Le Mans” races and won one of the two races. The BMW M Team WRT BMW M Hybrid V8 cars will carry the numbers 15 and 20, while the second BMW M4 GT3 will have the number 31.
The additional drivers for BMW M Team WRT in the FIA WEC season 2024 will be announced later. Both Vanthoor and van der Linde will be joined by two more BMW M works drivers each in the two BMW M Hybrid V8 cars. For the LMGT3 category, amateur drivers will be included as per the regulations.
Reactions to the FIA WEC lineup:
Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): With BMW M Team WRT confirmed for the Hypercar and LMGT3 classes, and the initial drivers in place, our return to the FIA WEC takes another important step. BMW M Team WRT is one of the best teams globally in both the prototype and GT3 segments. Vincent Vosse’s team is the logical choice for both the BMW M Hybrid V8 and the BMW M4 GT3. The nominated BMW M works drivers possess the necessary driving skill and experience. Sheldon van der Linde is already familiar with the BMW M Hybrid V8, and Dries Vanthoor made a strong impression during test drives. Additionally, he has previously competed at Le Mans in an LMP2 prototype. Valentino Rossi had a strong debut at Le Mans this season, winning immediately in the BMW M4 GT3. His first season as a BMW M works driver has been very impressive, and I am convinced that he will play an important role and be a crowd favorite in the FIA WEC. Augusto Farfus, with his experience and driving skill, will be a crucial pillar for the LMGT3 programme.
Vincent Vosse (Team Principal BMW M Team WRT): We feel privileged to have the opportunity to field both two BMW M Hybrid V8s and two BMW M4 GT3s for BMW M Motorsport in the FIA WEC. While we have two separate crews for the two projects, it will still be a significant challenge for WRT. The drivers who will be working with us, we already know very well from previous joint racing commitments. Starting with Valentino Rossi in the FIA WEC is something truly special and feels like we’ve already achieved most of what we discussed.
Dries Vanthoor (#15 BMW M Hybrid V8): I am excited to be part of the BMW M Motorsport WEC programme. It is a dream come true for me to compete in the top class of endurance racing, and I aim to achieve good results. We have conducted tests, and by the start of the season, we will have accomplished a lot of work. I am very proud to be part of this significant programme and will be working tirelessly to bring some trophies to Munich.
Sheldon van der Linde (#20 BMW M Hybrid V8): Having the chance to drive at Le Mans with the BMW M Hybrid V8 is fantastic. It will be my first time competing in an official FIA World Championship, which is also very special for me. We have a lot of work ahead, but I am looking forward to the challenge. I am already familiar with the LMDh car from the IMSA series, which is an advantage. Racing with it is incredibly fun, and I am excited about the significant challenge ahead.
Augusto Farfus (#31 BMW M4 GT3): Being selected for the FIA WEC programme is a great honor. I believe the FIA WEC will be the biggest racing platform in the world next year, alongside Formula 1. Personally, I have not had much luck in my past starts at Le Mans. Hopefully, we can change that! I am especially looking forward to my home race in São Paulo.
Valentino Rossi (#46 BMW M4 GT3): Competing in the FIA WEC is the next step for me to participate in a world championship and race globally again. Overall, I believe we will be very well positioned.
ROW Racing Concludes Impressive Endurance Cup Season in GT World Challenge Europe
The Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Powered by AWS Endurance Cup season came to an end with the 3-hour race in Barcelona. ROWE Racing had a standout season, despite the BMW M Motorsport teams not achieving strong results in the season finale. Philipp Eng, Marco Wittmann, and Nick Yelloly celebrated victories at the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps and the Monza season opener. They finished the season second in both the overall standings of the Endurance Cup for drivers and teams.
Although there was a mathematical chance of winning the title before the race, the pace of the #98 BMW M4 GT3 was not enough to challenge for the top spot. Eng, Wittmann, and Yelloly finished in tenth place in the season finale. The BMW Junior Team secured twelfth place. Overall, ROWE Racing achieved two victories, one second place, and one third place in the Endurance Cup in 2023.
The BMW M Team WRT did not replicate their strong results from the Sprint Cup in the endurance races during their first year with the BMW M4 GT3. Despite a damaged rear, Dries Vanthoor, Charles Weerts, and Sheldon van der Linde managed to secure eleventh place. Valentino Rossi, Maxime Martin, and Augusto Farfus retired early. The #30 BMW M4 GT3 from the WRT team finished fourth in the Gold Cup, while the #31 BMW M4 GT3 and the #35 BMW M4 GT3 from Walkenhorst Motorsport finished seventh and eighth in the Bronze Cup, respectively.
The Sprint Cup season of the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Powered by AWS with the BMW M Team WRT will conclude on October 14th/15th at Zandvoort.
Reactions after the Endurance Cup season finale:
Hans-Peter Naundorf (Team Principal ROWE Racing): ROWE Racing had a fantastic season, starting with podium finishes and a 1-2 finish at the opening race at Monza. The highlight was their third overall victory at the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps. Naundorf thanked the entire team, BMW M Motorsport, and all the drivers for their efforts.
Philipp Eng (#98 BMW M4 GT3, ROWE Racing, 10th place): Eng expressed his overall satisfaction with the season, acknowledging the disappointment in the finale but highlighting the team’s reliability and the great teammates he had.
Max Hesse (#998 BMW M4 GT3, ROWE Racing, 12th place): Hesse reflected on the progress the team made compared to the previous year and the highlight of their podium finish at Monza.
Sheldon van der Linde (#32 BMW M4 GT3, BMW M Team WRT, 11th place): Van der Linde described the Endurance Cup season as challenging, mentioning the team’s struggles in qualifying.
Valentino Rossi (#46 BMW M4 GT3, BMW M Team WRT, DNF): Rossi admitted to making a small mistake that caused him to lose control of the car. Despite the disappointment, he believed they could have achieved a good result.
BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team Finishes Third in FIM EWC 2023
The BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team concluded the thrilling FIM Endurance World Championship 2023 season with a podium finish at Le Castellet, securing third place in the world championship standings. The team, consisting of Markus Reiterberger, Ilya Mikhalchik, and Jérémy Guarnoni, finished third in the Bol d’Or race after completing 709 laps. This marked their third podium finish in the 24-hour races this season. The team finished just one point behind the second-placed team in the world championship standings, with the YART Yamaha Official EWC Team clinching the title.
The BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team started the season strong with a third-place finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and followed it up with another podium finish at the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps. At the 8-hour race at Suzuka, they secured an outstanding sixth place, the best performance among the European teams. The team’s strong performance at the Bol d’Or and throughout the season solidified their third-place finish in the world championship.
In the season finale at Le Castellet, the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team featured BMW Motorrad WorldSBK factory rider Loris Baz as the fourth rider. Despite some issues with electronics during the night, the team managed to fight their way back up the standings and secure a podium finish. Mikhalchik also set the fastest race lap with a time of 1:52.898 minutes.
The Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team, competing in the Superstock class, had secured pole position with their BMW M 1000 RR but had to retire early in the race due to technical failure.
In addition to the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team, three privateer BMW teams also participated in the race. The Team LRP Poland finished eleventh overall and seventh in the Formula EWC class with their BMW S 1000 RR. The Japanese TONE RT SYNCEDGE 4413 BMW team crossed the finish line in 22nd position overall and eleventh in the Superstock class. The French Seigneur Motorsport Team Mont Blanc team finished 30th overall and 19th in the Superstock class.
Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director, expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance throughout the season, highlighting their pole position and three podium finishes in the 24-hour races. Werner Daemen, Teammanager of BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team, acknowledged the team’s mixed feelings, recognizing their strong showing but also expressing the desire for more. Reiterberger, Mikhalchik, Guarnoni, and Baz shared their thoughts and praised the team’s efforts and improvements made throughout the season, with a focus on their goal of competing for the world championship title in the future.