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News

New scorching Alfa Giulia Quadrifoglio to concentrate on driver engagement

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“I don’t want to become an SUV brand even if the world is switching to SUVs,” Imparato added. The Giulia will reintroduce a number of design cues from historic Alfa Romeos, most notably together with the abrupt ‘Coda Tronca’ rear finish. Nonetheless, it should stay a totally fashionable proposition.

Design boss Alejandro Mesonero-Romano warned: “We have to be careful how much inspiration we take from the past. As designers, a little like chefs, the aim is to mix classic ingredients into a ‘new sauce’ that today’s generation will respond to.”

The new Giulia will substitute the present automotive on the road at Stellantis’s plant in Cassino, Italy, the place it should be a part of the following Alfa Romeo Stelvio and the Maserati Grecale.

A brand new Maserati Quattroporte, additionally primarily based on the STLA Large construction, had been scheduled to enter manufacturing at Cassino subsequent 12 months, however this has been postponed till 2028 for additional improvement and price reductions.

In the meantime, Alfa Romeo is ready to increase its line-up considerably with ambitions of worldwide progress. Its first series-production electrical automotive, the Milano SUV, is due in sellers in a matter of months, and the new-generation Stelvio will observe subsequent 12 months.

An electrical Porsche Cayenne rival is due in round 2027, and senior executives have prompt it might be joined by a number of area of interest fashions, following the launch later this 12 months of the £1.7 million, extremely restricted 33 Stradale supercar.

BMW

GT World Challenge Europe: BMW M Team WRT kicks off 2024 Sprint Cup season with a victory.

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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!”

News

The Most Affordable Large Cars In 2024, Ranked By Reliability

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While SUVs have undoubtedly been a seemingly unstoppable drive within the automotive world for these seeking to stretch their legs, they nonetheless have some competitors. Full-size sedans take that leap from compact and mid-size vehicles and provide spacious interiors and a ton of luxurious gear to make any journey an pleasing expertise.

Historically, this phase has not been probably the most dependable, with all of the added engineering and expertise that goes into making a luxurious automotive working in opposition to them. These vehicles can even include a hefty price ticket, which is why SUVs have managed to eat into their gross sales so effortlessly. If SUVs are extra to your style, we now have a separate listing on the reliability of large luxury SUVs.

Hope is just not misplaced, nevertheless, for lovers of huge sedans and coupes. There are nonetheless a handful of inexpensive choices on this phase that provide all of the attract of an SUV in a lower-to-the-ground package deal. We check out probably the most inexpensive choices available on the market and rank them by reliability in order that you recognize which of them are going to final with out making additional dents in your checking account.

In compiling this text, we now have cross-referenced info for car reliability, upkeep, and pricing from sources like J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, RepairPal, CarEdge, Consumer Reports, and ScorchingCars to provide the latest and correct info doable. Please word that we now have ranked the next fashions primarily based on most dependable to least dependable.
Related
20 Most Reliable SUVs According To Consumer Reports

Be it a brand new or used automotive, reliability is a vital metric to contemplate, and this is how a few of these newest SUVs fare for predicted reliability.

10 2024 Volvo S90

Reliability Score: 35/100

Volvo

The Volvo S90 is a unique luxury sedan. It sits someplace in between mid-sized and full-sized sedans. Its inside is exclusive as effectively, having that iconic Volvo format. Its beginning MSRP of $58,300 additionally makes it some of the inexpensive government saloons available on the market. Consumer Reports gives it 35 out of 100 for predicted reliability.

Reliability

  • Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $9,422 (CarEdge)
  • Total Recalls: 0
  • Worst S90 Year To Buy Used: 2017

The Volvo S90 is just not the most well-liked automotive within the U.S. and due to that, there is not a ton of information accessible on it. The NHTSA hasn’t examined the 2024 mannequin for security as of but. There are only a few complaints in regards to the 2024 mannequin 12 months, nevertheless. CarEdge provides perception into what it prices to personal a Volvo S90. They declare that the S90 is $2,539 cheaper to take care of in its first ten years than the typical luxurious sedan. It’s additionally 12.75 p.c much less prone to want a significant restore over this time.

9 2024 Audi A6 Allroad

Reliability Score: 43/100

Audi

Audi is without doubt one of the ‘large three’ German luxurious automakers. The A6 Allroad will not be a full-sized sedan, however its wagon styling undoubtedly classifies it as a big automotive. Its beginning MSRP of $69,300 can also be a steal for this wonderful mix of consolation and functionality. Consumer Reports gives it a 43 out of 100 for predicted reliability. An E-Tron version of the A6 is simply across the nook for EV followers.

Reliability

  • Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $913 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $9,252 (CarEdge)
  • Total Recalls: 0
  • Worst A6 Allroad Year To Buy Used: 2003

The Audi A6 Allroad has a wonderful security ranking, with the NHTSA awarding it an general 5 stars. It additionally manages to beat the typical luxurious automotive when it comes to possession prices, with CarEdge claiming the A6 is $2,709 cheaper to take care of in its first ten years of possession. The A6 can also be 12.75 p.c much less prone to want a significant restore over this time.

8 2024 Audi A8

Reliability Score: 43/100

Audi

The Audi A8 is the German model’s most premium sedan. In a world of flashy government sedans, the A8 is pretty understated, however in an aesthetic and assured manner. Its beginning MSRP of $90,900 is nothing to scoff at however its appointments and inside consolation undoubtedly justify what you pay. Consumer Reports awards the A8 a 43 out of 100 for predicted reliability. It is one of the least reliable Audi sedans.

Reliability

  • Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $9,895 (CarEdge)
  • Total Recalls: 1
  • Worst A8 Year To Buy Used: 2015

Audi’s A8 is a reasonably spectacular automotive. What is additional spectacular about it’s that it manages to maintain its price of possession comparatively low. CarEdge claims that it’s $2,066 cheaper to take care of in its first ten years than the typical luxurious sedan. It additionally solely has a 26.81 p.c probability of needing a restore that prices greater than $500 in that point, which is way decrease than common.
Related
The Most Affordable AWD German Sports Sedan in 2024

This German sports activities sedan with AWD additionally occurs to be some of the well-rounded in its phase as effectively.

7 2024 Genesis G80

Reliability Score: 44/100

Genesis

Genesis has had some of the spectacular rises of any automotive firm in historical past. They have gone from a distinct segment luxurious model to producing among the finest worth vehicles available on the market. The G80 could price $54,400, however its inside is extra akin to that of a Bentley than the opposite equally priced vehicles in its phase. Consumer Reports gives it a 44 out of 100 for predicted reliability.

Reliability

  • Total Recalls: 0
  • Worst G80 Year To Buy Used: 2018

The Genesis G80 is simply too new and too area of interest of a automotive to have any dependable information relating to how low cost or costly it’s to take care of. However, its extremely low beginning worth and its deep connection to Hyundai means that it’s going to seemingly be inexpensive than the typical luxurious car. The G80 shines relating to security, being the only luxury sedan to earn the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, incomes a five-star ranking in each take a look at.

6 2024 Mercedes E-Class Wagon

Reliability Score: 44/100

Mercedes-Benz

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class may not be as large as the full-size S-Class, however we consider that the wagon model undoubtedly belongs on this listing. Its spacious and posh cabin makes it some of the luxurious wagons on the market, and it undoubtedly packs in some off-road functionality. The E-Class wagon begins at $71,250. Consumer Reports awards it a 44 out of 100 for predicted reliability.

Reliability

  • Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $788 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $11,224 (CarEdge)
  • Total Recalls: 1
  • Worst E-Class Year To Buy Used: 2008

The wagon variant of the E-Class has not but been rated by the NHTSA for security. However, all earlier iterations of this era E-Class wagon achieved a five-star ranking. CarEdge claims that the E-Class is fairly near common relating to upkeep prices in its first ten years in addition to the chance of a significant restore.

5 2024 Toyota Crown

Reliability Score: 53/100

Toyota

Toyota‘s Crown has made an enormous mark on the posh market. It is, by far, the most cost effective full-size luxurious sedan that cash can purchase. However, you would not have the ability to inform when you have been inside. Our test confirms that it’s one of the best-in-class in quite a lot of other ways. With a beginning MSRP of $41,440, Toyota makes luxurious sedans accessible to the plenty. Consumer Reports awards it 53 out of 100 for predicted reliability.

Reliability

The Toyota Crown is an extremely new automotive available on the market, hitting the roads for the primary time in 2022. This means dependable information surrounding upkeep prices is all however non-existent. The NHTSA additionally hasn’t but examined the Crown. Toyota is a model that’s recognized for its reliability and the extremely low upkeep prices of its vehicles. We count on that the Crown will have the ability to dwell as much as that legacy.
Related
The Most Fuel-Efficient Full-Size Sedan In 2024

Meet the 2024 Toyota Crown: reigning supreme because the epitome of gasoline effectivity in full-size sedans, balancing luxurious and economic system.

4 2024 Lexus LS

Reliability Score: 55/100

Lexus

Lexus is the posh arm of Toyota and, as such, they profit from the excellent popularity that Toyota has constructed for reliability and low possession prices. The LS is the biggest sedan within the Lexus lineup and begins at $80,685. Despite costing lower than a few of its German rivals, it is severely underrated and lives as much as each expectation you’d have of an ultra-luxury sedan. Consumer Reports awards it a 55 out of 100 for predicted reliability.

Reliability

  • Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $767 (RepairPal)
  • Total Recalls: 0
  • Worst LS Year To Buy Used: 2007

There is surprisingly little information on the market surrounding the Lexus LS, regardless of it having been round for what seems like eternally. However, Lexus enjoys the identical popularity for reliability and low upkeep prices as Toyota does, particularly as a result of Lexus elements are sometimes pulled from the Toyota bin. You can realistically count on your LS to have lower-than-average upkeep prices when in comparison with different luxurious sedans.

3 2024 BMW 7-Series

Reliability Score: Not Yet Tested

BMW

BMW‘s 7-Series is the German model’s flagship sedan. It could also be extraordinarily giant, however wonderful BMW engineering ensures that it’s nimble and agile. Its cabin is without doubt one of the most serene locations on earth. While Consumer Reports is but to check the 7-Series, J.D. Power affords scores primarily based on the evaluations of verified homeowners. For high quality and reliability, owners awarded the 7-Series 80 out of 100. We even have a detailed breakdown of the reliability and depreciation of the 7-Series.

Reliability

  • Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $14,453 (CarEdge)
  • Total Recalls: 0
  • Worst 7-Series Year To Buy Used: 2010

The BMW 7-Series is without doubt one of the most costly vehicles to personal and preserve. It has a beginning MSRP of $96,400 with none of the pricey extras. CarEdge claims {that a} 7-Series will price you $2,492 extra to take care of in its first ten years than different in style luxurious sedans. It additionally has a 40.39 p.c probability of needing a restore that prices greater than $500 over this time. After 5 years of possession, your 7-Series could have additionally misplaced over 50 p.c of its authentic worth.

2 2024 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Reliability Score: Not Yet Tested

Mercedes

When you consider a luxurious sedan, it is seemingly that the S-Class is without doubt one of the first vehicles to pop into your thoughts. It additionally comes with an enormous price ticket of $117,300 to begin. However, its cutting-edge expertise and its unmatched ranges of consolation are one thing for which many would fortunately pay that quantity. Consumer Reports has but to check the S-Class for reliability. It achieved an 81 out of 100 for quality and reliability on J.D. Power, although.

Reliability

  • Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $1,249 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $12,306 (CarEdge)
  • Total Recalls: 1
  • Worst S-Class Year To Buy Used: 2007

The S-Class is without doubt one of the longest-running luxurious nameplates, and for good motive. However, when you’re seeking to purchase one used we recommend taking a look at HotCars’ excellent breakdown of why you must keep away from the 2007 mannequin. The S-Class is about on par with different luxurious sedans relating to upkeep prices over ten years. It is about eight p.c much less prone to want a significant restore over this time, although.
Related
Every Mercedes Coupe And Sedan Ranked By Reliability

Some assume German luxurious vehicles could be cash pits. However, with reliability rankings revealed, these Mercedes fashions show in any other case.

1 2024 BMW 8-Series

Reliability Score: Not Yet Tested

BMW 

While the 7-Series represents the best possible in luxurious, the 8-Series targets the premium sports activities sedan phase as an alternative. A big grand tourer with 4 doorways is one thing that’s turning into more and more uncommon. With a beginning worth of $90,800, the 8-Series is just not probably the most accessible automotive. However, those that can afford it are in for the perfect blend of luxury and performance. Consumer Reports does not fee the 8-Series for reliability, but it surely achieves an 85 out of 100 on J.D. Power.

Reliability

  • Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $14,548 (CarEdge)
  • Total Recalls: 0
  • Worst S-Class Year To Buy Used: 2008

The BMW 8-Series is simply as costly to personal and preserve because the 7-Series. CarEdge claims that it prices $2,587 extra to take care of an 8-Series in its first ten years than the typical luxurious sedan. It additionally has almost a 41 p.c probability of needing a significant restore over this time. The 8-Series will lose 45 p.c of its worth after proudly owning it for 5 years.

News

Jaguar to remain in Formula E after reinvention as premium EV model

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Jaguar will stay within the Formula E World Championship till the tip of 2030, saying that it’ll proceed to speed up its improvement of its new era of electrical highway vehicles.

The British model has raced within the electrical single-seater sequence for the reason that 2016-17 season and can contests its a hundredth ePrix in Monaco this weekend.

Jaguar has taken 13 victories in Formula E and is presently main the producers’ championship for the 2023-24 season.

It has now dedicated to Formula E’s forthcoming Gen4 guidelines, which is able to start within the 2026-27 season and run till 2029-30. It will proceed as each a powertrain producer and with its Jaguar TCS Racing manufacturing facility staff. 

Jaguar will likely be reinvented as a premium electric-only model within the coming years, with the primary of a deliberate preliminary line-up (which, as exclusively revealed by Autocar, will likely be led by a big limousine) of three fashions set to reach in 2025.

Remaining in Formula E till the tip of 2030 will subsequently give Jaguar a showcase to spotlight the energy of its EV expertise and showcase its reinvented model picture.

Jaguar motorsport boss James Barclay mentioned the Formula E staff will “continue to drive the rapid development of EV technology on the track”.

He famous that the dedication was proof of the JLR board’s “confidence in the value of competition” and aligned with the agency’s wider Reimagine enterprise technique.

Jaguar has lengthy insisted that motorsport is a useful proving ground to develop new technology for electrical powertrains. That contains work with Wolfspeed on silicon-carbide to be used in semiconductors and with Castrol to re-refine used transmission fluid for competitors use.

The model mentioned each of these applied sciences will likely be utilized by its next-generation EVs.

While technical particulars are nonetheless being finalised, Formula E bosses have mentioned the longer term Gen4 vehicles can have 804bhp and as much as 939bhp of regenerative braking, up from 469bhp and 804bhp for the present Gen3 vehicles.

The chassis will once more be developed by France’s Spark Racing Technologies, whereas Italy’s Podium Advanced Technologies will substitute WAE because the provider of the batteries. Marelli will proceed to provide the entrance motors, that are largely used for regen. Manufacturers are free to develop their very own rear motors.

Jaguar is the second producer to decide to Formula E’s Gen4 period, following Nissan.

Technology

This Igloo Iceless Cooler From Costco Is Going Viral, But Viewers Are Upset About The Price

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In a world the place good coolers exist — such because the 24Q Hybrid Power Cooler from Ryobi and the Makita Outdoor Adventure cooler – why should not we’ve one which runs on electrical energy? But even with its bevy of phenomenal options, there’s little to justify the almost $700 value of the Igloo ICF 80DZ 83-quart Cooler. On an Instagram submit displaying off the cooler from @costconew, customers akin to @michaelcclark1 known as it “Way.. Way Too Expensive as an alternative,” and @buddyhanratty commented, “You had me until the price.”

Most could not comprehend the advantage of such a purchase order, particularly when there is a comparable resolution widespread in most households. User @huntbatchscott expressed this sentiment, saying, “I have an iceless cooler too. It’s called a refrigerator.” Given that each units cool your meals by way of electrical energy, it is easy to see how such a comparability might be made. What attracts most individuals to coolers, nevertheless, is that they will journey with them whereas maintaining their meals cool. But for those who aren’t near a charging port to your electrical cooler, akin to on the seaside or out tenting, then it defeats the aim. 

Commenters believed that their cash could be higher spent on an precise fridge or mini fridge, with many even giving particular suggestions, akin to @alas3k, who shared, “Paid for a Magic Chef mid-size for less than $320!!!” Magic Chef additionally sells a mini fridge for $229 at The Home Depot. For these in search of a better-priced merchandise just like the Igloo cooler, @jmedias_ really useful “Get ICECO instead,” which at the moment prices just below $449 on Amazon.

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.”

BMW

Victory and podiums for the BMW M 1000 RR in WorldSBK and FIM EWC: Successful Super Weekend for BMW Motorrad Motorsport at Assen and Le Mans.

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Assen / Le Mans. Two World Championship occasions with the BMW M 1000 RR in a single weekend – and far celebration at BMW Motorrad Motorsport on a very ‘Super Weekend’. At the third spherical of the 2024 FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) at Assen (NED), Toprak Razgatlioglu (TUR) and the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team celebrated a sensational victory within the second primary race on Sunday after ending second on Saturday. In the FIM Endurance World Championship, the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team began the 2024 season with a second-place end on the Le Mans (FRA) 24 Heures Motos.

 

WorldSBK at Assen.

At the WorldSBK occasion at Assen, Razgatlioglu was heading in the right direction for victory within the first primary race on Saturday. In extraordinarily changeable circumstances, ranging from third place, he was on his solution to taking the lead when the race was red-flagged, thus ending second on the rostrum. A difficult Superpole race on Sunday morning didn’t deter him. Razgatlioglu completed ninth and needed to begin the second race within the afternoon from that place. However, ‘El Turco’ charged by way of the sector and took the lead for the primary time on the eighth lap. In the ultimate levels, he secured the highest spot definitively, thus incomes Razgatlioglu his third victory with the BMW M 1000 RR following the successes at Barcelona (ESP). After Assen, he’s in second place within the championship standings.

Razgatlioglu’s teammate Michael van der Mark (NED) additionally fought for podium positions at his Assen dwelling race. Starting from thirteenth place, he completed seventh within the shortened first race. In the Superpole race, he was the most effective BMW rider, ending eighth. In the second primary race, van der Mark was among the many contenders within the main group earlier than ending sixth. Due to a penalty, he was categorised as ninth. In the Bonovo motion BMW Racing Team, Scott Redding (GBR) secured two top-ten finishes, eighth in race one and tenth within the Superpole race. The finest consequence for his teammate Garrett Gerloff (USA) was eleventh place within the Superpole race, adopted by twelfth place in race two.

FIM EWC at Le Mans.

The well-known 24 Heures Motos at Le Mans marked the opening spherical of the 2024 FIM EWC. The BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team, led by Team Manager Werner Daemen (BEL), made a powerful begin to the brand new season with the #37 BMW M 1000 RR. The three common riders, Markus Reiterberger (GER), Ilya Mikhalchik (UKR), and Sylvain Guintoli (FRA), secured second place on the rostrum. The trio began the twice-around-the-clock marathon from fifth place. With flawless performances from the riders and the crew’s glorious work within the pit, the #37 shortly climbed into the rostrum positions and was already in second place on Saturday after just a few hours of racing. The crew maintained this place till the end on Sunday afternoon.

In the FIM EWC Superstock class, the Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team fought for its second Le Mans victory with the #9 BMW M 1000 RR. Starting from second place in school, Kenny Foray (FRA), Jan Bühn (GER), Loïc Arbel (FRA), and Hannes Soomer (EST) had been briefly within the lead. After a crash in the course of the evening, they labored their manner again as much as fourth place in school, nevertheless attributable to a technical subject, the #9 bike retired prematurely.

Reactions after the race weekend.

 

Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director: “I’m extraordinarily glad – it has been an excellent weekend. Of course, I may solely partly observe Le Mans from Assen, however I watched it till 1 a.m. on Saturday evening and from 6 a.m. on Sunday morning. It’s nice that the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team secured P2 there. We had been additionally a bit fortunate with points at different groups, however that’s additionally a part of a 24-hour race. After ending third final 12 months and second this 12 months, you possibly can think about what the purpose is for subsequent 12 months. It has been a fantastic begin to the FIM EWC 2024.

Here at Assen, it was my dwelling race and a mega occasion for me personally. The many followers, together with the numerous Turkish followers, created a improbable environment. On Saturday, we had been disillusioned to not have a win within the first primary race as a result of we had been very shut nevertheless it confirmed that now we have the tempo to make it. The Superpole Race was barely disappointing; all 4 BMWs had tyre points, leading to positions eight to eleven, however we made up for it within the second primary race. It was a fantastic battle on the entrance with seven or eight bikes inside a second, and Toprak and Mickey proper in the course of it. In the tip, we celebrated one other victory with Toprak and at the moment are additionally within the prime group of the championship. Mickey’s sixth place was sturdy too, although he was sadly moved again. We noticed that the bike has the efficiency, not solely with Toprak, although he squeezes out that further bit. We take these constructive boosts with us.”

Toprak Razgatlioglu, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team (SP: 3 / R01: 2 / SP Race: 9 / R02: 1): “I am very happy. We did a very good job this weekend, especially in race two. It was not easy to take the win but in every lap I pushed hard. Everyone was working so hard this weekend and we finally won in race two. It was my first victory at Assen in the Superbike class, and also the first win here for BMW so I am very happy. It was not really important that I started from P9 because if you are really fast this is not a problem. The only problem was that after the first corner, Alex Lowes almost crashed and I closed the gas. After that, I tried to pass all the riders step by step. I felt confident and especially after ten laps I had very good pace. When the rain came, I just closed the gas because I did not want to take a risk. I just followed Alvaro Bautista who is more experienced than me. Then I started to push again. I wanted to win this weekend and I did.”

Michael van der Mark, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team (SP: 13 / R01: 7 / SP Race: 8 / R02: 9): “I think we should be quite happy with the results this weekend. This morning in the Superpole race, the goal was to be in the top nine and we managed to do it so we had a better start position for race two. I then had a good start and gained some places straight away. I had good pace and the top group was just in front of me. At some point it started raining again in the middle sector. We had some really nice battles and it was great to fight with the guys in front. I struggled a bit at the end of the race with the riding style and fell back a bit into my old habit. I tried to push too hard to follow the guys. Then at the end I got a time penalty. It was a shame to lose P6 but it is what it is. If you look back on the weekend we showed that we are strong. It was also fantastic to see Toprak taking another win today so I am pretty sure that soon we will have two BMWs on the podium.”

Scott Redding, Bonovo motion BMW Racing Team (SP: 15 / R01: 8 / SP Race: 10 / R02: DNF): “The warm up was very cold, but the Superpole Race was pretty good. I managed to find a better feeling again from yesterday which was the goal. It was a lot to play for with the tyres. Everyone went more or less with the same tyre, but it was dropping a lot. We could see that with the lap times and the performance of everyone but I actually felt quite good. The changes we made from yesterday to today were positive so going into race two I had a bit more confidence. I felt ready for the race. My start was ok, but I was stuck a little bit with two guys, struggling to pass them but then while braking into the last corner I lost the front, which I was a bit upset about because I felt I had good pace today for another top-ten or maybe even more. I’m just upset with that. I want to apologize to the team, they’ve been great. We’ll come back for Misano and try again.”

Garrett Gerloff, Bonovo motion BMW Racing Team (SP: 17 / R01: 16 / SP Race: 11 / R02: 12): “Today was better than yesterday. It was nice to just be higher up the order but I’m still so far back it’s getting frustrating. I’m trying different solutions to the things we’re struggling with, but it hasn’t been very clear. I’m pushing but it’s not coming yet. We just have to keep working and see if we can make some improvements for the next race.”

Werner Daemen, Team Manager BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team: “I am very proud that we finished in second place. All three riders made a tremendous job. Nobody crashed, we had some difficulties in the night when it was very cold but all three riders coped with the conditions and I am very proud of them. They went for it over the entire week, worked together well and we had a very good atmosphere in the team. We showed that we are a strong team and I think that the second place is just the start of a fantastic season. I am hundred percent sure that we can fight for the victory in Spa, Suzuka and Le Castellet.”

Sylvain Guintoli, BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team (2nd place 24 Heures Motos): “It was a good weekend. In the end we finished second and we have to be happy with that. We’ve learned a lot and it has been my first experience with the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team with Markus and Ilya. It has been a good experience. It’s a bit of a shame that we didn’t win because we wanted to bring it home but I’m sure that all the experience gained during this weekend and this race, which was pretty tough, will help us to get better in the future. It’s a good base to build on for the rest of the season.”

Markus Reiterberger, BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team (2nd place 24 Heures Motos): “We are very satisfied with the second place. Of course, we would have liked to win, but in such a tough, long race, with so much happening, so many crashes and mistakes, we did quite well. We had good pace, and especially at night, we were very fast when it was really cold. It was a real challenge due to the cold and tricky conditions. Thanks to the team and my teammates who gave it their all. I believe we have shown that we can be contenders in the World Championship. We also know where we need to make adjustments to get even better. Overall, it was a successful weekend with the second place at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.”

Ilya Mikhalchik, BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team (2nd place Heures Motos): “I am really happy about the result. It has been a very difficult race, especially in the night stints when it was almost zero degrees outside. It was a bit cold to ride the bike and the conditions were tricky but even then our bike performances really well, the tyres were working well and everything was okay. We were fighting for the podium places and in the end we got P2 so for sure we are happy. Thanks to the entire crew who worked through all the night and especially thanks to my team-mates who were really fast and did their best in all the stints, no matter what the conditions were.”