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FIA WEC at Spa-Francorchamps, IMSA at Laguna Seca: Second consecutive double-header weekend.

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Spa-Francorchamps/Laguna Seca. For the second consecutive time, BMW M Motorsport is dealing with a double-header race weekend within the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IMSA Series). At Spa-Francorchamps (BEL), Belgian BMW M Team WRT will compete with two BMW M Hybrid V8s and two BMW M4 GT3s in its residence race within the FIA WEC. At Laguna Seca (USA), the fourth IMSA race of the 12 months is on the schedule. BMW M Team RLL will enter two BMW M Hybrid V8s within the race. Paul Miller Racing and Turner Motorsport will begin with the BMW M4 GT3 within the GTD lessons.

 

FIA WEC: Home race for BMW M Team WRT in Belgium.

After the house race comes one other residence race. After BMW M works driver Valentino Rossi (ITA) lately thrilled Italian followers at Imola (ITA), it’s now his group’s flip. At Spa-Francorchamps, BMW M Team WRT tries to proceed the clear upward development within the FIA WEC in entrance of the Belgian residence crowd. After sixth place for Robin Frijns (NED), René Rast (GER), and Sheldon van der Linde (RSA) with the #20 BMW M Hybrid V8 at Imola, the purpose is to additional set up themselves within the main group among the many hypercars within the third race for the reason that comeback. Raffaele Marciello (SUI), Dries Vanthoor (BEL), and Marco Wittmann (GER) will compete within the sister #15 automobile.

In the LMGT3 class, there was a incredible one-two end result for the 2 BMW M4 GT3s to have fun at Imola. Augusto Farfus (BRA), Sean Gelael (INA), and Darren Leung (GBR) achieved the primary victory for a BMW M Motorsport automobile within the historical past of the FIA WEC within the #31 BMW M4 GT3. Second place at his residence race went to Rossi, who shared the cockpit of the #46 BMW M4 GT3 with Maxime Martin (BEL) and Ahmad Al Harthy (OMA). Both crews now compete at Spa-Francorchamps to assault for the rostrum locations once more and gather extra factors on the earth championship. Victory on the 24-hour race in 2023 proved that the course is sweet for the BMW M4 GT3.

The race at Spa-Francorchamps begins on Saturday at 13:00 CEST.

 

IMSA Series: BMW M Team RLL goals for the primary podium of the season.

The fourth race weekend of the IMSA season takes place on the spectacular observe at California’s Laguna Seca. BMW M Team RLL has proven robust tempo with the 2 BMW M Hybrid V8s thus far this season however remains to be ready for the primary podium end. That is the purpose for Philipp Eng (AUT) and Jesse Krohn (FIN) within the #24 BMW M Hybrid V8 in addition to Connor De Phillippi (USA) and Nick Yelloly (GBR) in automobile #25.

A particular weekend awaits Turner Motorsport. Team Principal Will Turner’s squad is competing in its 557th race for BMW and is thus the BMW M Motorsport buyer group with essentially the most race entries. In honour of this milestone, the BMW M4 GT3 will carry begin quantity 557 as an alternative of the standard 96. Since 1998, Turner Motorsport has solely competed with BMW racing vehicles and has achieved quite a few prestigious victories and titles. In the GTD-Pro class, Paul Miller Racing will subject the #1 BMW M4 GT3 with BMW M works driver Madison Snow and Bryan Sellers (each USA) at Laguna Seca.

The race on the WeatherTech Raceway begins on Sunday at 21:10 CEST (12:10 native time) and lasts 2:40 hours.

 

Comments earlier than the races at Spa-Francorchamps and Laguna Seca:

 

Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “We go into the third race of the FIA WEC season positively after the steps we made at Imola. In Italy, we not only celebrated the fantastic one-two result in the LMGT3 class but also saw a clear upward trend with our hypercars. We have tested at Spa-Francorchamps and want to continue the positive trend at BMW M Team WRT’s home race. In the IMSA Series, the goal is clear. We want to convert the consistently good performance of the BMW M Hybrid V8 this season into corresponding results. In the GTD class, it will be a very special weekend for Turner Motorsport. Congratulations on the 557th start in a BMW racing car and at the same time a big thank you for the decades-long loyalty to our brand. It is always a pleasure and a lot of fun to work with Will Turner and his very professional crew. The long list of victories and titles speaks for itself. Turner Motorsport is an indispensable part of BMW M Motorsport’s racing programme in North America. I hope it will stay that way for many more years!”

 

Vincent Vosse (Team Principal BMW M Team WRT): “After a good weekend at Imola, where we made a clear step forward with our hypercars and celebrated a fantastic one-two result in the LMGT3 class, we are now looking forward to our home race in the FIA WEC. The course traditionally suits the BMW M4 GT3 well, so we should be well positioned again in the LMGT3 category. For the hypercars, it’s about taking one step at a time. Hopefully, we can make the next step in front of our home fans.”

 

Dries Vanthoor (BMW M Team WRT, #15 BMW M Hybrid V8): “I am really looking forward to the home race for the team and also for me personally. There will be many fans, but also friends and family on site. We have tested again with the BMW M Hybrid V8 at Spa-Francorchamps and hopefully made further progress that we can show on the race weekend.”

 

Augusto Farfus (Team WRT, #31 BMW M4 GT3): “We want to take the momentum from our victory at Imola to Spa-Francorchamps and finish the first third of the season on a high before the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The goal is to continue on the good path we have taken and score many points for the world championship.”

 

Connor De Phillippi (BMW M Team RLL, #25 BMW M Hybrid V8): “I can’t wait to race at the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. It’s the track where I had my very first racing experiences, and I have many fond memories of this place. We had a good test on the freshly paved track a few weeks ago. I think the race will be very exciting, especially in terms of strategy.”

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BMW M Motorsport News, sixth May 2024.

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

“The BMW M Motorsport teams have celebrated numerous successes worldwide with the BMW M4 GT3, BMW M4 GT4, and BMW M2 CS Racing cars in recent weeks. We have been able to cheer for victories and podiums in Germany, Europe, North America, and Asia. This once again underlines how strong the customer racing programme is internationally at BMW M Motorsport. I congratulate all the winners and look forward to the next successes that we can celebrate together.”

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Italian GT Championship (3rd-5th May): Hesse and Klingmann triumph at Misano.

 

The BMW Italia Ceccato Racing workforce began the Italian GT Championship season at Misano (ITA) with two victories. In the Sunday race, BMW M works drivers Max Hesse and Jens Klingmann (each GER) triumphed with the #7 BMW M4 GT3. At the identical time, within the sister #8 automobile, Pedro Ebrahim (BRA) and Federico Malvestiti (ITA) gained the Pro-Am class. In the primary race on Saturday, Hesse fought for third place till the final lap however then retired resulting from a technical defect. Ebrahim and Malvestiti completed fourth of their class. “This is a victory for the team,” stated Hesse. “The guys did an incredible job rebuilding the car after my accident following the technical defect on Saturday. Thanks to everyone for the fantastic effort!” Klingmann added: “After our big misfortune on Saturday, we managed to turn the weekend around with the victory on Sunday. It was anything but certain that we could even start. We owe this to the great work of the entire team led by Roberto Ravaglia. For me personally, it is the first victory at Misano, which I am very happy about.”

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GTWC America (3rd-5th May): ST Racing and Turner Motorsport have a good time class victories.

Pure pleasure in Florida: At the second race weekend of the Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS, BMW M Motorsport groups celebrated a category victory in each runs. In the primary race at Sebring International Raceway, BMW M works driver Neil Verhagen (USA) and Samantha Tan (CAN) jumped onto the rostrum as third total.

The Team ST Racing duo within the #38 BMW M4 GT3 triumphed within the Pro-Am class – regardless that Verhagen needed to construct a lead over model colleagues from Turner Motorsport, Robby Foley and Justin Rothberg (each USA), resulting from a time penalty. “After the pit stop, I was on a time hunt,” defined Verhagen. “The gap I had to open was five seconds. I had Robby behind me. He also kept me on my toes.” But the lead was sufficient for Verhagen and Tan, who celebrated a particular victory. Last 12 months, the duo gained the second race at Sebring within the Pro-Am class however had to surrender the category victory afterwards resulting from a penalty. “This is the victory of the greatest redemption,” stated Tan a 12 months later. “We came back here to prove something. The team gave us an incredible car, and we made it. It feels really good.”

Foley and Rothberg made it a one-two consequence for the BMW M4 GT3 within the Pro-Am class proper behind them on Saturday. A day later, the Turner Motorsport duo themselves had been the measure of all issues when within the second race, Foley and Rothberg triumphed within the Pro-Am class. Verhagen and Tan fought their manner again impressively after a drive-through penalty within the #38 BMW M4 GT3 and topped an impressive weekend for the BMW M Motorsport groups at Sebring as third. “I think we showed everyone this weekend that our pace is undisputed. Thanks to my team, our fans, and BMW M Motorsport for the support,” praised Tan, who additionally had motive to have a good time within the Pro class. BMW M works driver Bill Auberlen and Varun Choksey (each USA) celebrated a double podium: In each races, they completed third within the #28 BMW M4 GT3 within the class.

 

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GT/GT4/TC America (3rd-5th May): Podium celebrations at Sebring.

 

Justin Rothberg (USA) celebrated a premiere in GT America. In the second race at Sebring International Raceway, the American completed third within the Turner Motorsport #29 BMW M4 GT3 and climbed onto the GT America podium for the primary time. Nicolas Shanny (USA) narrowly missed the rostrum within the GT4 class twice as fourth.

In GT4 America, Zac Anderson and Colin Garrett (each USA) from Team AutoTechnic Racing climbed onto the general podium as second within the #51 BMW M4 GT4. In the Am class, Kris Wilson alongside Paul Sparta (each USA) for Team Random Vandals Racing within the #98 BMW M4 GT4 gained the second run after the duo had already celebrated a podium end with second place within the first race. Matt Million and Ryan Keeley (each USA) completed third within the Am class within the first race within the #53 BMW M4 GT4.

In TC America, Chris Walsh (USA) from Carnus Callas Raceteam was the dominant driver in Florida. In each runs, he triumphed within the #104 BMW M2 CS Racing automobile, relegating his BMW colleague Lucas Catania (USA, Team Rigid Speed) within the #17 BMW M2 CS Racing automobile to second place every time. In the second race, Aaron Kaplan (USA) within the #18 BMW M2 CS Racing automobile accomplished the pure BMW M Motorsport podium in third.

Two weeks earlier, Samantha Tan (CAN) celebrated a podium end at her private season debut in GT America. In the second run on the Long Beach (USA) road circuit, the Canadian steered her #38 BMW M4 GT4 within the GT4 class to second place. In the SRO3 class, Rothberg narrowly missed the rostrum with fourth place in each runs.

 

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ADAC GT Masters (26th-28th April): Köhler and Oosten win on the season begin at Oschersleben.

 

Maxime Oosten (NED) and Leon Köhler (GER) gained the opening race of the ADAC GT Masters final weekend in April, celebrating an ideal begin to the brand new season. In the primary race at Oschersleben (GER), the #54 BMW M4 GT3 of Team FK Performance Motorsport drove from pole place to a commanding triumph. “It was a great start to the season. Maxime did a great job in the first part of the race. For me, it was about managing the lead in the second section. I am very happy about the victory,” Köhler raved after the opening success on Saturday.

In the second race on Sunday, the German-Dutch duo then fought their manner ahead from seventh on the grid, narrowly lacking the second podium end of the weekend with fourth place. Nevertheless, Köhler and Oosten left Oschersleben in second place within the drivers’ standings. Their team-mates Eduardo Coseteng (PHI) and Gregory de Sybourg (SUI) drove the #10 BMW M4 GT3 to thirteenth and tenth locations firstly of the ADAC GT Masters season.

 

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ADAC GT4 Germany (26th-28th April): Piana and Schrey dominate the opener.

 

At the opening weekend of the ADAC GT4 Germany at Oschersleben (GER), Gabriele Piana (ITA) and Michael Schrey (GER) within the #2 BMW M4 GT4 had been unbeatable. Already in qualifying on Saturday, the duo from Team Hofor Racing by Bonk Motorsport distanced the competitors by greater than four-tenths – after which additionally secured the victory within the first race. Their team-mates Leon Wassertheurer and Tim Reiter (each GER) within the #3 BMW M4 GT4 accomplished the double podium for BMW M Motorsport on the season begin in third.

Piana and Schrey additionally triumphed within the second race, celebrating the second race victory of the weekend in Saxony-Anhalt. Their team-mates Reiter and Wassertheurer had began Sunday from pole place however needed to retire whereas main with injury to the wheel suspension.

Nevertheless, the BMW M Motorsport groups additionally celebrated an impressive total consequence on Sunday. Behind Piana and Schrey, 4 extra BMW M4 GT4s secured top-ten finishes. For FK Performance Motorsport, Leyton Fourie (RSA) and Max Rosam (GER) within the #46 automobile completed fifth and relegated their automobile #47 team-mates Tom Edgar (GBR) and Joseph Warhurst (GBR) to sixth place. Behind them, Markus Eichele (GER) and Phillip Wiskirchen (GER) competed within the ME Motorsport #66 BMW M4 GT4, adopted by Mohan Ritson (GBR) and Gianni van de Craats (NED) in automobile #48, one other duo from FK Performance Motorsport, ending eighth.

 

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Thailand Super Series (3rd-5th May): Victory for Jesse Krohn and AAI Motorsports.

 

The Thailand Super Series season started final weekend on the Chang International Circuit in Buriram (THA). The AAI Motorsports workforce, with the help of BMW M works driver Jesse Krohn (FIN), competed with two BMW M4 GT3s. In the 2 races, there was one victory and three different podium finishes to have a good time. Krohn and his driving colleague Chun Hua Chen (TPE) gained the second race in an thrilling end with a 0.074-second lead. In the primary run, the duo completed second on the rostrum. With two second locations within the Am class, Betty Chen and Jun San Chen (each TPE) additionally had a profitable begin to the season.

 

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Super GT Series (3rd-5th May): Bruno Spengler competes at Fuji.

 

BMW M works driver Bruno Spengler (CAN) supported Team Studie on the first endurance race of the season within the Japanese Super GT Series at Fuji (JPN). In the #7 BMW M4 GT3, he alternated with Niklas Krütten (GER) and Seiji Ara (JPN) through the three race hours. The trio began from ninth place and crossed the end line in eleventh place after 107 laps.

 

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British GT Championship (26th-28th April): Challenging weekend at Silverstone.

 

At the second season occasion of the British GT Championship at Silverstone (GBR), BMW M works driver Raffaele Marciello (SUI) alongside John Ferguson (GBR) achieved a top-ten end. At the normal monitor within the south of England, the Team RAM Racing duo within the #15 BMW M4 GT3 completed ninth. BMW M works driver Dries Vanthoor (BEL) completed thirteenth alongside Darren Leung (GBR) within the #1 BMW M4 GT3.

Their teammates from Team Century Motorsport, Lewis Plato (GBR) and Carl Cavers (GBR) within the #22 BMW M4 GT3, adopted in 14th place. BMW M works driver Dan Harper (GBR) completed the race within the #14 BMW M4 GT3 alongside Michael Johnston (GBR) in seventeenth place. In the GT4 class, Ian Gough (GBR) and Tom Wrigley (GBR) steered the #29 BMW M4 GT4 to tenth place.

 

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ESET Cup Series (26th-28th April): Class victories at Lake Balaton.

 

At the ESET Cup Series race weekend on the brand new Balaton Park Circuit (HUN), BMW M Motorsport drivers celebrated three class victories. In the D4 GT4 class, Antal Zsigo (SVK) in his Trevor Racing #500 BMW M4 GT4 triumphed in each the primary and second races forward of Rudolf Beno (SVK) within the #444 BMW M4 GT4 from Team Aries Racing. In the Endurance Race, Beno alongside Richard Gonda within the #444 BMW M4 GT4 gained the D4 GT4 class forward of Zsigo. Team Trevor Racing’s Stefan Rosina (SVK) celebrated second place within the total classification close to Lake Balaton in his #24 BMW M6 GT3.

 

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British Touring Car Championship (26th-28th April): Podium celebrations at Donington Park.

 

Three races, three podiums. BMW groups skilled a profitable begin to the British Touring Car Championship at Donington Park (GBR). In the primary two races, Jake Hill (GBR) within the #24 BMW 330e M Sport completed third twice. When the 30-year-old needed to accept fifth place within the third run, one other BMW consultant stepped up when sfter fourth and fifth locations within the first two races, Colin Turkington (GBR) climbed onto the rostrum as second within the closing race. His Team BMW team-mate Adam Morgan (GBR) completed seventh within the second and third races. Hill and Turkington left the primary cease of the BTCC season in third and fourth locations within the total standings, with BMW main the producers’ standings.

BMW

DTM Opener in Oschersleben: Schubert Motorsport experiences rollercoaster of feelings at house spherical.

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Oschersleben. Schubert Motorsport kicked off the 2024 DTM season with their house spherical at Oschersleben (GER) and skilled a rollercoaster of feelings simply outdoors their headquarters. Sheldon van der Linde (RSA) completed the 2 eventful races on Saturday and Sunday in fourth and sixth positions, respectively. René Rast (GER) additionally scored factors with two seventh-place finishes in each races. Marco Wittmann (GER) led the Saturday race within the closing phases, however retired simply earlier than the end resulting from gas strain points. On Sunday, Wittmann secured factors with a tenth-place end.

The first race on Saturday already offered followers at Oschersleben with loads of pleasure. With a tactical masterpiece, Schubert Motorsport introduced Wittmann within the #11 Schaeffler BMW M4 GT3, ranging from nineteenth, into the lead. However, simply earlier than the tip, with victory in sight, Wittmann rolled to a cease on the start-finish straight resulting from gas strain points. Van der Linde fought within the #31 Shell BMW M4 GT3 till the end line for a podium end, in the end ending fourth with a slim hole. Rast secured factors in seventh place within the #33 RoboMarkets BMW M4 GT3.

After a difficult qualifying session on Sunday, all three BMW M works drivers staged a comeback within the second race, shifting up from the again of the sector. However, van der Linde suffered an early setback when he couldn’t keep away from a collision forward of him initially. The South African resumed the race in final place and labored his manner up place by place. Eventually, he completed sixth, adopted straight by Rast, who once more was seventh. Wittmann accomplished the factors positions in tenth place.

In the assist programme, the ADAC GT Masters and the ADAC GT4 Germany additionally kicked off the 2024 season – with successes for the BMW M4 GT3 and the BMW M4 GT4. In the ADAC GT Masters, Maxime Oosten (NED) secured pole place for FK Performance Motorsport in Saturday’s qualifying. In the primary race, he celebrated victory along with teammate Leon Köhler (GER) within the #54 BMW M4 GT3. In the ADAC GT4 Germany, Gabriele Piana (ITA) and Michael Schrey (GER) within the Hofor Racing by Bonk Motorsport #2 BMW M4 GT4 secured pole place and victory in race one on Saturday. Their teammates, Leon Wassertheurer and Tim Reiter (each GER), secured third place on the rostrum within the #3 BMW M4 GT4. In Sunday’s qualifying, Reiter claimed pole place. Piana and Schrey celebrated their second win of the weekend in Sunday’s race.

Comments after the DTM season opener:

Björn Lellmann (Head of Customer Racing at BMW M Motorsport): “Unfortunately, it was a rather mixed start for us in the DTM. On Saturday, thanks to a superb strategy, Marco Wittmann could have achieved a clear victory, but he unfortunately lost it due to a team error. However, Sheldon van der Linde fought for the podium until the end, and René Rast also scored points by finishing seventh in both races. Sunday’s qualifying didn’t go well, but all three fought back, and with P6, P7, and P10 in the end, we’re really satisfied. Congratulations to the successful BMW M Motorsport teams in the ADAC GT Masters and ADAC GT4 Germany. With pole positions, wins, and the podium, they really impressed.”

Torsten Schubert (Team Principal Schubert Motorsport): “After qualifying, I said: If we have all three cars in the top ten I’m satisfied. We achieved that on Sunday. I’m pleased that we could take these points. It’s not only important to win races, but also to collect points. We knew this weekend that the track wasn’t quite optimal for us. Nevertheless, we were able to show consistent race performances with all three cars. The retirement of Marco on Saturday due to fuel issues was frustrating. Now we have to continue collecting points throughout the season, starting with the Lausitzring.”

Sheldon van der Linde (#31 Shell BMW M4 GT3): “I think it was a really good weekend. The car didn’t really suit this track and, considering that, we had very good results with fourth and sixth. It was definitely unexpected considering where we ended up last year with basically almost not getting into the points. I am very proud of the guys, the strategy was clearly the key point in the race. At the end of race two, we jumped like five or six cars. I am generally very happy with the points this weekend.”

René Rast (#33 RoboMarkets BMW M4 GT3): “It was a challenging weekend, especially on Sunday. For some reason, we didn’t have the pace in qualifying. Still, it was seventh place in the race, just like on Saturday. We scored points twice, but, of course, that’s not what we envision. We want to fight for podiums. But we knew that Oschersleben would be a tough track for us. So we made the best out of it.”

Marco Wittmann (#11 Schaeffler BMW M4 GT3): “It was, of course, frustrating that due to an error on Saturday, which is human, we threw away the victory and 25 points after we had taken the lead through the right call, strategy, and a bit of luck. On Sunday, nothing went right. We didn’t have the pace; the balance was very difficult. So, it was just about finishing the race, but there wasn’t really anything to gain. It was a tough weekend.”

BMW

FIA WEC: BMW M4 GT3 triumphs at Imola – Strong race for the #20 BMW M Hybrid V8.

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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.”

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FIA WEC at Imola, IMSA at Long Beach: BMW M Hybrid V8 faces an eventful double-header weekend.

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Imola/Long Beach. Four BMW M Hybrid V8s, two continents. The BMW M Motorsport LMDh prototypes are dealing with an intense racing weekend. While BMW M Team WRT competes at Imola (ITA) with two Hypercars within the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) for the second race of the season, BMW M Team RLL is aiming for the season’s first podium within the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IMSA sequence) at Long Beach (USA). The BMW M4 GT3 is concentrating on the rostrum in each Italy and California.

 

FIA WEC: BMW M Team WRT competes at Imola.

At the 6 Hours of Imola, the FIA WEC is making its first European cease this yr. BMW M Motorsport engineers and BMW M Team WRT have analysed the difficult season opener in Qatar with the 2 BMW M Hybrid V8s over the previous weeks and have labored intensively to enhance the automotive. Behind the wheel of automotive #15 are Raffaele Marciello (SUI), Dries Vanthoor (BEL), and Marco Wittmann (GER). The sister automotive, the #20 BMW M Hybrid V8, is shared by Robin Frijns (NED), René Rast (GER), and Sheldon van der Linde (RSA).

In the LMGT3 class, Team WRT made a powerful impression in Qatar, with the #46 BMW M4 GT3 narrowly lacking the rostrum on the opener. At Imola, the crew will likely be carried by a particular tailwind; Valentino Rossi (ITA) begins his dwelling race, with the Imola monitor being lower than two hours’ drive from his birthplace Urbino (ITA). The 45-year-old Italian will be a part of Ahmad Al Harthy (OMA) and BMW M works driver Maxime Martin (BEL) for the 6 Hours of Imola. Driven by quite a few Tifosi anticipated alongside the monitor, the native hero and his team-mates are aiming for a podium end. In the sister automotive, the #31 BMW M4 GT3, BMW M works driver Augusto Farfus (BRA), Sean Gelael (INA), and Darren Leung (GBR) will take turns.

The Imola race begins on Sunday at 13:00 CEST.

IMSA sequence: Street circuit at Long Beach as a great omen.

Two BMW M Hybrid V8s are additionally required within the IMSA sequence this coming weekend. BMW M Team RLL begins with good recollections on the Long Beach avenue circuit. Last yr, Connor De Phillippi (USA) and Nick Yelloly (GBR) celebrated second place on the rostrum within the #25 BMW M Hybrid V8. Philipp Eng (AUT) and Augusto Farfus (BRA) accomplished the robust group outcome within the GTP class with a fourth place.

With the momentum from 2023 outcomes, the group and drivers wish to underline the robust efficiency of the BMW M Hybrid V8 from the primary two weekends of the present yr and at last reward themselves with the primary podium within the third race of the IMSA season. As final yr, De Phillippi and Yelloly begin within the #25 BMW M Hybrid V8. Eng shares the sister #24 automotive this yr with Jesse Krohn (FIN).

In the GTD class, BMW M Motorsport groups additionally look again on a formidable historical past at Long Beach. Paul Miller Racing triumphed final yr with the #1 BMW M4 GT3. In 2024, Turner Motorsport sends a BMW M4 GT3 onto the three.167-kilometre monitor. BMW M works driver Robby Foley and Patrick Gallagher (each USA) enter the 100-minute dash race with automotive #96. The shortest race of the season – alongside the Detroit Grand Prix – begins on Saturday at 16:35 native time (22:35 CEST).

Statement earlier than the races at Imola and Long Beach:

Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “We are facing the first race weekend where we are competing with the BMW M Hybrid V8 at two major events on two continents simultaneously. We are competing on the biggest stages of prototype racing against top-notch competition. It’s spectacular and exactly the challenge we’ve been looking forward to since BMW M Motorsport’s entry into the LMDh category was confirmed. At the FIA WEC opener in Qatar, we realised that we need to improve significantly to compete at the level we expect of ourselves in the world championship. We have worked hard over the past weeks and expect to be able to make the first progress at Imola. In the IMSA series, we experienced one of our strongest races at Long Beach in 2023. With second and fourth places, we were very close to our first victory with the BMW M Hybrid V8. Now we hope that we can fight for the lead again this time and thus convert the speed we have already shown at Daytona and Sebring into top results. Both in the FIA WEC and in the IMSA series, we are also very well positioned with the BMW M4 GT3. I expect our teams to have a chance of winning in both racing series.”

Marco Wittmann (BMW M Team WRT, #15 BMW M Hybrid V8): “I am really looking forward to competing in the FIA WEC again this weekend. Italy is a beautiful country. I like the ambiance, the food, and the people – so I’m really looking forward to it. Imola is a very historic racetrack that I know from DTM. In 2022, I made it to the podium there, so I have good memories. We have conducted some tests and simulator sessions since the opener in Qatar and hopefully will make a step forward.”

Maxime Martin (Team WRT, #46 BMW M4 GT3): “It will be a special weekend for us because it’s Valentino’s home race in the FIA WEC. I therefore expect it to be very crowded, and I anticipate many spectators with high expectations at the track. Our first race in Qatar was really solid with a fourth-place finish. We will try to improve our package and aim for the podium. That would be a good result, also in terms of the world championship. I know the track and am confident that Ahmad, Valentino, and I will be competitive. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Philipp Eng (BMW M Team RLL, #24 BMW M Hybrid V8): “I am really looking forward to the race at Long Beach. It’s a very cool track for the first sprint race of the season. Last year we had a strong race here. We have developed the car in a good direction, and the result of the 12h Sebring did not fully reflect our performance. We have made some adjustments, and I am confident that we can achieve a top result.”

BMW

ROWE Racing finishes 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers on the rostrum – Three BMW M4 GT3s within the prime six.

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Nürburgring. The BMW M Motorsport groups ROWE Racing and RMG efficiently accomplished crucial race weekend on the Nordschleife earlier than the 24 Hours of Nürburgring (GER). During the 24h Qualifiers, all three BMW M4 GT3s accomplished many laps and picked up precious information. In addition, there was racing success within the 4-hour race on Sunday. Raffaele Marciello (SUI), Maxime Martin (BEL), and Marco Wittmann (GER) drove the #98 ROWE Racing automotive to a second-place end on the rostrum. The sister #99 automotive and the BMW M Team RMV #72 BMW M4 GT3 completed in fourth and sixth locations, respectively.

The 24h Qualifiers consisted of two races, every 4 hours lengthy. On Saturday, the BMW M Motorsport groups targeted on set-up work. Dan Harper (GBR), Max Hesse (GER), and Charles Weerts (BEL) have been the highest-placed crew as tenth within the #72 BMW M4 GT3. Augusto Farfus (BRA), Sheldon van der Linde (RSA), and Dries Vanthoor (BEL) completed twelfth within the ROWE Racing automotive #99. The #98 BMW M4 GT3 retired after an unavoidable collision however made up for it with the rostrum end on Sunday. The race weekend was notably precious for Weerts and Marciello, as each accomplished their first races within the BMW M4 GT3 on the Nordschleife and have been capable of full many laps. Marciello additionally celebrated his first podium as a BMW M works driver.

At the 24h Qualifiers – additionally rounds three and 4 of the Nürburgring Endurance Series NLS – quite a few different classes have been current alongside the GT3 automobiles. BMW M Motorsport groups achieved a complete of 9 class victories within the two races.

Reactions after the 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers:

Hans-Peter Naundorf (Team Principal ROWE Racing): “Our team and our drivers did a very good job this weekend. Despite the unprovoked retirement in the race on Saturday, we covered many kilometres and gained valuable insights about the new tyres. Our drivers were able to get used to the Nordschleife and the tuning again. We have already got into a good groove with Raffaele Marciello. Thanks to the good work of the team and some lucky circumstances, we were rewarded with a podium on Sunday, the second within eight days after our victory in the GT World Challenge Europe. It’s a nice reward for the intensive work in the past weeks.”

Stefan Reinhold (Team Principal BMW M Team RMG): “Overall, it was a good test run for the 24-hour race. On Saturday, we still had some things to sort out with the set-up and couldn’t keep up with the lead. Things went better on Sunday, although we had a slight collision in the first corner of the race and had to repair the car during the first stop. Charles Weerts has integrated very well into our team and was able to complete many valuable laps this weekend.”

Raffaele Marciello (#98 BMW M4 GT3, ROWE Racing): “We can be very happy with the podium today. Our pace was good, and we had a good strategy. The main goal this weekend was to prepare ourselves as well as possible for the 24-hour race because that’s where it really counts. Of course, you can never be one hundred percent perfectly prepared for such a special race, but I think we are in a good position.”

Sheldon van der Linde (#99 BMW M4 GT3, ROWE Racing): “Fourth place is a good result to end the weekend. We may not have had the fastest car, but our pit stops were great and ultimately got us to this position. Of course, the preparation for the 24-hour race was the main focus, and we ticked all the boxes on our list. That also applies to me personally. It was my first time this season on the Nordschleife, and I was able to complete many laps which helped me a lot. I feel very well prepared.”

Charles Weerts (#72 BMW M4 GT3, BMW M Team RMG): “It was a good weekend for us, where we could finish both races without major problems. As a team, we are still finding the perfect tuning for the new tyres. That worked out much better on Sunday than on Saturday. Personally, I learn something new with every single lap on the Nordschleife and am gathering many valuable experiences. Things are already going quite well, but I can certainly continue to improve.”

BMW

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

DTM checks: Three Schubert Motorsport BMW M4 GT3s on the racetrack for the primary time in new designs.

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Hockenheim. Schubert Motorsport took benefit of the official DTM take a look at drives at Hockenheim (GER) on Tuesday and Wednesday to intensively put together its three BMW M4 GT3s for the season begin on the finish of April. The BMW M works drivers René Rast (GER), Sheldon van der Linde (RSA), and Marco Wittmann (GER) hit the monitor for the primary time within the new automobile designs of the BMW M Motorsport Partners RoboMarkets, Shell, and Schaeffler. At the top of the 4 take a look at periods, the drivers drew a optimistic conclusion .

In addition to the DTM, the ADAC GT Masters additionally performed take a look at periods at Hockenheim. The FK Performance Motorsport crew participated with two BMW M4 GT3s.

On the sidelines of the testing, ADAC introduced the continuation of the BMW M2 Cup. In the 2024 season, the vehicles will not be centrally deployed and managed however can be run by a number of groups. Along with this alteration, the portfolio of fashions eligible for the Cup has expanded. Three automobile classes are eligible to begin, together with the BMW M2 CS Racing within the 450 HP and 365 HP variations, in addition to the 340 HP BMW M240i Racing. The BMW M2 Cup occasions are compact and happen over two days. Practice, qualifying, and races are held solely on Saturday and Sunday. The junior sequence will compete at a complete of 5 DTM occasions and can maintain two races lasting 25 minutes every weekend. The season begins from 24th to 26th May on the Lausitzring (GER).

Comments on the DTM take a look at:

Björn Lellmann (Head of Customer Racing at BMW M Motorsport): “When you walk through the Hockenheim paddock during the test drives, you immediately get the unique DTM feeling that still makes this race series special. The Schubert Motorsport team and our BMW M works drivers used the two days for intensive preparation. The professional attitude of all participants is impressive and gives me confidence that the team led by Team Principal Torsten Schubert will play an important role in the title race in the 2024 season. I also wish FK Performance Motorsport success in the ADAC GT Masters and ADAC GT4 Germany for the great effort they are putting into the upcoming season. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for everyone and look forward to the season start in just over two weeks when Schubert Motorsport will celebrate its home game at Oschersleben.”

Marco Wittmann (#11 Schaeffler BMW M4 GT3): “I am very satisfied with the first test. We were able to try a lot, and everything went well. For me, it was primarily about getting to know the team and the engineers. This is crucial because we can only be successful during the season if we trust each other blindly.”

Sheldon van der Linde (#31 Shell BMW M4 GT3): “The test could hardly have gone better. I am very satisfied with the processes in the team and the fact that we were able to complete our programme without any problems. I also really like the new design of my car. It’s a real eye-catcher in the starting field and is sure to be easy to recognise in the races.”

René Rast (#33 RoboMarkets BMW M4 GT3): “It was a good test. We had no problems over the two days, were able to try out many things, and were also fast in the end. All very positive. Having three cars in the garage was a bit of an adjustment at the beginning, but Schubert Motorsport already has the processes well under control. Let‘s keep it up.”

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

BMW Motorrad Motorsport welcomes OUTDO CORP as new Technical Partner within the WorldSBK undertaking.

Munich. BMW Motorrad Motorsport has a brand new Technical Partner by its aspect within the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) this season: the globally famend battery producer and energy options supplier, OUTDO CORP. This new sturdy partnership was formally introduced in the course of the WorldSBK race weekend in Barcelona (ESP). The collaboration between BMW Motorrad Motorsport and OUTDO CORP encompasses each WorldSBK groups, the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team and the Bonovo motion BMW Racing Team.

OUTDO is an revolutionary firm specializing within the analysis and growth, manufacturing, gross sales, and after-sales service of rechargeable batteries. It owns globally famend manufacturers equivalent to OUTDO, OD, LEO, and so on. For 27 years, the varied sequence of battery merchandise produced by OUTDO have been in demand in over 100 international locations worldwide, receiving excessive recognition from international companions and customers available in the market.

“We are very pleased to welcome OUTDO into our BMW Motorrad Motorsport family,” mentioned BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director Marc Bongers. “It’s great to have a Technical Partner like OUTDO by our side. As a globally renowned battery manufacturer, OUTDO brings extensive experience and leading technologies in the field of rechargeable batteries. The strong partnership with OUTDO is a significant asset to our entire WorldSBK project and helps us take the next step forward. We look forward to a successful collaboration!”

Chairman of OUTDO, Mr. Zhimin Ke, acknowledged that the company tradition and targets of OUTDO align properly with these of BMW Motorrad Motorsport: “OUTDO has always emphasized on continuous technological research and development and product innovation capabilities. OUTDO will provide excellent products and leading technical support to BMW Motorrad Motorsport, injecting new vitality into the WorldSBK championship through the strong new alliance.”

The new partnership kicked off with a profitable first official joint weekend: in Barcelona, OUTDO CORP and BMW Motorrad Motorsport celebrated collectively a pole place, two victories, and one other podium end for Toprak Razgatlioglu (TUR) and the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team.

For extra details about OUTDO CORP comply with this hyperlink:

https://www.huawei-battery.com