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24 Heures Motos: BMW Motorrad Motorsport kicks off its title chase within the FIM Endurance World Championship at Le Mans.

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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:

https://b.mw/BMW_FIM_EWC_EN

 

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

BMW

BMW M Motorsport News, ninth April 2024

Top subjects on this e-newsletter:

  • ADAC GT Masters: FK Performance kicks off the brand new season with two BMW M4 GT3s.
  • NLS: BMW M Motorsport groups obtain 14 class victories on the season opener.
  • BMW M Motorsport groups have a good time successes on the season opener in Sonoma.

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Björn Lellmann, Head of Customer Racing at BMW M Motorsport:

“The 2024 motorsport season is really picking up speed now, and it’s great that we’ve already been able to celebrate the first successes of the year with our BMW M Motorsport teams. At the Nordschleife, there were numerous class victories to celebrate at the NLS season opener. In North America, the SRO racing series got off to a very successful start for our teams with the BMW M4 GT3, the BMW M4 GT4, and the BMW M2 CS Racing. This is in addition to strong results in the GT4 European Series as well as in France and Great Britain. Congratulations to everyone, let’s keep it up! Other championships will soon start their new season, including the ADAC GT Masters. Here I am very pleased about the commitment of FK Performance Motorsport. The team is entering the new season with two BMW M4 GT3s and strong driver pairings. I wish them a lot of success – as well as all the other teams in the many championships worldwide!”

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ADAC GT Masters: FK Performance begins the brand new season with two BMW M4 GT3s.

 

FK Performance Motorsport will enter the upcoming ADAC GT Masters season with two BMW M4 GT3s. Last yr, the staff from Bremen (GER) debuted within the racing sequence with a BMW M4 GT3 and achieved its first victory in its inaugural season. At the Red Bull Ring (AUT), BMW M works driver Bruno Spengler (CAN) triumphed alongside Maxime Oosten (NED).

The staff is now increasing its dedication to 2 BMW M4 GT3s and presents a robust lineup. The 21-year-old Oosten shares the cockpit of his BMW M4 GT3 with Leon Köhler (GER). In FK Performance Motorsport’s sister automobile, Grégory de Sybourg (SUI) and Eduardo Coseteng (PHL) will compete. The quartet will begin the brand new season on the weekend of Twenty sixth-Twenty eighth April at Oschersleben (GER).

In the ADAC GT4 Germany, FK Performance Motorsport will race with 4 BMW M4 GT4s. These will probably be pushed by the duos Moh Ritson (GBR) / Gianni van de Craats (NED), Joseph Warhurst / Tom Edgar (each GBR), Niels Tröger (GER) / Joseph Ellerine (RSA), and Leyton Fourie (RSA) / Max Rosam (GER), each of whom are transferring up from the BMW M2 Cup.

 

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NLS: BMW M Motorsport groups begin the brand new season with 14 class victories.

 

The 2024 season on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife (GER) has began with a bang. On Saturday and Sunday, the primary two rounds of the Nürburgring Endurance Series 2024 (NLS) have been held. BMW M Motorsport groups achieved 14 class victories.

The reigning champions from Adrenalin Motorsport Team Mainhatten Wheel, Daniel Zils and Philipp Leisen (each GER), began the brand new yr with a victory. Together with their new team-mate Moran Gott (GBR), they received the extremely aggressive VT2-R+4WD class in race one with the #1 BMW 330i. The following day, they completed seventh within the class. Adrenalin Motorsport Team Mainhatten Wheel additionally achieved double success within the BMW M240i class by which Sven Markert (GER), Ranko Mijatovic (SUI), and Toby Goodman (GBR) secured the category victory in each rounds with the #650 automobile. In the BMW M2 CS class, the #888 BMW M2 CS Racing of Martin Kroll (SUI), Michael Schrey, and Max Partl (each GER) took first place.

In the SP8T class, the BMW M4 GT4 was profitable on each days. On Saturday, the category victory went to the Schmickler Performance staff powered by Ravenol and the motive force duo Michael Luther and Markus Schmickler (each GER) within the #151 BMW M4 GT4. On Sunday, the #150 BMW M4 GT4 from Team Bilstein by Black Falcon received the category the place Jimmy Broadbent (GBR), Steve Brown (GBR), Misha Charoudin (GER), and Manuel Metzger (GER) took turns on the wheel.

Further victories went to BMW M Motorsport groups within the courses V4, VT3, SP3, SP4, and H4. BMW M4 GT3s didn’t compete on the season opener as a result of scheduling battle with the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS, which occurred on the identical weekend at Le Castellet (FRA).

 

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GT4 European Series: Large contingent of BMW M4 GT4s on the season opener.

Six groups and a complete of eight BMW M4 GT4s featured on the season opener of the GT4 European Series at Le Castellet (FRA) with the colors of BMW M Motorsport strongly represented. In the best class, the Silver class, Berkay Besler (TUR) and Gabriele Piana (ITA) from Team Borusan Otomotiv Motorsport confirmed consistency. The duo completed each races in sixth place general and within the Silver classification with the #12 BMW M4 GT4. Their team-mates Yagiz Gedik (TUR) and Pedro Ebrahim Carvalho (BRA) completed in positions ten and eleven within the Silver class with the #10 automobile.

The finest particular person results of the weekend was achieved by Benjamin Lessennes (BEL) and Ricardo van der Ende (NED) within the #17 BMW M4 GT4 from L’Espace Bienvenue. They completed race two in fifth place general and within the Silver classification. They retired early in race one.

In the Pro-Am class, Chazel Technologie Course, W&D Racing Team, Lestrup Racing Team, and Razoon xAutomotive racing secured sturdy leads to the entrance subject and vital factors with their BMW M4 GT4s. The Lestrup Racing Team additionally completed seventh and fifth within the Am class.

 

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GT4/GT America: Dream weekend on the season opener.

 

BMW M Motorsport groups had a dream begin on the season opener of GT4 America at Sonoma Raceway (USA). In the second race in Northern California, there was a 1-2 end  – each within the general standings and within the Silver Class. Colin Garrett and Zac Anderson (each USA) from Team AutoTechnic Racing received within the #51 BMW M4 GT4 forward of Kevin Boehm and Kenton Koch (each USA) from Team Random Vandals Racing.

Already within the first race, each BMW M4 GT4s had been on the rostrum. As on Sunday, Boehm and Koch within the #97 BMW M4 GT4 completed second on Saturday. Garrett and Anderson accomplished the rostrum within the first spherical as third earlier than they have been unbeatable within the second race.

In the Pro-Am class, BMW M Motorsport additionally had loads of causes to have a good time. The #82 BMW M4 GT4 of James Walker Jr. and Tyler McQuarrie (each USA) triumphed within the first spherical and rounded off the excellent weekend in GT4 America with second place within the second race the next day. In the Am class, the BMW M4 GT4 additionally achieved a 1-2 consequence. Troy Lindstrom and Matt Million (each USA) received the second spherical within the #53 from AutoTechnic Racing forward of Paul Sparta and Kris Wilson (each USA) within the #98 from Random Vandals Racing. In the primary spherical, Sparta and Wilson completed second forward of Charlie Postins and James Clay (each USA) within the #36 BMW M4 GT4 from BimmerWorld.

In GT America, Justin Rothberg (USA) from Team Turner Motorsport completed sixth in each races in his #29 BMW M4 GT3, securing a top-ten place.

 

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GT World Challenge America: Podium rain in Northern California.

 

In the Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS, BMW M Motorsport groups additionally began the season with a podium. In the primary race at Sonoma Raceway (USA), BMW M works driver Bill Auberlen and Varun Choksey (each USA) within the #28 BMW M4 GT3 from Team ST Racing completed third general and second within the Pro class.

In the Pro-Am class, BMW M Motorsport celebrated a double podium. BMW M works driver Neil Verhagen (USA) completed fourth general within the #38 BMW M4 GT3 alongside Samantha Tan (CAN), which meant second place within the Pro-Am class for Team ST Racing. BMW M works driver Robby Foley (USA) accomplished the rostrum within the Pro-Am class in third with Justin Rothberg (USA) within the #29 BMW M4 GT3 for Turner Motorsport.

On Sunday, Verhagen and Tan adopted up with one other podium. The #38 BMW M4 GT3 crossed the end line in third place, which meant second within the Pro-Am class. Choksey and Auberlen completed second within the Pro class as on the day past. Foley and Rothberg rounded off the sturdy consequence for the BMW M Motorsport groups on the opening weekend in Northern California with fifth place within the Pro-Am class.

 

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TC America: Out of the beginning blocks with two double victories.

 

In TC America, BMW M Motorsport groups additionally celebrated a gala begin at Sonoma Raceway (USA). Chris Walsh (USA) from Carrus Callas Raceteam triumphed on the first cease of the season in his #104 BMW M2 CS Racing in each rounds, and Lucas Catania (USA) from Team Rigid Speed accomplished the right double 1-2 on Saturday and Sunday in his #17 BMW M2 CS Racing. His teammate Joseph Catania (USA) and Aaron Kaplan (USA) from Team Kaplan Racing System additionally secured a top-ten placement in each races.

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British GT: Season opener at Oulton Park.

 

At the season opener of the British GT Championship at Oulton Park (GBR), BMW M works driver Dan Harper and Michael Johnston (each GBR) completed ninth within the #14 BMW M4 GT3. In the second spherical, the duo from Team Century Motorsport completed thirteenth. BMW M works driver Raffaele Marciello (SUI) and John Ferguson (GBR) from Team RAM Racing secured a top-ten end with seventh place within the second spherical. The earlier day, the #15 BMW M4 GT3 needed to accept twelfth place.

With the BMW M4 GT4, there have been podium successes to have a good time. In race one, Ravi Ramyead and Charlie Robertson (each GBR) completed third within the GT4 Pro-Am class within the #71 from Century Motorsport. Their teammates Ian Gough and Tom Wrigley (each GBR) achieved the identical placement within the #29 BMW M4 GT4 within the second spherical.

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GT4 France: Podium locations on the Coupe de Pâques at Nogaro.

 

The 2024 season in GT4 France started with the normal Coupe de Pâques (Easter Cup) in Nogaro (FRA). In the primary of the 2 rounds, Debard Automobiles By Racetivity was the best-placed BMW M Motorsport staff. Simon Gachet and Carla Debard (each FRA) completed ninth general and fourth within the Pro-Am class within the #21 BMW M4 GT4. In the second spherical, there have been the primary podium locations of the yr to have a good time. Gachet and Debard have been thrilled with third place general, which additionally meant second within the Pro-Am class. Right behind them, Jim Pla and Jean-Luc Beaubelique (each FRA) completed fourth general and third within the Pro-Am classification within the #87 BMW M4 GT4 from L’Espace Bienvenue.

BMW

GT World Challenge Europe: Six BMW M4 GT3s at Endurance Cup season opener.

Le Castellet. The new season of the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS kicks off this coming weekend, with BMW M Motorsport as soon as once more well-represented. At Circuit Paul Ricard (FRA), BMW M Motorsport groups WRT, ROWE Racing, and Century Motorsport will discipline a complete of six BMW M4 GT3 automobiles and greater than a dozen BMW M works drivers.

 

The works-supported groups WRT and ROWE Racing will every compete with two automobiles within the Pro Cup for total victories. Both groups have just one personnel change from final yr. In the #46 BMW M4 GT3, Raffaele Marciello (SUI) would be the third driver alongside Maxime Martin (BEL) and Valentino Rossi (ITA), as he was already at Bathurst (AUS) in February. The #32 BMW M4 GT3 line-up stays unchanged with Sheldon van der Linde (RSA), Dries Vanthoor, and Charles Weerts (each BEL).

 

The identical applies to the ROWE Racing #98 BMW M4 GT3, the place Philipp Eng (AUT), Marco Wittmann (GER), and Nick Yelloly (GBR) will compete, amongst others, to defend the title on the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps (BEL). In the #998 BMW M4 GT3, Augusto Farfus (BRA) – who was with BMW M Team WRT in 2023 – would be the third driver alongside Dan Harper (GBR) and Max Hesse (GER). The automotive will characteristic a brand new design from BMW M Motorsport accomplice MultiBank Group in 2024.

In the Bronze Cup, Team WRT will discipline a 3rd BMW M4 GT3. The #30 automotive can be pushed by BMW M works driver Jens Klingmann (GER), FIA WEC driver Ahmad Al Harthy (OMA), and Sam De Haan (GBR). Century Motorsport celebrates its debut within the extremely aggressive Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS. In the #991 BMW M4 GT3, Formula E World Champion Jake Dennis, British GT Champion and FIA WEC driver Darren Leung, and Toby Sowery (all GBR) will share duties.

In the Sprint Cup of the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS (beginning on 4th/fifth May), Team WRT will compete for all the season with two BMW M4 GT3 automobiles. Vanthoor and Weerts will race within the Pro Cup, whereas De Haan and Calan Williams (AUS) will compete within the Silver Cup. Rossi and Martin will make particular person begins and race the #46 BMW M4 GT3 within the dash occasions at Brands Hatch (GBR) and Misano (ITA). Century Motorsport combines the 2 British GT champions Harper and Leung in a single automotive within the Bronze Cup.

The opening race of the Endurance Cup at Le Castellet (FRA) begins on Sunday, seventh April, at 15:00 CEST and can run for a shortened distance of three hours in comparison with earlier years. On the identical weekend, the GT4 European Series can even begin its season. Eight BMW M4 GT4 automobiles are registered for the primary race weekend. They can be entered by groups Borusan Otomotiv Motorsport, L’Espace Bienvenue, W&D Racing Team, Razoon-more than racing, Lestrup Racing Team, and CHAZEL Technologie Course.

Quotes forward of the season opener.

 

Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “The GT World Challenge Europe is once again the most competitive GT3 racing series in the world this season. A field of 55 cars, including 20 in the Pro Cup, is truly impressive. In our second season with the two works-supported teams WRT and ROWE Racing, we are relying on consistency. Experience is extremely important in this championship. Therefore, we are pleased that, with the exception of two minor changes, we can send the same driver pairings into the races as in 2023. Already last season, we had much reason to rejoice with numerous wins and podium finishes. We want to further improve on this record and clinch titles this time. I warmly welcome Century Motorsport to the GT World Challenge Europe and wish the team every success. Additionally, I am excited to see a very strong field of BMW M4 GT4 cars in the GT4 European Series at Le Castellet. In its debut season in 2023, the BMW M4 GT4 immediately clinched the title. We want to build on this success.”

 

Hans-Peter Naundorf (Team Principal ROWE Racing): “It’s good that the season is now picking up speed and that we can fight for victories and points again. Even though we set the sporting bar very high last year, we are going into the season with similar expectations. Our advantage is the vast experience and stability of the team, which has changed only minimally compared to 2023 with the comeback of Augusto Farfus in the GT World Challenge Europe. Everything is well coordinated. We know what we and our drivers are capable of and are constantly trying to optimise our performance even further, so I wouldn’t be surprised if we have a say in the battle for the top positions again, but there is no guarantee. All participants have to adapt to the new bio fuel, which requires some adjustments to the engines. The conditions at Le Castellet have also changed: shorter race duration, different temperatures and no driving in the dark. On the other hand, the strain on the cars at Le Castellet is certainly less than in the past. Overall, everyone’s tension is likely to be a little higher than usual at the start of the season, and everyone will want to get their bearings in the race first.”

 

Vincent Vosse (Team Principal BMW M Team WRT): “It’s a pleasure to start our season in Europe. Everyone knows how important the Fanatec GT World is for us, as we’ve been in that category since the very beginning of the championship. It has been years that Paul Ricard was one of the longest races of the championship, and now it is the season opener. It’s a pleasure to go there. We have cars to fight in different categories. In the Pro category we have a new arrival in the number 46 car, Raffaele Marciello, who is heading to the race with Vale and Maxime, and our standard line up in the number 32 with Charles, Dries and Sheldon. Again we have a Bronze class entry, this year with Ahmad Al Harthy, Jens Klingmann and Sam De Haan, who is new to the team, but not to the championship, so let’s see what we can do. There are some changes in terms of regulations, but nevertheless, of course we will try very hard to be at the front.”

 

Nathan Freke (Team Principal Century Motorsport): “GTWC Europe is something we have aspired to for many years and I want to thank Darren Leung for taking us on this journey with him. We have a fantastic line-up of drivers for both Sprint and Endurance and a great team of guys and girls who are all excited to get going. I think we can hope for very strong results in the Bronze class. It’s big step for us, but we are very well prepared and looking forward to round one.”

The BMW M4 GT3 line-ups at a look:

 

Pro Cup.

 

#32 BMW M4 GT3, BMW M Team WRT

Sheldon van der Linde (RSA)

Dries Vanthoor (BEL)

Charles Weerts (BEL)

#46 BMW M4 GT3, BMW M Team WRT

Raffaele Marciello (SUI)

Maxime Martin (BEL)

Valentino Rossi (ITA)

#98 BMW M4 GT3, ROWE Racing

Philipp Eng (AUT)

Marco Wittmann (GER)

Nick Yelloly (GBR)

#998 BMW M4 GT3, ROWE Racing

Augusto Farfus (BRA)

Dan Harper (GBR)

Max Hesse (GER)

Bronze Cup.

#30 BMW M4 GT3, Team WRT

Ahmad Al Harthy (OMA)

Sam De Haan (GBR)

Jens Klingmann (GER)

#991 BMW M4 GT3, Century Motorsport

Jake Dennis (GBR)

Darren Leung (GBR)

Toby Sowery (GBR)

 

Motorsport

The 2025 Nissan Kicks Finally Gets All-Wheel Drive

When we first noticed camouflaged prototypes of the next-generation Nissan Kicks in July 2023, we knew vital adjustments had been coming to Nissan’s small crossover. Now, the covers are lifted and we’re handled to a really symmetrical design that is a little bit greater and packs an incredible punch. Say hey to the 2025 Nissan Kicks.

Right away, you will discover Nissan’s signature V-Motion grille is gone. In reality, there is not a single reference to V-Motion anyplace within the Kicks press launch. Look carefully on the new face, nevertheless, and you will see vestiges of the previous design language. The openings on the bladed grille slant inwards, culminating in a ridge atop the fascia. At the highest, slender headlights additionally angle downwards on the internal edges. It’s a really clear, squarish look that extends rearward with a excessive, straight beltline.

2025 Nissan Kicks
2025 Nissan Kicks
2025 Nissan Kicks

Things are a bit extra fascinating on the again. Nissan retains the floating roof motif with an accessible two-tone look, and the Kicks “kink” within the pillar remains to be there too. It provides solution to a much less blocky rear gate with outstanding vertical taillights mounted excessive on the corners. Overall, it is a very totally different look in comparison with the outgoing Kicks. The new model has a bigger, extra upright look.

It’s not simply an look, both. Nissan says the 2025 Kicks is larger, although actual specs aren’t accessible but. We’re advised there’s simply over an inch extra shoulder room for entrance and rear passengers, with these within the again getting slightly below an additional inch for knees. With the rear seats up you get 30 extra cubic ft of cargo area, or 60 extra cubes with them folded. Nissan says the area is best-in-class, and the rear opening area of 40.3 inches can also be listed as best-in-class.

2025 Nissan Kicks

Space actually issues in a small SUV, however we suspect occupants might be extra within the Kicks’ digital improve. The new inside is radically totally different due to a pair of show screens for the motive force middle infotainment system. That middle display screen measures as much as 12.3 inches, with a 7-inch display screen put in as normal. It controls an array of tech that features non-obligatory 360-degree surround-view cameras and an accessible Bose 10-speaker sound system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are constructed into the system.

Underneath all of it, you will discover a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 141 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque, managed by a CVT. And for the primary time, you may ship that energy to all 4 wheels with Nissan’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system. Thus outfitted, Nissan provides a snow mode that’s designed particularly for all-paw efficiency on slippery surfaces.

2025 Nissan Kicks
2025 Nissan Kicks

Further aiding drivers are options equivalent to automated emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, rear automated braking, and lane departure warnings, all a part of Nissan’s standard-issue Safety Shield 360 System. Step as much as the SR trim and you will get ProPilot that provides steering help. Nissan is eager to say that is additionally a primary for the Kicks.

How a lot will all this price? Nissan is not prepared to debate pricing however guarantees data will come earlier than the on-sale date later this summer season. For reference, the 2024 Kicks begins at $22,440, together with the vacation spot charge. With the hefty design adjustments and energy enhance, it is secure to imagine the 2025 Kicks will begin someplace within the mid-$20,000 vary.

Motorsport

The New Hyundai Santa Cruz might be Even More Capable

The 2024 New York Auto Show kicks off subsequent week, and Hyundai might be there with one thing new. Making a worldwide debut alongside the recently refreshed Tucson would be the 2025 Santa Cruz, up to date with contemporary styling and “improved capability.”

That’s precisely what Hyundai says in a brief press launch for its presence on the Big Apple’s huge present. Specifics of those capabilities are as but unknown, although Hyundai’s announcement mentions a revamped inside with higher ergonomics and a brand new infotainment system. On the surface, the Santa Cruz will shed a few of its street-truck persona with rugged-themed design tweaks. You can anticipate extra standard-issue driver-assist programs, too.

2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Teaser

Two teaser photographs include Hyundai’s announcement. A sketch featured on the high of this submit exhibits the pickup from the again, carrying a brand new rear fascia with bigger nook cutouts and trim extending additional up the edges. It appears correctly broad, although being a sketch the proportions are possible exaggerated.

A second picture (additionally above) is a close-up of the brand new Santa Cruz grille, the place we see the blade designs of the earlier mannequin changed with rectangular cutouts. This appears just like the not too long ago up to date Tucson, bringing the fashions extra in keeping with Hyundai’s present design path.

It’s value noting that Hyundai particularly identifies each 2025 Santa Cruz teaser photographs as being the rugged-themed XRT trim. Debuting last July, XRT provides daring plastic fender flares, aspect steps, door trim, and a blackout therapy to the truck. Mechanicals stay the identical, being the 281-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine related to an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox driving all 4 wheels.

2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT

2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT

Could Hyundai’s point out of additional functionality level to the brand new XRT trim getting some correct off-road upgrades? It’s no secret that the Ford Maverick—the one Santa Cruz competitor within the small truck phase—is positively killing it in gross sales. The Maverick brandishes a extra conventional truck form with an obtainable FX4 package deal that provides useful bits like skid plates and all-terrain tires. Bolting up some additional elements to a Santa Cruz XRT looks as if a logical step, however alas, we cannot know for certain till the covers are lifted in New York.

That occurs on March 27. We could have particulars for the brand new Santa Cruz and all of the debuts on the 2024 New York Auto Show proper right here at Motor1.

Motorsport

BYD Introduces Denza Brand To Europe With A Striking Minivan

The 2024 Geneva Motor Show kicks off at present, and whereas most worldwide manufacturers are lacking, there are a handful of European debuts. This D9 minivan marks the launch of Denza on the Old Continent. If the identify would not ring a bell, it is a model created by Chinese automaker BYD and Mercedes in 2010. Initially, the three way partnership was 50:50, however the German luxurious model diminished its share to 10 p.c in 2021 when Denza underwent restructuring.

BYD is paving the best way for Denza in Europe by bringing the D9, a big individuals mover with a high-end inside to rival one other posh minivan—the Lexus LM. It’s not a totally new mannequin because it initially went on sale in China in 2022. Much like within the People’s Republic, the Euro variant may be had as a plug-in hybrid or as a full EV.

The three-row household hauler has a boxy form, massive electrically operated sliding doorways, a beneficiant greenhouse, and two equally polarizing grille designs. The imposing entrance finish is simply as placing as different new minivans, together with the Volvo EM90 / Zeekr 009 and the Toyota Alphard / Vellfire twins. The boxy form with a virtually flat roofline maximizes inside house and there is a massive panoramic sunroof to make the cabin really feel extra ethereal.


BMW

2024 BMW Motorrad Motorsport WorldSBK Media Guide.

Phillip Island. The 2024 FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) kicks off this weekend (twenty third to twenty fifth February) in Phillip Island, Australia. The interactive 2024 BMW Motorrad Motorsport WorldSBK Media Guide gives complete data to set the stage for the season.

 

In this Media Guide, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director Marc Bongers, Shaun Muir, Team Principal of the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, and Michael Galinski, Team Manager of the Bonovo motion BMW Racing Team, share their insights on the upcoming season. Additionally, we introduce our 4 BMW WorldSBK manufacturing unit riders: Garrett Gerloff (USA), new addition Toprak Razgatlioglu (TUR), Scott Redding (GBR), and Michael van der Mark (NED), together with our new BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Test Team.

The technical part gives complete data and technical knowledge on the newly revised BMW M 1000 RR for the 2024 WorldSBK. Furthermore, you possibly can discover particulars about BMW Motorrad Motorsport’s different international actions.

 

Extensive photograph materials to obtain at no cost.
Profile and studio photographs of Bongers, Muir, Galinski, Gerloff, Razgatlioglu, Redding and van der Mark, in addition to the BMW M 1000 RR and racetrack photographs might be downloaded freed from cost right here within the BMW Group PressClub.
 
 
For the media: Latest data on X .
In the brand new season, we’ll as soon as once more not solely be offering media representatives with common data by basic press releases, however may also be utilizing our social media channels to maintain you on top of things.
 
On race weekends, we’ll assist you in your work on occasion days by offering up-to-date statements and different essential data through our X channel, amongst different strategies. There may also be previews forward of the occasions and a abstract on the Sunday night, within the type of basic press releases.
 
BMW Motorrad Motorsport on Twitter: twitter.com/BMWMotorradMoSp 

Lexus

LEXUS NAMED PRESENTING PARTNER OF ULTIMATE MADDEN BOWL

 Ultimate Madden Bowl Presented by Lexus kicks off at EA Headquarters in Redwood City on January 30 and concludes in Las Vegas on February 9

PLANO, Texas (Jan. 29, 2024) – The Madden NFL 24 Championship Series (MCS) right this moment introduced Lexus because the presenting companion of the Ultimate Madden Bowl, the crowning second of the MCS aggressive season. The Ultimate Madden Bowl Presented by Lexus kicks off January 30 at EA’s Redwood City headquarters, the place 14 of the highest Madden NFL gamers will look to punch their ticket to the Finals in Las Vegas on February 9. The remaining two rivals will then face off in entrance of a dwell crowd on the House of Blues as a part of EA SPORTS™ Presents The Madden Bowl.

In addition to turning into the presenting sponsor of the most important Madden NFL esports competitors of the 12 months, Lexus will obtain digital naming rights to their very own Lexus Stadium within Madden NFL 24’s Ultimate Team™ mode. The digital stadium will see Lexus develop into a part of the immersive expertise of MUT, which thousands and thousands of gamers and followers get pleasure from. The multifaceted partnership will even see the newly-released 2024 Lexus GX onsite on the Ultimate Madden Bowl finale in Las Vegas.

“As we approach the peak of our MCS 24 season, we’re thrilled to welcome Lexus as the presenting partner of the Ultimate Madden Bowl,” mentioned Andrew Echanique, Madden NFL Esports Commissioner, Electronic Arts. “Lexus shares our commitment to excellence, and we look forward to working together to deliver a truly unforgettable experience for our fans.”

Lexus’s partnership with MCS rides a rising wave of automotive firms deepening their funding in esports as an avenue to attach with younger players – a lot of whom could also be seeking to buy their first vehicles. Lexus first entered into the house in 2019 in an effort to fulfill younger drivers the place they already are.

“Innovation and performance are the core of Lexus’s culture. The MCS captures both of these values in the virtual arena for the next generation of athletes,” mentioned Greg Kitzens, common supervisor of Lexus Marketing. “As all of America gears up for a celebration of football fandom, we’re excited to cheer on the world’s best Madden NFL players as they take the field at Lexus Stadium.”

After competitors amongst hundreds of gamers this season, 14 finalists will journey to the Bay Area to compete at EA’s purpose-built esports broadcast heart from January 30 – February 1. During the crowning occasion at EA SPORTS Presents The Madden Bowl in Vegas, the ultimate two rivals will vye for his or her share of the collective $1 million USD prize pool and look to take dwelling the first-ever Championship ring designed by Jostens, main championship ring supplier in skilled sports activities, together with 37 of 57 Super Bowl Rings . The Ultimate Madden Bowl concludes a formidable season for the MCS, which practically doubled registration from MCS 23.

As a part of the Ultimate Madden Bowl festivities, EA will even crown the first-ever Positive Player Award for MCS. The Award seems to be to champion the constructive gamers throughout the MCS 24 neighborhood. Finalists embrace Greg “SL1M GHOST” Allen, Jonathan “JonBeast” Marquez, Dillan “PHICAM” Foust, and Gary “VADimes540” Hash II.

Fans at dwelling can tune into the motion on the official Madden NFL 24 Twitch and YouTube channels at 6:30 PM ET on January 30 – February 1 and 9:30 PM ET on February 9. For extra data on the MCS, go to the official web site and observe @EAMaddenNFL_MCS on X (previously Twitter) and Instagram.

About Electronic Arts

Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA) is a world chief in digital interactive leisure. The Company develops and delivers video games, content material and on-line companies for Internet-connected consoles, cellular gadgets and private computer systems.

In fiscal 12 months 2023, EA posted GAAP web income of roughly $7.4 billion. Headquartered in Redwood City, California, EA is acknowledged for a portfolio of critically acclaimed, high-quality manufacturers akin to EA SPORTS FC™, Battlefield™, Apex Legends™, The Sims™, Madden NFL, Need for Speed™, Titanfall™, Plants vs. Zombies™ and F1®. More details about EA is offered at www.ea.com/news.

EA, EA SPORTS, EA SPORTS FC, Battlefield, Need for Speed, Apex Legends, The Sims, Titanfall and Plants vs. Zombies are emblems of Electronic Arts Inc. John Madden, NFL, and F1 are the property of their respective homeowners and used with permission.

About Lexus

Lexus’ ardour for courageous design, imaginative expertise, and exhilarating efficiency permits the posh life-style model to create wonderful experiences for its prospects. Lexus started its journey in 1989 with two luxurious sedans and a dedication to pursue perfection. Since then, Lexus has developed its lineup to fulfill the wants of world luxurious prospects in additional than 90 international locations. In the United States, Lexus autos are bought by 245 sellers providing a full lineup of luxurious autos. With seven fashions incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the posh hybrid chief. Lexus additionally affords eight F SPORT fashions, one F efficiency mannequin and one F mannequin. Lexus is dedicated to being a visionary model that anticipates the longer term for luxurious prospects

Motorsport

Volkswagen Is Putting ChatGPT In Its Cars

CES kicks off this week in Las Vegas, and Volkswagen will probably be there with some fascinating information. ChatGPT will probably be built-in into the automaker’s current IDA voice assistant and provided in a number of fashions later this 12 months.

In case you want a refresher on ChatGPT, it is the AI chatbot that, for higher or worse, makes an attempt to imitate human conversations. And typically, it sells you a new Chevrolet Tahoe for $1. ChatGPT will not substitute VW’s manufacturing facility system. Rather it will function a backup assistant when IDA does not have a transparent reply to a response. In idea, this implies you could possibly ask your ID.7 random questions like the gap to Jupiter, and ChatGPT may are available in with a intelligent reply. We say in idea as a result of VW does not provide particulars on simply how concerned the dialog along with your future automobile can get, although a press launch does declare it could actually “provide relevant responses to nearly every query imaginable.”

Volkswagen Golf with ChatGPT integration

As far as safety goes, VW states the ChatGPT integration does not entry car information so private info should not be despatched to the worldwide AI. Additionally, all questions are “deleted immediately” so presumably, you have to be okay in case you ask one thing like “how many guards are there at the bank across the street” or any potential eyebrow-raising question. It additionally integrates seamlessly with VW’s present infotainment system, utilizing the identical acquainted voice. No further actions are vital to make use of it.

“Volkswagen has always democratized technology and made it accessible to the many,” stated Kai Grünitz, member of the Board of Management for Volkswagen, technical improvement. “This is simply ingrained in our DNA. As a result, we are now the first volume manufacturer to make this innovative technology a standard feature to vehicles from the compact segment upwards.”

A VW spokesperson advised Motor1 that ChatGPT performance will launch first in European markets starting within the second quarter of 2024. It’s at the moment going by way of the approval course of for the United States, however a timeframe for when (or if) it is integrated stateside isn’t but out there.

Motorsport

Volvo Has Built Its First Electric Sedan

Volvo kicks off pre-production of the ES90 in China, and TVR’s long-awaited Griffith appears much more unlikely to occur.

This is AM Drive, Motor1’s every day take a look at the information you want earlier than you get in your automotive.

Volvo Starts Pre-Production Of An Electric Sedan

After a number of SUVs and a quirky minivan, the subsequent Volvo to get the electrical therapy shall be a sedan. Swedish publication Teknikens Värld – which flipped the Mercedes A-Class within the notorious moose check in 1997 – has managed to acquire a picture revealed on the automaker’s intranet. The picture with the automotive hiding below a canopy (with “CONFIDENTAL” and “TOP SECRET” written throughout it) was taken inside a manufacturing unit positioned in Cixi, a metropolis positioned within the Zhejiang Province of japanese China.

The EV is internally codenamed “V551” and believed to be formally referred to as the “ES90.” It has been developed on the identical SPA2 platform because the EX90. The inner memo additionally included some preliminary technical specs. The Volvo ES90 is allegedly going to be 196.4 inches (4990 millimeters) lengthy with an enormous wheelbase spanning 122.1 in (3102 mm). It’s mentioned to be 60.9 in (1547 mm) tall and 76.5 in (1945 mm) broad. Its claimed footprint makes it a direct competitor for the BMW i5, Mercedes EQE, and the long run Audi A6 E-Tron.

The model’s first electrical sedan apparently weighs someplace within the area of two,600 kilograms (5,732 kilos) within the dual-motor AWD variant and a couple of,500 kg (5,511 lbs) for the single-motor RWD mannequin. It has a big 111-kWh battery, which is not any shock for the reason that EX90’s pack has the identical capability. Range is rumored to achieve 373 miles (600 kilometers) for the single-motor mannequin, however that is in all probability within the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC).

Series manufacturing is allegedly beginning in May 2024.

Six Years After Its Reveal, The TVR Griffith Doesn’t Have A Factory