Tag Archives: Endurance

BMW

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.

BMW

BMW M 1000 RR dominant: BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team takes pole position for the Bol d’Or with new lap record

The BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team has had an excellent start to the season finale of the FIM Endurance World Championship at Le Castellet. In the thrilling two-part qualifying for the 24-hour Bol d’Or race, the team secured pole position with the #37 BMW M 1000 RR, setting a new lap record. This is a crucial achievement for the team as they aim for the championship title. In the Superstock class, the Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team will also start from pole position with the #9 BMW M 1000 RR, giving them a chance at the title in their category.

The BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team entered Le Castellet in third place in the overall standings, trailing the leaders by 38 points. Their primary objective was to secure pole position, which not only provides the best starting position for the race but also earns them five additional points. In the two-part qualification held on Thursday and Friday, they accomplished this with the best average time from the individual sessions. The team’s fastest lap times were set by Markus Reiterberger (1:51.596 minutes) and Ilya Mikhalchik (1:51.721 minutes) in the second part of qualifying on Friday morning.

In the Superstock class, the Tecmas-MRP-Racing Team entered the finale in fourth place overall with a 16-point deficit. In the qualifying session, Kenny Foray was the fastest rider for the team, ensuring the unbeatable performance of the #9 BMW M 1000 RR.

The 86th edition of the Bol d’Or will commence on Saturday, September 16th, at 15:00. The points awarded in the race will be multiplied by a factor of 1.5. This means that the winning team will receive 60 points, with 49.5 points for second place and 42 points for third place. Additional points will be given to the best teams in the interim standings after eight and 16 hours.

Here are some quotes from the teams and riders after the qualifying:

Markus Reiterberger (#37 BMW M 1000 RR, BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team): “Already yesterday, my lap time was very good. I did that alone and today I tried to find the slipstream, which helped me to gain a few more tenths. I want to thank the team. Our bike is incredibly fast, and I believe we are ready for the race. Our plan for the 24-hour race is to go full throttle. Our goal was to secure pole position and win the race. This is what we need to do to have a chance at the title.”

Werner Daemen, Team Manager BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team: “Our plan was to secure pole position because we are quite far behind the two teams ahead of us in the standings. The only way to keep the championship open for us was to take pole position and earn as many points as possible after eight, 16, and 24 hours. In our position, we have to give everything and maybe take a bit more risk than the other teams to try to win. The teams ahead can focus on managing the points, but as we saw last year, this is a long race, not just for the riders but also for the bikes. Anything can happen. We will see on Sunday at 15:00 if we are still in the running, and I hope we will be on the top step of the podium and see what the others do.”

Kenny Foray (#9 BMW M 1000 RR, Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team): “Our target is the same as the #37 BMW M 1000 RR, we just need to win to take the title. It’s a 24-hour race, so it’s really long. But the only objective is to win the race.”

BMW

Battle for the World Championship Title: BMW Motorrad Motorsport prepares for Exciting FIM EWC 2023 Finale at Le Castellet

Le Castellet. BMW Motorrad Motorsport is eagerly awaiting the thrilling season finale of the 2023 FIM Endurance World Championship (FIM EWC) this coming weekend (14th to 17th September). The world championship title will be decided at the 24-hour Bol d’Or race at Le Castellet (FRA). Werner Daemen’s (BEL) BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team is in third place overall as they head to the South of France, making them one of the main players in the race for the title. In the Superstock class, Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team is also in a promising position.

 

The factory riders Markus Reiterberger (GER), Ilya Mikhalchik (UKR), and Jérémy Guarnoni (FRA) on the #37 BMW M 1000 RR of BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team started the season with two podium positions. They finished both the 24-hour race at Le Mans (FRA) and the one at Spa-Francorchamps (BEL) in third place. At the Suzuka 8-hour race, the team finished in an excellent sixth place, making them the best European team.

In the world championship standings, BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team is in third place going into the finale, trailing the leaders by just 38 points. The number of points awarded at the Bol d’Or will be multiplied by a factor of 1.5. This means that the winning team will receive 60 points, and there will be 49.5 points for second place and 42 points for third place. In addition, further points will be awarded to the best teams in the interim standings after eight and 16 hours. There will also be points for the top positions in qualifying.

BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team used the private day of testing at Le Castellet on Tuesday to make their final preparations for the finale. In addition to regular riders Reiterberger, Mikhalchik, and Guarnoni, BMW Motorrad WorldSBK factory rider Loris Baz (FRA) will also be at the Bol d’Or as the fourth rider.

In the Superstock class of the FIM Endurance World Cup, the new Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team with the #9 BMW M 1000 RR had a perfect start to their maiden season when Kenny Foray (FRA), Jan Bühn (GER), and Loïc Arbel (FRA) won the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Going into the finale, the team, managed by Arnaud Sassone (FRA), which is collaborating with Werner Daemen’s company Motorcycle Racing Parts and with BMW Motorrad Motorsport, is in fourth place in the Superstock class. They are just 16 points off first place. The fourth rider in this team at the Bol d’Or is Nelson Major (FRA), the newly crowned champion of the French European Bikes Championship.

The first qualifying sessions get underway late afternoon on Thursday, followed by the second round of qualifying on Friday morning. The 86th edition of the Bol d’Or gets underway at 15:00 CEST on Saturday 16th September. The race will finish 24 hours later. In addition to BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team and Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team, the privateer BMW teams LRP Poland, TONE RT SYNCEDGE 4413 BMW, and Seigneur Motorsport Team Mont Blanc will also be contesting the Bol d’Or.

Quotes ahead of the Bol d’Or.

Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director: “We are full of confidence as we eagerly await the season finale. We did some testing recently and had some strong performances. We are very well prepared, and I am convinced that we have the pace to win the Bol d’Or. But it is a 24-hour race, and we know that anything can happen. There are a lot of points up for grabs, and we are 38 points behind the leader. Can we win the world championship? We have to try to win, and then we will also need a bit of luck in terms of the results of the other teams. But I am feeling confident.”

Werner Daemen, Team Manager BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team: “The test day was really good. Our riders rode very well. We made some changes to prepare for qualifying and the lap times are looking strong. At the test, there were no transponders but I am sure that we are within the top three. Our riders are quite happy. Of course, we still have some things on the list where we can further improve. That’s our homework now and then we are ready for the qualifying and the race.”

Markus Reiterberger: “We enter the final race of the season highly motivated. The track is a high-speed circuit, which should suit our bike. We have a powerful engine and good aerodynamics, which worked in our favor last year when we secured the pole position. Our recent test here was also quite promising. We were able to further optimize our bike, experimented a lot, and will continue working to get the best package for the weekend. We still have a chance to become world champions. Our goal is to secure the pole position and, in the race, at least make it to the podium, but preferably take the victory. However, endurance races are always unique, and the track is demanding on both the machine and the rider. Many things can happen, but we are hopeful for a successful race and bringing the title home for BMW.”

Ilya Mikhalchik: “I am looking forward to the race. The feeling on test day was quite good. The bike worked well, and the performance of the tires was also not bad. Overall, all was good, all riders have been fast. Now we just have to find something extra to be more constant in the race. We just want to do our best in the final race, we try to fight until the end and to see where we can finish and what we can do.”

Jérémy Guarnoni: “This weekend will be really important for us. We have two goals: we want to win the race, and if we are successful, we probably can be world champions. So it’s only about going full gas all week and in the race and to have clean and trouble-free 24 hours.”

Loris Baz: “I am really happy to be here at the Bol d’Or and help the guys. I would have come here anyway to visit and support my friend Jérémy and the entire BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team. Now it’s great to do some laps. The people know how much I like endurance and how important it is for French people. It’s really cool to be here.”

Arnaud Sassone, Team Manager Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team: “We are feeling confident. We have everything in place. We know that the motorcycle is the most powerful bike in the field, and our riders are in top form. If we put in the same level of performance as we have thus far, we have a chance of getting the win at Le Castellet. Everything else depends on how our direct rivals perform.”

NewsNew

HONDA CRF450X PROJECT: BEHIND THE BUILD

The Honda CRF450X has a legendary reputation in off-road endurance racing. Since its introduction in 2005, the CRF450X has dominated races like the SCORE Baja 1000, Baja 500, and 24 Hours of Glen Helen. Despite being sold as a quiet and friendly trail bike, the CRF450X has proven itself as a formidable race machine.

Over the years, there have been two generations of the CRF450X. The original version remained relatively unchanged, while the current version, introduced in 2019, underwent significant updates. However, despite these differences, the CRF450X’s fundamental character as a trail bike remained the same. To transform it into a race-ready machine, modifications are required.

A WELL-TRAVELED ROAD

The Honda CRF450X’s success is rooted in a collective knowledge shared among various racing teams. This knowledge has been accumulated over decades of racing in Baja. Riders like Bruce Ogilvie, Johnny Campbell Racing, Ox Motorsports, Team SLR, and Champion Adventures have developed a network of expertise specific to the CRF450X and Baja racing.

Colton Udall, who has been involved in successful Baja teams as a rider and bike builder, offers a way for average riders to tap into this wealth of information. He recently teamed up with Nic Garvin and Ciaran Naran to race the 10 Hours of Glen Helen on a modified 2023 Honda CRF450X. This race provided an opportunity to test the bike’s performance in conditions similar to Baja.

Nic Garvin and Ciaran Naran at the 10 Hours of Glen Helen

TRANSFORMATION INFORMATION

In the past, transforming the CRF450X into a race bike involved swapping parts from the motocross version. However, Colton Udall’s approach is different. He utilizes a surprising number of stock OEM parts, including the head, crank, and piston. Some aftermarket parts, like the Vortex ECU, are also used to enhance performance. Colton has developed his own mapping for the ECU with the help of Kristian Kibby.

To comply with racing regulations, Colton modifies the coolant outlet system and installs a Pro Circuit T4 exhaust. The airbox is also modified to improve airflow and facilitate filter changes.

In terms of the chassis, Brandon Peterson at AHM Racing takes care of the modifications. The fork receives revalving and slightly stiffer springs. The rear suspension undergoes more significant changes, including a shockshaft replacement kit and a custom linkage designed to improve performance and feel.

Other modifications include using a smaller fuel tank, installing a Scotts steering damper with a BRP top clamp, and adding aftermarket footpegs and levers.

RACE DAY LIVE

The modified CRF450X proved its performance during the 10 Hours of Glen Helen race. With the same basic build, Nic Garvin achieved speeds of up to 109 mph in Baja. For the race, the bike used the same gearing as Baja—14/52.

Although the bike was completed just before the race, it performed admirably. Colton, Nic, and Ciaran started in third place but dropped to the back due to an issue with the exhaust mount. They managed to make their way back up to fourth overall, a remarkable feat considering the bike was a stock test bike just days before the race.

Project X is a product of years of racing experience. Colton Udall is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and helping riders access the necessary parts to build and race their own CRF450X. For more information, visit ChampionAdventures.com.

BMW

BMW M Team WRT Tests BMW M Hybrid V8 at Spa-Francorchamps, BMW M4 GT3 EVO Expected in 2025

The BMW M Team WRT continued its preparation for the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) by conducting three days of testing at Spa-Francorchamps. The testing sessions provided valuable insights for the BMW M Hybrid V8, which is set to compete in the FIA WEC in 2024. Simultaneously, BMW M Motorsport also tested the BMW M4 GT3 EVO, the upgraded successor to the current BMW M4 GT3, which will hit the race tracks in the 2025 season.

During the testing, eight BMW M works drivers took turns behind the wheel of both vehicles. Robin Frijns, Maxime Martin, René Rast, Marco Wittmann, and Nick Yelloly drove the BMW M Hybrid V8, with Yelloly and Wittmann bringing their experience from racing the LMDh prototype in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship 2023. Meanwhile, Augusto Farfus, Jens Klingmann, and Bruno Spengler tested the BMW M4 GT3 EVO.

For the BMW M Team WRT, the focus was on optimizing systems and performance for the BMW M Hybrid V8. The team is still in the process of familiarizing themselves with the complex vehicle, like most drivers.

As for the BMW M4 GT3 EVO, the testing phase has started early, and BMW M Motorsport plans to work intensively on refining the already successful BMW M4 GT3 throughout the 2023 and 2024 seasons. The emphasis will be on expanding vehicle functionalities, enhancing component reliability, improving handling, and further enhancing drivability for the teams.

After the test, Andreas Roos, Head of BMW M Motorsport, expressed satisfaction with the progress of the BMW M Hybrid V8 testing. He emphasized the benefits of having the vehicle in race action in the IMSA series and testing in Europe, as it provides a dual pool of experiences that benefits all sides. Vincent Vosse, Team Principal of BMW M Team WRT, also praised the successful test days and the valuable learning experiences gained.

Robin Frijns, a BMW M works driver, mentioned his ongoing learning process with the BMW M Hybrid V8 and the significant progress made during testing at Spa-Francorchamps. Bruno Spengler, another BMW M works driver, expressed his excitement about being involved in the development of the BMW M4 GT3 EVO from the beginning and highlighted the improvements in drivability and tire durability.

BMW

BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team Takes Seventh Place at Suzuka 8 Hours

The BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team achieved a remarkable seventh-place finish at the Suzuka 8 Hours, earning important points in the FIM Endurance World Championship. The team, consisting of Markus Reiterberger, Ilya Mikhalchik, and Jérémy Guarnoni, battled against grueling conditions and rain on their BMW M 1000 RR. They emerged as the best European team in a highly competitive field dominated by Japanese teams. The team’s performance earned them the Le-Mans-Award. With one race remaining at Le Castellet, the team is currently in third place in the championship standings, with a chance to narrow the 37-point gap to the leaders in the final 24-hour race.

The Suzuka 8 Hours is a crucial race for Japanese manufacturers, who field strong works teams and supported squads. The goal for European teams is to score as many points as possible, and the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team accomplished just that.

Starting from eleventh on the grid, the #37 BMW M 1000 RR dropped to 16th place early in the race. However, the riders fought back and steadily climbed into the top ten. Despite the hot and humid conditions, they maintained consistent laps and avoided mistakes. In addition to their on-track performance, the team excelled in the pits. They maintained their focus even when rain arrived with an hour remaining. As darkness fell, the #37 BMW M 1000 RR crossed the finish line in an impressive seventh place.

The season finale, the famous Bol d’Or 24-hour race at Le Castellet, will take place from September 14th to 17th.

Four privateer BMW teams from Asia also participated in the Suzuka 8 Hours. The SANMEI Team TARO PLUSONE finished 17th overall (16th in the EWC class) with the #44 BMW M 1000 RR. The TONE RT SYNCEDGE 4413 BMW team recovered from a start-line fall to finish 43rd (13th in the Superstock class) with the #85 BMW M 1000 RR. However, the Shinshu activation project Team NAGANO and TEAM FRONTIER retired early.

Reactions from the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team:

Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director: Despite the strong competition from Japanese manufacturers and teams, we are pleased with our seventh-place finish and being the best European team. Our main championship rivals were not as successful, allowing us to gain ground. The world championship is still up for grabs at the season finale, where more points will be at stake. The team’s consistent performance and support from Dunlop played a crucial role. We are confident and optimistic for the next race, the Bol d’Or.

Werner Daemen, Team Manager BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team: A top-eight result was our goal, considering we didn’t have the strongest package. We excelled in changing wheels, being the fastest. I am proud of the team and the riders’ remarkable performance. We made no mistakes and finished in seventh place. We are looking forward to the final race of the season with hope.

Markus Reiterberger: I am relieved and happy with our top-ten finish. Despite a minor problem with the bike, we were able to regain positions and end up in seventh place. The race was physically and mentally demanding, especially in the final stint with changing weather conditions. The team’s pit stops were superb, and I am grateful for everyone’s support. It was a tough week, but everyone gave their all.

Ilya Mikhalchik: I am really happy and want to thank everyone in the team. The race was challenging, but we maintained a good pace. Our performance showed that the bike has improved, even in the hot weather. We are satisfied with our top-ten finish, which was close to the top five. We did a good job.

Jérémy Guarnoni: It was a good race for us. We could have fought for the top five, but the changing weather made it difficult. Nevertheless, we are happy with our seventh-place finish and the points we earned for the championship. We proved that we did our job well. Our aim was to finish in the top ten, and we achieved that. We are now focused on the Bol d’Or, where we have a chance to win the world championship.

BMW

FIM EWC in Japan: BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team prepared for the Suzuka 8 Hours

The BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team and the FIM Endurance World Championship (FIM EWC) are heading to Asia this weekend. The third round of the 2023 season will take place at Suzuka, Japan, from 4th to 6th August. The Suzuka 8 Hours race is a long-standing favorite on the series’ calendar, celebrating its 44th edition this year. The BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team, with riders Markus Reiterberger, Ilya Mikhalchik, and Jérémy Guarnoni, is gearing up for their second appearance at Suzuka.

Equipped with the new BMW M 1000 RR, the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team secured third place on the podium in the first two races of the season: the 24 Heures Motos at Le Mans (FRA) and the 24H SPA EWC Motos at Spa-Francorchamps (BEL). The Suzuka 8 Hours is highly important to the Japanese manufacturers, who field a bevy of competitive teams. In preparation for the event, the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team conducted two days of testing at Suzuka in early July, followed by additional test sessions this week. The hot and humid climate at Suzuka poses a challenge for all participants.

The race weekend kicks off on Friday with free practice and the first qualifying sessions. Saturday features the second qualifying and the Top 10 Trial, which determines the first ten positions on the grid. The race itself starts on Sunday at 11:30 local time (04:30 CEST). Alongside the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team, four private BMW teams will also compete in the Suzuka 8 Hours: TONE RT SYNCEDGE 4413 BMW, the Shinshu activation project Team NAGANO, SANMEI Team TARO PLUSONE, and TEAM FRONTIER.

Here are some quotes from the team ahead of the Suzuka 8 Hours:

Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director: “We are very excited about the Suzuka 8 Hours. It is a very special circuit with its own specific challenges, with regard to the layout and the climate. We know how important the event is to the Japanese manufacturers, who are traditionally very strong and line-up with many factory and factory-supported teams. It will not be easy to challenge for the podium. Our goal is to finish in the top-five and score as many points as possible towards the world championship.”

Werner Daemen, Team Manager BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team: “I think that the test day was really good. To be honest, I came here lacking a bit of confidence, but I can say that everyone did a great job. The preparation was good, the riders made a great job. We have always been in the top eight which was the goal for the test. To have such a successful test day here at Suzuka gives an extra boost to the entire team. Regarding the goals for the race, I changed my mind, to be honest. When we came here, I thought that top-ten would be already good with the strong Japanese competition we have her. Now I think, that top five or top six is possible if we do not make any mistakes.”

Markus Reiterberger: “The test day was pretty hot but very productive. We got off to a good start, tried a lot with the suspension and electronics, and improved several things. Overall, we are motivated and want to get the best out of it. In terms of race pace, we are in a good position. The competition is particularly strong here at Suzuka, but we want to take as many points as possible. If we want to be modest, we’ll say the goal is the top ten, but we’re aiming more for the top five.”

Ilya Mikhalchik: “Suzuka is a very special place and the test day was a pretty good day. We found a good base with the bike and tires which was working pretty well for us. The target is to finish the race collecting many points and aiming for a top-ten position or even close to the top five.”

Jérémy Guarnoni: “The test day went well, and now we need to make it pay off during the race. The goal is to fight for the top five or even the podium. We need to have a good package not just for one lap but for the entire race.”

Lamborghini

Lamborghini Introduces SC63: Hybrid Racing Prototype for Endurance Racing

The LMDh car, SC63, has been unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. It will compete in the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship racing programs.

Sant’Agata Bolognese/Goodwood, 13 July 2023 – Lamborghini Squadra Corse has unveiled its first hybrid endurance racing prototype, the SC63, at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The SC63 will undergo testing and compete in the Hypercar class of the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship, including the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans race, as well as in the GTP class of the IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship Endurance Cup, which features iconic races like the 24 Hours of Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring. Italian team Iron Lynx will partner with Lamborghini to run the car in international competition, and the team has signed top-tier drivers from Formula 1 and endurance racing.

The LMDh project is part of Lamborghini’s strategy for electrification, focusing on hybridizing the entire model range by the end of 2024 to enhance performance and driving experience. The SC63 embodies this approach in the motorsport program, becoming a new pillar of the Lamborghini Manifesto: Driving Humans Beyond.

“The SC63 is the most advanced racing car ever produced by Lamborghini, following our electrification roadmap ‘Direzione Cor Tauri’,” says Stephan Winkelmann, Lamborghini Chairman and CEO. “Competing in major endurance races with a hybrid prototype aligns with our vision for high-performance mobility, as demonstrated by the launch of the Revuelto road legal car. The SC63 LMDh represents a step into the highest echelons of motorsports and the future of Squadra Corse.”

The SC63 features an all-new 3.8-liter twin turbo V8 engine developed specifically by Lamborghini engineers for the racing program. It employs a ‘cold V’ configuration, where the turbos are mounted outside the vee angle of the engine for better cooling and servicing. This configuration also reduces the car’s weight and optimizes its center of gravity. Combined with a specially developed aerodynamic balance and attitude, this solution allows for excellent tire grip, balance, drivability, and consistent speed over both single laps and long-distance races.

Regulations restrict the power from the engine and the hybrid system, standardized across LMDh-category cars, to 500kW (680 CV). The Power Unit is managed by a Bosch electronic control unit. The LMDh rule set specifies standard gearbox, battery, and motor generator unit (MGU) to control development costs for the prototype.

Lamborghini engineers have leveraged their expertise in various aspects of the car’s design and performance. Despite a standardized gearbox for LMDh cars, customization is allowed, including gear ratio selection and mechanical differential slip. The monocoque for the SC63 is developed and built by renowned experts Ligier, with Lamborghini able to determine specific requirements such as the push rod front suspension design, weight distribution, and ease of service for critical components. The bellhousing, which connects the rear of the engine to the front of the gearbox, enhances torsional stiffness and houses the electric engine.

In terms of braking, the system must deliver high performance and reliability in all conditions. The challenge is to strike a balance between weight and durability, effective cooling, and the ability to accommodate different driving styles.

The exterior design of the SC63, created by Lamborghini’s Centro Stile design department in collaboration with the race design team, incorporates distinctive brand features, including the iconic y-shaped lights at the front and rear.

Team drivers Mirko Bortolotti, Andrea Caldarelli, Daniil Kvyat, and Romain Grosjean have provided valuable input in tuning the LMDh system. The latter two have recent experience with hybrids in Formula 1 and have contributed to designing the steering wheel controls to enable the driver to manage the hybrid system effectively.

“Motorsport is a valuable and demanding proving ground for our technology,” says Rouven Mohr, Lamborghini Chief Technical Officer. “Our LMDh car, the Lamborghini SC63, represents an exciting technical and human challenge. Developing our internal combustion engine, efficient aerodynamics, and overall technical package has pushed us to constantly raise our standards. Now, it’s time to hit the track and be ready to compete in the 2024 season. We also aim to transfer our learnings from motorsport to our future production cars whenever possible.”

The SC63 will run in a livery consistent with the branding seen on Lamborghini’s Huracán GT3 challenger. The cars will have a Verde Mantis green color with a black Nero Noctis strip over the cabin, front hood, carbon diffuser, rear fin, and wing. They will also feature the Italian Tricolore colors of green, white, and red, as well as the branding of Lamborghini’s long-time partner, Swiss watch manufacturer Roger Dubuis.

With its cooling layout greatly influencing the engineering and design, the SC63 incorporates eight radiators, including those for intercoolers, gearbox, air conditioning, Energy Recovery System (ERS), Energy Storage System (ESS), and water.

Due to regulations, there is only one allowed body kit configuration with limited changes between races. As a result, the design team has to consider worst-case scenarios, such as high ambient temperatures, and manage the thermal efficiency of the car at both IMSA and WEC circuits.

The SC63 has been designed and developed to provide optimal performance while ensuring tire preservation, even on demanding track surfaces. Prior to on-track testing, extensive development work has been conducted using a Driver in the Loop (DiL) simulator.

Starting in 2024, Lamborghini will enter one car in the full FIA World Endurance Championship and another in the North American Endurance Championship races of the IMSA series. Both cars will be run by the Iron Lynx team, which was introduced as a partner at the 2022 Lamborghini Grand Finals. The driving lineup will include Bortolotti, Caldarelli, Grosjean, and Kvyat, with more drivers to be announced later in 2023.

ABOUT ROGER DUBUIS

Roger Dubuis is a watchmaker known for its distinctive character and horological expertise. Since 1995, the brand has been at the forefront of expressive watchmaking, constantly reinventing Haute Horlogerie with its bold Hyper Horology™ concept. With its fully-integrated manufacture, Roger Dubuis is committed to performance and excellence, crafting traditional yet contemporary masterpieces that showcase radical skills and ancestral craftsmanship. The Maison brings its avant-garde and daring energy to an exclusive circle of clients, offering the most exciting way to experience Hyper Horology™.

NO RULES, OUR GAME™

BMW

BMW M Team WRT begins preparation for WEC with BMW M Hybrid V8

Munich. BMW M Motorsport is gearing up for its return to the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Last week, BMW M Team WRT successfully conducted the first test drives with the BMW M Hybrid V8. The rollout of the test car took place on May 27th at the BMW Group plant in Dingolfing.

 

The initial test drives were led by BMW M works driver Nick Yelloly, who brought his experience from the BMW M Hybrid V8’s participation in the North American IMSA series. Yelloly, along with his teammate Connor De Phillippi and BMW M Team RLL, secured the first IMSA win for the BMW M Hybrid V8 at Watkins Glen and achieved two podium finishes in previous races.

The first test days took place at Aragón, Spain, with the BMW M Hybrid V8 running smoothly for three days. BMW M works drivers Jesse Krohn, Maxime Martin, Sheldon van der Linde, and Dries Vanthoor all took turns behind the wheel. Additionally, the members of the BMW Junior Team and BMW M works drivers Dan Harper and Max Hesse conducted a functional test over the weekend.

In the coming weeks and months, BMW M Team WRT will continue with numerous tests to prepare for the start of the FIA WEC season in March 2024. The aim is to have as many BMW M works drivers as possible providing feedback to the engineers.

 

Reactions to the test kickoff:

 

Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “The first test drives were a very good start to our WEC preparation. The BMW M Hybrid V8 performed well and provided valuable insights to our engineers and the team. Thank you to everyone involved for making this successful start possible. The experiences gained from the IMSA series races with BMW M Team RLL have been instrumental in our preparation. While the start has been successful, there is still a lot of work to be done. We are highly motivated for the upcoming challenges.”

 

Vincent Vosse (Team Principal BMW M Team WRT): “This is a big step and a milestone for the team. Representing BMW at Le Mans in the top category is a dream come true. We have the best manufacturer and the best team behind us. The rollout and testing went smoothly, and it was an important first step in our preparation for the 2024 season. I want to thank everyone involved.”

 

Jesse Krohn (BMW M works driver): “The test was an incredible experience for me. It was my first time driving a prototype and working with the WRT team. They met all my expectations, and it was one of the smoothest tests of my career. I thoroughly enjoyed driving this great car and contributing to the program. It’s all about gathering important data in these initial tests.”

 

BMW

BMW M Team WRT begins preparing for WEC with rollout and initial test drives of the BMW M Hybrid V8

The countdown has begun for the return of BMW M Motorsport to the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Last week, BMW M Team WRT successfully completed the first test drives with the BMW M Hybrid V8. The rollout of the test car for the 2024 WEC season took place at the BMW Group plant in Dingolfing, Germany.

The initial test drives were led by BMW M works driver Nick Yelloly, who has extensive experience with the BMW M Hybrid V8. Yelloly previously raced with the BMW M Hybrid V8 in the North American IMSA series, where the vehicle has already achieved success this season. The BMW M Team RLL, including Yelloly and teammate Connor De Phillippi, celebrated their first IMSA win with the BMW M Hybrid V8 at Watkins Glen, USA.

Following the functional test, the BMW M Hybrid V8 underwent three days of test drives at Aragón, Spain. The car performed without any problems, allowing the team to gather valuable data. BMW works drivers Jesse Krohn, Maxime Martin, Sheldon van der Linde, and Dries Vanthoor took turns behind the wheel. Additional functional tests were conducted by the members of the BMW Junior Team and BMW works drivers Dan Harper and Max Hesse.

In the upcoming weeks and months, BMW M Team WRT will continue to carry out numerous tests to prepare for the start of the FIA WEC season in 2024. The goal is to have as many BMW works drivers as possible providing feedback to the engineers.

Andreas Roos, Head of BMW M Motorsport, expressed his satisfaction with the test kickoff, stating that it was a successful start to their WEC preparation. He thanked everyone involved in making it possible and emphasized the motivation to continue working hard throughout the rest of the year.

Vincent Vosse, Team Principal of BMW M Team WRT, described the test as a big step and a dream come true for the team. He expressed confidence in their partnership with BMW and praised the team’s hard work in preparing the car. Vosse thanked everyone involved and looked forward to the preparation for the 2024 season.

Jesse Krohn, a BMW M works driver, shared his excitement about the test and his first outing in a prototype. He praised the WRT team’s working methods and teamwork, describing it as one of the smoothest tests of his career. Krohn expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the program and gather important data.