Misano. What a race weekend for BMW M Team WRT! The Belgian staff dominated the second season occasion within the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS Sprint Cup at Misano (ITA) and celebrated victory in each races. In the primary run within the afternoon, Valentino Rossi (ITA) repeated his residence victory from final season along with Maxime Martin (BEL). Dries Vanthoor and Charles Weerts (each BEL) accomplished the one-two outcome for the BMW M4 GT3. In the second race, which was held within the night beneath darkness, Vanthoor and Weerts had been unbeatable. Rossi and Martin completed third. In the Sprint Cup general standings, Vanthoor and Weerts have taken the lead after two of 5 season occasions.
In qualifying on Friday, pole positions in each classes hinted that BMW M Team WRT and the BMW M4 GT3 had been very robust in Misano. That was confirmed within the races. While Vanthoor and Weerts secured an excellent place within the title struggle with their second season victory after the opening race at Brands Hatch (GBR), the #46 BMW M4 GT3 will solely compete within the Endurance Cup for the remainder of the season after its two visitor begins within the Sprint Cup.
In the Silver Cup, Calan Williams (AUS) and Sam De Haan (GBR) within the Team WRT #30 BMW M4 GT3 additionally achieved two victories at Misano and considerably prolonged their lead within the general standings. In addition, Century Motorsport, in its debut season within the GT World Challenge Europe, completed second within the Bronze Cup in race two. BMW M works driver Dan Harper and Darren Leung (each GBR) shared the cockpit of the #991 BMW M4 GT3.
Comments after the races:
Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “Congratulations to BMW M Team WRT on an incredible race weekend at Misano! Two victories, including the second home success for Valentino Rossi alongside Maxime Martin, and the overall lead in the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup for Dries Vanthoor and Charles Weerts following their commanding victory – simply gigantic! Plus, two more successes in the Silver Cup for Calan Williams and Sam De Haan – the team led by Vincent Vosse has once again proven its extra class. I am also very pleased with the strong results for Century Motorsport in the Bronze Cup. The team is getting along well from the start in its first season in the highly competitive GT World Challenge Europe. The BMW M4 GT3 has won four of the five season races so far at Le Castellet, Brands Hatch, and Misano, proving its versatility on three completely different tracks. This makes us very optimistic for the rest of the season. Thank you to everyone who contributed to these successes!”
Vincent Vosse (Team Principal BMW M Team WRT): “We now have 50 victories in the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup – what an impressive number! I can’t praise the team enough for its performance during the pit stops today. Everyone did a perfect job. I am especially pleased because we showed a strong reaction after our recently difficult weekend at the FIA WEC at Spa-Francorchamps. Now we can go into the countdown for Le Mans with a good feeling.”
Valentino Rossi (#46 BMW M4 GT3): “A fantastic weekend here at Misano! To have won at home again after last year is great. Maxime secured pole position on Friday, but I knew immediately that it would be tough in the race against our sister car. That’s how it turned out, and Charles Weerts put a lot of pressure on me at the end of the first race, but I didn’t make any mistakes and brought home the victory. I am very happy about that. In race two in the evening, we tried to finish second, but we couldn’t overtake on this track. Nevertheless, we can leave Misano very happy with a double podium.”
Maxime Martin (#46 BMW M4 GT3): “To win in Valentino’s backyard and to get on the podium a second time is fantastic! Since we are not contesting the entire Sprint Cup season, we can definitely say that we are finishing it on an absolute high after our two guest starts. Now I am looking forward to the upcoming highlights in the Endurance Cup.”
Dries Vanthoor (#32 BMW M4 GT3): “We always get along super well as a team at Misano. With first and second place, we had a very good weekend again this time and collected important points for the championship. Our crews were once again the fastest in the pit stops – many thanks for that! I am still a little annoyed about my mistake on Friday in qualifying, without which we would have started from pole position in both races. But we made a good comeback in race one to finish second. In the second race, we executed perfectly.”
Charles Weerts (#32 BMW M4 GT3): “Victory, second place, and pole place: It was an incredible weekend for us, with which now we have now additionally taken the lead within the general standings. Many because of everybody for the nice job! We knew that the Misano observe fits us, and as a staff, we received the utmost out of it. We are in a great place after two season occasions, however there will definitely be tracks the place we’ll wrestle extra. That’s why it was so vital to take many factors at Misano.”
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Donation sum of BMW for “Dunks for Tomorrow” rises to €122,000 forward of FC Bayern München Basketball’s play-off begin.
Munich. At the conclusion of the Bundesliga common season, FC Bayern Munich Basketball celebrated a premiere final Sunday. For the primary time this season, the crew coached by Pablo Laso scored greater than 100 factors at BMW Park. With a 101:71 blowout victory over the Rostock Seawolves, the desk chief additionally made it thunder on the basket a number of occasions as FCBB achieved 5 dunks on the thirty fourth BBL matchday. Thus, the dunk depend for the “Dunks for Tomorrow” initiative elevated to a powerful 122 dunks by the top of the common season.
Since the season opener, the joint social dedication of BMW München and FC Bayern München Basketball has been underway. For each dunk that the Reds rating at a house recreation at BMW Park throughout all competitions, BMW will donate €1,000 to SOS-Kinderdorf e.V. after the play-offs. The donation sum helps kids and youth from deprived households in varied methods of their improvement.
With the 5 dunks towards Rostock, the crew led by centre Serge Ibaka elevated the BMW donation sum to €122,000 earlier than the beginning of the play-offs, a powerful interim outcome after 37 video games at BMW Park. But that is not all, as there are more likely to be a number of extra dunks. As winners of the common season, FC Bayern München Basketball not solely begins the play-off quarterfinals with two dwelling video games but in addition hosts the primary two encounters of a possible semi-final and remaining collection at BMW Park. Additionally, in every spherical, a decisive fifth match would happen in Munich if essential.
These are optimistic indicators for “Dunks for Tomorrow,” but in addition from a sporting perspective as BMW Park has turn out to be a fortress for Munich in its first season. FCBB celebrated 16 victories in 17 Bundesliga video games at its dwelling venue in Munich’s Westpark, which had already proved to be a superb court docket for the crew round world champions Andreas Obst, Isaac Bonga, and Niels Giffey throughout BBL-Pokal. At the Top Four in February, FC Bayern München Basketball gained the German Cup for the second time in a row, and it occurred proper at BMW Park.
On 18 May, FC Bayern München Basketball‘s hunt for the subsequent trophy – and for extra hits for a superb trigger – begins with the play-off begin at BMW Park.
GT World Challenge Europe: BMW M Team WRT kicks off 2024 Sprint Cup season with a victory.
Brands Hatch. BMW M Team WRT has began the 2024 season of the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS Sprint Cup with a victory. Dries Vanthoor and Charles Weerts (each BEL) gained the primary of two races held on Sunday at Brands Hatch (GBR) within the #32 BMW M4 GT3. Their teammates, Valentino Rossi (ITA) and Maxime Martin (BEL), who’re collaborating in particular person begins within the Sprint Cup with the #46 BMW M4 GT3, have been unrewarded for his or her robust performances.
Starting from third place, Vanthoor introduced the #32 automobile as much as second earlier than the motive force change. With an ideal and swift pit cease, BMW M Team WRT ensured that Weerts returned to the monitor because the chief. After an hour of racing, the group celebrated a well-deserved victory for Vanthoor and Weerts. Rossi/Martin completed fifth however dropped to fifteenth as a consequence of a time penalty.
In the second race, Martin and Rossi managed to climb as much as a brief sixth from eleventh on the grid. However, a couple of minutes earlier than the top, whereas mendacity in P8, Rossi reported steering points and needed to head into the pits. Weerts and Vanthoor, beginning tenth, crossed the end line in seventh.
In the Silver Cup, Team WRT’s #30 BMW M4 GT3 was profitable: Sam De Haan (GBR) and Calan Williams (AUS) completed the 2 races in second and third positions within the class, respectively, securing podiums of their class.
Reactions after the races at Brands Hatch:
Vincent Vosse (Team Principal BMW M Team WRT): “It’s a great way to start the Sprint Cup season with a win here at Brands Hatch. Dries did a great job to take P2 after a few laps and then the pit crew did an excellent job, they were one and a half seconds quicker than anybody else, which brought us to P1 and Charles finished the job in the best way. It was a pity for the number 46 car of Valentino and Maxime. They were in P5 at the end of race one, but got a penalty for speeding in the pit lane. In race two, unfortunately an issue stopped them after they had put in a strong chase through the field. But they also did a great job.”
Dries Vanthoor, #32 BMW M4 GT3: “The first lap of race one was very interesting. I gained a position and then lost it again. So I tried to hunt down the Ferrari in front of me. It was difficult, I just tried to make no mistakes and to drive as fast as I could. It was crucial to stay as close to P1 as possible. Then the boys did an amazing pit stop and Charles did a great job to keep P1 and the win. Race two was a bit more difficult as we started from tenth. Finishing seventh was the best we could do. Now I’m looking forward to the next race.”
Charles Weerts, #32 BMW M4 GT3: “Dries did a great job qualifying us in third for race one. Then he had a very good start to the race. When we came to the pit stop, the guys in the pits did an amazing job – as we are used to from them. So we were able to take the lead in the pit, which was crucial in a way as it would have been very, very difficult to do so on track. So they played a very big part in this victory. It has been a great start to the season and that win will give us momentum for the next rounds.”
Maxime Martin, #46 BMW M4 GT3: “It’s not been the weekend we were expecting, but it’s always nice to come here and race on an old school track. It was still a very positive weekend for the team, as they had a victory with the sister car. We had some good fights and good fun. Let’s see what Misano brings!”
Valentino Rossi, #46 BMW M4 GT3: “I got my first podium with the BMW M4 GT3 here at Brands Hatch, but this time it was more difficult! Yesterday we suffered a lot but today it was better. Unfortunately, I had a problem with the steering in the second race, where I had to retire and we also had a penalty for speeding in the pit lane in race one. Anyway we suffered more than we expected, but it was still a pleasure to race at Brands Hatch! Let’s see what we can do in Misano!”
DTM Opener in Oschersleben: Schubert Motorsport experiences rollercoaster of feelings at house spherical.
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.”
DTM season opener: Schubert Motorsport competes with three BMW M4 GT3s on the dwelling race in Oschersleben.
Munich. The 2024 DTM season, during which the racing collection celebrates its fortieth anniversary, begins for Schubert Motorsport with an actual spotlight: the house occasion on the gates of the corporate’s headquarters in Oschersleben (GER). The workforce has intensively ready for the season up to now weeks with testing in Hockenheim (GER) and Oschersleben, the place it is going to discipline three BMW M4 GT3s for the primary time. DTM champions René Rast (GER), Sheldon van der Linde (RSA), and Marco Wittmann (GER) will compete within the colors of BMW M Motorsport companions RoboMarkets, Shell, and Schaeffler, aiming for podium finishes and victories .
The observe document of the motive force trio in DTM is spectacular. Rast has three titles and 26 wins in 106 races, Wittmann two titles and 18 wins in 178 races. Van der Linde has one title and 5 wins in 84 races. Schubert Motorsport is coming into its third DTM season. Following the win of the motive force and workforce titles at its debut in 2022, the workforce completed fourth within the workforce standings final season. In simply two years, Team Principal Torsten Schubert and his crew have achieved 5 wins and 9 further podium finishes.
At the official testing in Hockenheim, the BMW M4 GT3s made a robust impression, and the workforce collected a lot precious information. Last week, the automobiles accomplished their laps within the Motorsport Arena, the place the primary two races of the 12 months shall be held on Saturday and Sunday every at 13:30 CEST. The supporting programme additionally contains the season begins of the ADAC GT Masters and ADAC GT4 Germany, the place FK Performance Motorsport will compete with a big contingent within the BMW M4 GT3 and BMW M4 GT4. Other GT4 groups representing the colors of BMW M Motorsport are Hofor Racing by Bonk Motorsport and ME Motorsport, every fielding two BMW M4 GT4s within the ADAC GT4 Germany.
Comments earlier than the DTM season opener:
Björn Lellmann (Head of Customer Racing at BMW M Motorsport): “I am incredibly excited for a packed race weekend in Oschersleben. DTM, ADAC GT Masters, and ADAC GT4 Germany – that means: Five BMW M4 GT3s and eight BMW M4 GT4s are fighting for victories and podium places in the most prominent German GT racing series. These are impressive numbers that underline how popular our BMW M Motorsport race cars are with our customers. Schubert Motorsport has a great track record in DTM and is entering the race with a very strong line-up. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for Torsten Schubert, our BMW M works drivers, and the team that they will have a successful home game and a strong season following the good testing results. In the ADAC GT Masters and ADAC GT4 Germany, FK Performance Motorsport is fielding a total of two BMW M4 GT3s and four BMW M4 GT4s. Thank you for this fantastic commitment to BMW M Motorsport and the racing series. I wish the team as much success as Hofor Racing by Bonk Motorsport and ME Motorsport, who are each bringing two BMW M4 GT4s to the start in the ADAC GT4 Germany.”
Torsten Schubert (Team Principal Schubert Motorsport): “It’s great to start the season in my hometown because I have a lot of connections with Oschersleben. We expect more than 1,000 guests over the weekend and will also offer the spectators in our own fan area a varied programme. We are generally very satisfied with the testing ahead of the season. Fielding three instead of two cars is a challenge for the team. It takes some time to get the way of working within the crews 100 percent right. But this will quickly fall into place thanks to our experienced team members. Drivers, engineers, and mechanics complement each other – the whole team is great! Even though the Oschersleben circuit does not optimally suit the strengths of the BMW M4 GT3, we will do everything we can to compete at the front.”
Marco Wittmann (#11 Schaeffler BMW M4 GT3): “I used the testing to get to know the team as well as possible because it’s incredibly important that we trust each other. We were very satisfied with our pace in Hockenheim. Of course, the true balance of power is never shown in preparation, but it was nice to see that we are competitive. Even if the Oschersleben circuit may not suit the car as well as Hockenheim, we will do everything we can to achieve good results for Schubert Motorsport at the home game.”
Sheldon van der Linde (#31 Shell BMW M4 GT3): “There have also been personnel changes in my crew, so the tests were very good for me to optimally coordinate with my engineers so they know what I need to be fast. Overall, I think the new team structure will make us even stronger. The car felt good at both tests. Of course, we don’t yet know what that will be worth, but I’m going into the season with a good feeling.”
René Rast (#33 RoboMarkets BMW M4 GT3): “For me, it was the first time in a while that I was back in my DTM car in Hockenheim. It felt very good, especially in Hockenheim. We struggle a bit more in Oschersleben, but we learned a lot during the tests. Now we’ll see where we really stand this weekend.”
IMSA Long Beach: Strong tempo of the BMW M Hybrid V8 goes unrewarded – Turner Motorsport on the GTD podium.
Long Beach. In the primary dash race of the season within the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship at Long Beach (USA), BMW M Team RLL was unable to realize the hoped-for first podium end of the 12 months after a powerful qualifying. Nick Yelloly (GBR) and Connor De Phillippi (USA) began the 100-minute race from second place however initially fell again throughout their pit cease in a yellow flag interval and later resulting from a broken entrance on the tight avenue circuit in California. While Philipp Eng (AUT) and Jesse Krohn (FIN) within the #24 BMW M Hybrid V8 completed in sixth place, Turner Motorsport celebrated a podium within the GTD class .
In the third race of the season, following the endurance classics at Daytona and Sebring (each USA), BMW M Team RLL was denied the primary podium of the 12 months 2024 regardless of the sturdy tempo of the BMW M Hybrid V8. In the primary half of the race, Yelloly held his floor within the main group and even took the lead. However, a yellow flag simply earlier than the deliberate pit cease for the #25 BMW M Hybrid V8, which introduced the sphere again collectively, resulted in De Phillippi falling again to fifth place. There, he was repeatedly concerned in tight duels, resulting in collisions and in the end a broken entrance that needed to be modified within the pits. A number of laps earlier than the tip, the race for automobile #25 ended after a slip into the tyre obstacles. De Phillippi and Yelloly have been categorized ninth within the GTP class. Eng and Krohn, ranging from ninth place, discovered it troublesome to maneuver ahead on the road circuit however collected essential factors with a sixth-place end.
BMW M works driver Robby Foley and his teammate Patrick Gallagher (each USA) had purpose to have fun. The duo made a powerful comeback within the Turner Motorsport #96 BMW M4 GT3, ranging from seventh place and ending second on the rostrum within the GTD class.
Reactions after the race:
Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “Part one of the first double-header with our BMW M Hybrid V8 in the IMSA series and the FIA WEC unfortunately did not bring the hoped-for first podium of the season. After starting from second place and showing strong pace in the race, the positions of sixth and ninth are disappointing. Nevertheless, it is good to see that our LMDh car is competitive on all tracks and over all race distances in its second year in the IMSA series. We will continue to work hard to reward ourselves with corresponding results. The next opportunity to do so will be in May at Laguna Seca. Congratulations to Turner Motorsport, Robby Foley, and Patrick Gallagher on the podium in the GTD class. I am pleased to see that the circuit in Long Beach continues to be good ground for the BMW M4 GT3 after the last two years’ victories.”
Jesse Krohn (#24 BMW M Hybrid V8, sixth place): “The field was so close together that it was extremely difficult to move forward. Due to the yellow flags, the lapping of the GTD drivers, which we had hoped to take advantage of, did not come into play as expected. That is of course disappointing because the performance of the car was much better than the result. At least we took some points. Now we focus on Laguna Seca.”
Nick Yelloly (#25 BMW M Hybrid V8, ninth place): “The race did not go well. My stint was okay, even though I was unlucky once when lapping and lost a place because of it, but the yellow flag just before our pit stop put us on the back foot. We wanted to make up ground with a late stop, but the regrouping of the field nullified this strategy. We had a very strong car here in qualifying, and we were also among the fastest in the race when we could run freely. Especially in the corners, we were better than our competitors. We will continue to work on improving even further.”
24 Heures Motos: BMW Motorrad Motorsport kicks off its title chase within the FIM Endurance World Championship at Le Mans.
Le Mans. Go time for the endurance heroes. BMW Motorrad Motorsport kicks off the 2024 season within the FIM Endurance World Championship (FIM EWC) with the 24 Heures Motos at Le Mans (FRA) on twentieth/twenty first April. In the highest class, the Formula EWC, BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team returns to hunt for total victories and the world championship title with the #37 BMW M 1000 RR. This yr, the core trio consists of Markus Reiterberger (GER), Ilya Mikhalchik (UKR), and new addition Sylvain Guintoli (FRA). The fourth rider is Estonian Hannes Soomer. In the Superstock class, the Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team is the recent BMW contender. In its 2023 debut season, the French staff proved that it’s among the many greatest within the discipline.
For complete details about BMW Motorrad Motorsport’s involvement within the FIM EWC 2024, please go to on-line:
BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team.
The three common BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team riders for the 2024 season comprise continuity and a powerful addition. The two BMW Motorrad manufacturing facility riders Reiterberger and Mikhalchik have been integral elements of the staff led by Team Manager Werner Daemen (BEL) because the debut season 2019/20. Together, they instantly secured podium finishes with the #37 bike, adopted by their first victory in 2021. In the 2022 season, they celebrated triumph on the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps (BEL) and completed as runner-ups on this planet championship. Last season, the Reiterberger/ Mikhalchik staff claimed podium finishes in all three 24-hour races, achieved sixth place as the most effective European staff in Suzuka (JPN), and completed third on this planet championship standings.
The outstanding new addition to the trio is Guintoli, who has already clinched the world championship title in each the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) and the FIM EWC. The Frenchman is likely one of the most skilled and revered riders in worldwide motorbike racing. As a BMW Motorrad manufacturing facility rider, he’s additionally a part of the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Test Team and intently concerned within the growth of the BMW M 1000 RR.
Another new member of the BMW household is Soomer. The 26-year-old Estonian will help each the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team and the Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team because the fourth rider within the upcoming season.
Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team.
The Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team competed in its first full season within the Superstock class of the FIM EWC, the FIM Endurance World Cup, in 2023. The staff, led by Team Principal Arnaud Sassone (FRA), is a collaboration between the French Tecmas Racing Team, Werner Daemen’s firm Motorcycle Racing Parts, and BMW Motorrad Motorsport. The Tecmas Racing Team has lengthy been profitable within the French Superbike Championship (FBSK) and had beforehand competed in chosen FIM EWC races within the EWC class.
Last yr’s Superstock debut of the Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team couldn’t have gone higher. At the season opener, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the staff celebrated its first victory within the Superstock class with riders Kenny Foray (FRA), Jan Bühn (GER), and Loïc Arbel (FRA). The staff continued to point out convincing performances with the #9 BMW M 1000 RR within the following races as effectively. However, technical induced DNFs prevented additional prime outcomes.
Foray, Bühn, and Arbel will proceed to compete for the Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team this season. The line-up can be supplemented by Soomer because the fourth rider.
24 Heures Motos.
Prior to the season opener, there can be a possibility to take part in non-public check classes on Tuesday, sixteenth April. The 24 Hours of Le Mans race weekend begins on Thursday, 18th April, with free follow, the primary qualifying classes, and evening follow. The remaining determination on the beginning positions can be made within the second qualifying session on Friday morning. The race itself, the forty seventh version of the 24 Heures Motos, will begin on Saturday at 15:00 CEST.
In addition to the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team and the Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team, two different BMW groups will take part in Le Mans: Japanese Team Étoile and Team T2C Racing from France. Both will compete within the Superstock class.
Quotes earlier than the season opener at Le Mans.
Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director: “We are entering the FIM EWC 2024 well prepared and with great confidence. Over the winter, our engineers, together with our technical partners, have further optimised the #37 BMW M 1000 RR as a complete package in many areas, from the power unit to the chassis and electronics to the exhaust system, brakes, and tyres. On the rider side, we have one of the best trios in the field with Markus, Ilya, and Sylvain in the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team. Together with the experienced team led by Werner Daemen, they form the perfect squad to achieve our goal, which is to fight for the world championship title. Everyone knows how strong the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team is, and now we want to take the next step forward. In the Superstock class, the Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team has already shown in the past season that it belongs at the absolute top. Over the winter, we have intensively worked on the technical side to address the deficits identified in 2023. Now we are looking forward to Le Mans – we are ready! Of course, endurance racing has its own laws, and a lot can happen in 24 race hours. But we are confident.”
Werner Daemen, Teammanager BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team: “Our target for the season must be to fight for the world championship as we do every year. Of course, in endurance you also need some luck. Last year, we had a very good season, we were on the podium in all three 24-hour races and finished in a strong sixth place in Japan. I think, if we can do the same this year, and if we maybe can win one or two races and stand on the podium in the other ones, then we can fight for the title. That is the main goal. All looks good, we are well prepared and the feeling is very good.”
Sylvain Guintoli (#37 BMW M 1000 RR, BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team): “We go into the 24 Heures Moto at Le Mans with a very positive mindset because we’ve done some testing and it went better and better. The most successful test was the Pre-Test at Le Mans where we all had a good feeling with the bike and also a good race rhythm. We worked for the race in all conditions, we are ready, and for sure, the objective is to win the race. We are going into this with confidence and the bike is behaving really well. For me, it’s a new bike this year and I am very happy with it, everything is going well. So there are big hopes for this race in Le Mans and for the entire season, but we have to think from race by race and now focus 100 per cent on Le Mans. I can’t wait and am looking forward to it.”
Ilya Mikhalchik (#37 BMW M 1000 RR, BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team): “I’m looking forward to the race week at Le Mans and am pretty confident. It also looks that the weather stays dry and quite good. This also adds to my positive feelings. During free practice we need to focus on finding the final settings before we head into the qualifications and the race. But overall, we already have a very good base and I we will start from this and work on improving the small things we need to. I think that we will have good days at Le Mans. Let’s enjoy our progress and riding the bike and have great moments there. We can’t wait to start the season!”
Markus Reiterberger (#37 BMW M 1000 RR, BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team): “After the positive Pre-Test at Le Mans, we have of course set high goals for ourselves. We aim to take the next step this year and get even closer to our ultimate goal, the world championship. After the previous years we are now aiming for the top position. We are well-prepared for Le Mans. There are a few minor things we still need to improve, but we have everything necessary on board and will give our best from both the team and rider side. During the free practice sessions we will try to fine-tune the bike a bit more to suit us as riders and continue to adapt to each other within the new line-up, so that we can attack properly in qualifying and have a good, stable, and fast bike for all three riders in the 24-hour race with the aim of hopefully standing at the top on Sunday. It will be a long and tough race, a long, tough season, but I believe we are all in good spirits and have realistic chances.”
Arnaud Sassone (Teamchef Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team): “We really are confident. We proved last season that we could go and obtain the title. The performance was there together with the strategy. We only missed the reliability in the races at Spa and at the Bol d’Or, after we had pole position and the fastest race lap on both occasions. BMW in Germany worked a lot on the reliability and this should pay off. On the riders’ side, we did changed nothing and that is an asset. We know that we have strong team, a strong bike and strong riders, and our goal is clearly to win the FIM Endurance World Cup.”
Technical information #37 BMW M 1000 RR.
Capacity / engine: 999 cc, four-cylinder four-stroke engine with 4 titanium valves per cylinder and variable consumption camshaft management BMW ShiftCam, liquid-cooled, titanium rods, 2-ring pistons
Gearbox: Constant mesh 6-speed gearbox with straight minimize gears
Output: > 215 hp at over 14,000 rpm
Bore x stroke: 80 x 49.7 mm
Fuel system: Electronic injection, variable consumption manifold size
Tank capability: 24 l
Lubrication: Wet sump
Dry weight: 168 kg with out tank
Wheelbase: 1,450 mm (variable)
Length: 2,080 mm
Width: 538 mm
Front wheel management: ZF Upside-down telescopic CFK fork with pressurised damping system
Rear wheel management: Underslung BMW swing arm, full-floater central spring ZF twin tube monoshock
Front brake: Twin-disc Motomaster 320 mm, Nissin radial 6-piston callipers
Rear brake: Single-disc Motomaster 220 mm, Nissin 2-piston callipers
Wheels: PVM forged aluminium wheels, entrance 17’’ x 3.5’’, rear 17’’ x 6.0’’
Tyres: Dunlop
FIM EWC 2024 calendar.
twentieth/twenty first April – 24 Heures Motos Le Mans – France
eighth June – 8 Hours of Spa Motos – Belgium
twenty first July – Suzuka 8 Hours – Japan
14th/fifteenth September – Bol d’Or Le Castellet – France
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.
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)
Final preparations for the 2024 FIM EWC: BMW Motorrad Motorsport on the Pre-Test for the 24 hours of Le Mans.
Le Mans. At BMW Motorrad Motorsport, the countdown to the beginning of the 2024 season within the FIM Endurance World Championship (FIM EWC) is underway. With the two-day Pre-Test at Le Mans (FRA) this week, the ultimate section of preparations for the season opener has begun. It will happen from 18th to twenty first April on the identical venue, that includes the racing traditional 24 Heures Motos. The BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team, which is able to compete in 2024 with Markus Reiterberger (GER), Ilya Mikhalchik (UKR) and new addition Sylvain Guintoli (FRA), labored on fine-tuning the #37 BMW M 1000 RR for the 2024 season throughout the take a look at.
While the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team with Reiterberger, Mikhalchik and Guintoli competes within the highest class, Formula EWC, for total victories and the title, the Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team enters its second full season within the FIM EWC’s Superstock class. Like final 12 months, Kenny Foray (FRA), Jan Bühn (GER), and Loïc Arbel (FRA) will alternate on the #9 BMW M 1000 RR. Also current on the take a look at at Le Mans was BMW’s new addition Hannes Soomer. The 26-year-old Estonian will help each groups because the fourth rider within the upcoming season.
Additionally, two extra BMW groups from the Superstock class ready for the season opener on the take a look at. The Japanese Team Etoile is utilizing the #25 BMW M 1000 RR and Team T2C Racing from France is competing with the beginning quantity 2.
Reactions to the Pre-Test at Le Mans.
Werner Daemen, Team Manager BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team: “In the end, I think we can be very happy with the test. We know what to do for race week. For sure, not everything was perfect but it looks like we have found a good way. All three riders did a very good job so I think we are well prepared for the race in two weeks’ time and I have a good feeling.”
Sylvain Guintoli: “It was a positive test. We got a lot of work done and had all the conditions that we could get. We had rain and then dry and then rain again, so we did a lot of testing in the wet as well which was good. The pace was good in wet and dry for everybody so it’s looking good and we managed to find some interesting solutions for the setup which was the idea of these two days. We’re happy with the progress and now I’m very much looking forward to the race in two weeks’ time. Hopefully we can fight for the win; that’s the objective.”
Ilya Mikhalchik: “The test was quite tricky with the weather conditions but in the wet, we did not have a bad feeling and then in the end we had a few hours in dry conditions. That also went pretty well but we still have some work to do for the race weekend to further improve the bike. That will be our focus in the next two weeks. We are ready to fight again and will try to bring our bike to the top.”
Markus Reiterberger: “We finished the test in third place, and all three of us were within four-tenths of a second. Unfortunately, I encountered some traffic on my fast lap and couldn’t quite show my best but we are quite satisfied. We sorted out a lot and tried things during this test which is important for the race. It was also positive that we made good progress in the rain. All three of us were at or near the front in all conditions. Of course, we all need to keep working hard to achieve our goals because there’s always room for improvement. We have now identified everything, understood the new package for 2024, and the new team composition, and know which direction we need to work in to be at the front in two weeks. Many thanks to the team, and now we keep pushing!”