Jeff Seabrook

Sakhir . The Sunday following the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) season finale at the Bahrain International Circuit was dedicated to the FIA WEC Rookie Test. BMW M Motorsport gave three of its BMW M works drivers from the GT3 programmes the opportunity to complete their first laps in the BMW M Hybrid V8 of BMW M Team WRT: Valentino Rossi (ITA), Dan Harper (GBR), and Max Hesse (GER).

All three had prepared for the Rookie Test in advance in the BMW M Motorsport simulator in Munich (GER). Hesse had already contributed to development work there during the season, and both he and Harper had previously taken part in an aerodynamic test in the cockpit of the BMW M Hybrid V8. For Rossi, it was his debut in the BMW M Motorsport Hypercar. In two sessions over a total duration of five hours, the trio had the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the Hypercar on the racetrack. Rossi was driving the #20 BMW M Hybrid V8, Harper and Hesse shared duties in the #15 car.

Sakhir. At the penultimate round of the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) in Japan’s Fuji, BMW M Team WRT celebrated the first podium finish for the BMW M Hybrid V8, and during the finale of its debut season in the FIA WEC, the hypercar once again proved its potential for top positions. In the 8 Hours of Bahrain (BRN), the #15 BMW M Hybrid V8 dropped out of podium positions only in the eventful final stages, finishing the race in sixth place. Due to a penalty for a competitor, the car was subsequently promoted to fifth position. The #20 car, which also had a strong start to the race, was forced to retire due to a technical issue.

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

"The 2024 motorsport season is entering the home stretch – and for our BMW M Motorsport drivers and teams, it's about securing the last crucial points for the BMW M Sports Trophy Awards. In December, we will continue our tradition of more than 50 years and once again honour the most successful participants in the BMW M Sports Trophy. In addition, we will launch a new exciting project in 2025, for which there will be more information in the coming weeks. Looking back at the past racing events, I congratulate all the successful crews who have represented for BMW M Motorsport around the world with their victories and podium finishes."

Munich. The 8 Hours of Bahrain on 2^nd November marks the end of BMW M Motorsport's debut season in the Hypercar class of the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC). The goals for the season finale are to add to the first podium finish recently achieved in Fuji (JPN) with the BMW M Hybrid V8 through another top result and to secure second place in the World Championship standings in the LMGT3 class with the #31 BMW M4 GT3 driven by Augusto Farfus (BRA), Sean Gelael (INA), and Darren Leung (GBR). On the Sunday following the race, the FIA WEC Rookie Test is scheduled, where Valentino Rossi (ITA), Dan Harper (GBR), and Max Hesse (GER) will take the wheel of the BMW M Hybrid V8 .

The trio has prepared for their Rookie Test in the BMW M Motorsport simulator in Munich (GER). Hesse was involved in the development work during the season. He and Harper have also previously completed an aerodynamics test. For Rossi, it will be his premiere in the cockpit of the LMDh car.

The day before the Rookie Test, Team WRT will enter the race with two BMW M Hybrid V8s, two BMW M4 GT3s, and the goal of ending the 2024 season with a highlight. In the #15 BMW M Hybrid V8, Raffaele Marciello (SUI), Dries Vanthoor (BEL), and Marco Wittmann (GER) are aiming for another podium after their second place at Fuji a few weeks ago. The same goes for Robin Frijns (NED), René Rast (GER), and Sheldon van der Linde (RSA) in the sister #20 car.

In the LMGT3 class, Augusto Farfus, Sean Gelael, and Darren Leung are in third place in the drivers' standings with 85 points. Second place is only five points away and can still be captured with a good race result. In car #46, Ahmad Al Harthy (OMA), Maxime Martin (BEL), and Valentino Rossi will compete, the trio having stood on the Fuji podium, finishing third.

The 8 Hours of Bahrain will start on Saturday, 2^nd November, at 12:00 CET (14:00 local time).

Comments before the 8 Hours of Bahrain:

Munich. The FIA GT World Cup in Macau (CHN) is a highlight at the end of a racing season – and this year, BMW M Motorsport will approach this highlight on the legendary Guia Circuit with an exceptional line-up. Four BMW M4 GT3s will be driven through the narrow streets of the Asian metropolis by four BMW M works drivers on 16th/17th November. Included in the line-up are the two-time Macau winner and defending champion Raffaele Marciello (SUI), the 2018 Macau winner Augusto Farfus (BRA), as well as Sheldon van der Linde (RSA) and Dries Vanthoor (BEL). 

This year marks Raffaele Marciello's Macau debut with BMW M Motorsport. In 2023, he achieved his second-double of winning the qualification and main races on the Guia Circuit, following his first in 2019. It was also his farewell weekend with Mercedes. Last year, Augusto Farfus finished third in the main race driving the BMW M4 GT3 entered by ROWE Racing, also making it to the podium. The Brazilian celebrated his major triumph in 2018 with the BMW M6 GT3, clinching the qualifying and main race double. He also had a podium finish in the qualifying race in 2017 as the runner-up.

Sheldon van der Linde is set for his second appearance in Macau following his debut last year. He will once again compete in the BMW M4 GT3 adorned with an exceptional Manhua design from BMW M Motorsport's Premium Technology Partner Shell. In 2023, the South African claimed a strong fifth place in the qualifying race but unfortunately retired from the main race due to a tyre issue while in contention for a podium finish. Vanthoor participated in Macau in 2018 and 2019, notably recording the second-fastest qualifying time in 2019.

Hockenheim. Title celebrations for Schubert Motorsport after the 2024 DTM season finale at Hockenheim (GER). For the second time since 2022, the team, led by team principal Torsten Schubert, has been crowned champion in the team standings. To conclude the year, René Rast (GER) drove the #33 RoboMarkets BMW M4 GT3 to a third-place finish on the podium. Throughout the season, Rast, Sheldon van der Linde (RSA), and Marco Wittmann (GER) achieved a total of four victories and three additional podium finishes .

After 16 races, Schubert Motorsport has 361 points in the team standings, 35 more than the runner-up. In the driver standings, Rast finished the season in fourth place with two wins, one second place, one third place, and 172 points. Van der Linde, who finished ninth in the last race in his #31 Shell BMW M4 GT3, ended the season sixth in the driver standings, while Wittmann finished twelfth after crossing the line seventh in the #11 Schaeffler BMW M4 GT3 on Sunday at Hockenheim.

The final weekend was a reflection of a season with highs and lows. Once again, the qualifying issues that had accompanied Schubert Motorsport and the three BMW M works drivers throughout the year were evident. However, in the race, all three drivers made spectacular comebacks. Rast improved from eleventh on the grid to third place on Sunday, Wittmann drove from 19^th to seventh, and van der Linde from 17^th to ninth. Already on Saturday, Rast had gained nine places to finish seventh. Wittmann and van der Linde finished in ninth and eleventh places, respectively.

Hockenheim/Nürburgring. New name, new design, and the first rigorous test in the “Green Hell”: BMW M Motorsport's new entry-level car had two major appearances this weekend. The BMW M2 Racing was introduced to fans in its new design at the DTM season finale in Hockenheim (GER) in the paddock. In parallel, the first test race was on the schedule at the 4-hour race of the Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS) on the Nordschleife (GER) on Saturday. Images from the photo studio, from Hockenheim, and in racing action can be found attached to this press release.

Munich. After six successful years together, the partnership between BMW M Motorsport and BMW M works driver Nick Yelloly (GBR) came to an end with the conclusion of the IMSA season last weekend at Road Atlanta (USA). Memorable achievements include victories at the 24-hour races at the Nürburgring (GER) in 2020 and Spa-Francorchamps (BEL) in 2023. Yelloly was also at the helm for the historic first win of the BMW M Hybrid V8 in 2023 at Watkins Glen (USA). The Petit Le Mans was his last race before he takes on new challenges starting in 2025. BMW M Motorsport thanks a great professional and wishes him all the best for the future.

In 2019, Nick Yelloly joined BMW M Motorsport and immediately celebrated success at the wheel of the BMW M6 GT3. Together with the FIST-Team AAI, he became the driver and team champion in the China GT Championship. Alongside Walkenhorst Motorsport, he won the qualifying race for the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring (GER). A year later, he achieved his first major triumph on the big stage, winning the 24-hour race for ROWE Racing alongside Nick Catsburg (NED) and Alexander Sims (GBR). In 2021, as the defending champion in the “Green Hell”, he secured the prestigious pole position in top qualifying.

Barcelona. The first titles of the season in the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS have been awarded – and BMW M Motorsport drivers played the leading roles. At the Sprint Cup season finale at Barcelona (ESP), Calan Williams (AUS) and Team WRT celebrated winning the title in the Silver Cup with the #30 BMW M4 GT3. In the Bronze Cup, the title went to BMW M works driver Dan Harper and Darren Leung (both GBR) in the Paradine Competition #991 BMW M4 GT3 entered by Century Motorsport. Dries Vanthoor and Charles Weerts (both BEL) battled in the #32 BMW M4 GT3 for the crown in the Pro-Cup standings of the Sprint Cup but ultimately had to settle for second place. However, the duo defended their lead in the overall GT World Challenge Europe standings from the Sprint and Endurance Cup.

Road Atlanta. What a dramatic season finale of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship! The Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta (USA) really picked up speed in the last of ten racing hours, giving BMW M Team RLL an emotional rollercoaster. Philipp Eng (AUT), Jesse Krohn (FIN), and Augusto Farfus (BRA) were in contention for a podium finish thanks to a late safety car phase. However, a tyre failure just before the end dropped the trio to fourth place. Paul Miller Racing and the driver trio of Madison Snow, Bryan Sellers, and Neil Verhagen (all USA) secured the title in the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup with a seventh-place finish in the GTD PRO class .

The #24 BMW M Hybrid V8, the winning car from the IMSA race in Indianapolis (USA) a few weeks ago, started from ninth position and fell out of the lead lap in the early hours due to a collision for which they were not at fault. It was only in the last hour of the race that the car managed to get back on the lead lap during a safety car phase. Final driver Eng found himself in third position with the leading duo right in front of him. However, instead of being able to challenge for a second consecutive win, he had to pit again due to a slow puncture. His lead over the pursuers was large enough that he was able to finish in fourth place. A good result, but more could have been possible.

The sister car, number 25, had a strong start from third place in the early stages. However, after about four hours, the race was over for Connor De Phillippi (USA), Nick Yelloly (GBR), and Maxime Martin (BEL) due to a technical problem with the fuel supply.

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

“What an incredible weekend it has been for us and our BMW M Motorsport teams! Title win in the Intercontinental GT Challenge for Charles Weerts. Pro-Am title in the GT World Challenge America for Turner Motorsport. Title sweep for BMW Italia Ceccato Racing in the Italian GT Championship. In addition, driver and manufacturer titles in the BTCC as well as class victories at Indianapolis. I am almost at a loss for words to honour these triumphs. Congratulations to all the champions, and a big thank you to all the teams, drivers, and BMW M Motorsport staff who make weekends like this possible through their skill and dedication. I am incredibly proud!”

Indianapolis. Great joy for BMW M Motorsport: In a true heart-stopping finale, Sheldon van der Linde (RSA), Dries Vanthoor, and Charles Weerts (both BEL) triumphed at the Indianapolis 8 Hour. At the finish, the trio in the #31 BMW M4 GT3 from Team WRT had a lead of 0.260 seconds over second place. This secured BMW M works driver Weerts the Drivers' Title at the season finale of the Intercontinental GT Challenge. In the GT World Challenge America powered by AWS, Justin Rothberg and Robby Foley (both USA) in the #29 BMW M4 GT3 from Turner Motorsport grabbed the title in the Pro-Am class.

The foundation was laid at the start: In just a few corners, van der Linde brought the #31 BMW M4 GT3, in the design of Premium Technology Partner Shell, from fourth to second place. After the first driver change, Weerts took the lead at the Motorsport Speedway, which would last for a long time. At times, the trio from Team WRT was half a minute ahead of the rest of the field.

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

“In the motorsport series worldwide, the weeks of truth are beginning, where titles will be decided. Last weekend, the British GT Championship held its season finale. Century Motorsport gave a strong performance with two podium finishes. After the fantastic title win in 2023, this season was more challenging, but we are proud to have our cars so well represented in British GT. I am especially happy for CarBahn Motorsports, who claimed their first victory in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge with the BMW M4 GT4. Congratulations to all the teams and drivers who have been successful in recent weeks. October will be extremely exciting – and hopefully, we will have many titles to celebrate with our BMW M Motorsport teams. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for everyone!”

Spielberg. The recent BMW M Motorsport success streak continued at the penultimate DTM race weekend of the season at the Red Bull Ring (AUT). René Rast (GER) triumphed in the Sunday race with the #33 RoboMarkets BMW M4 GT3, celebrating his second and the fourth season victory for Schubert Motorsport. Sheldon van der Linde (RSA) and Marco Wittmann (GER) finished in sixth and eleventh places respectively on Sunday. After a challenging Saturday race, Team Schubert made a strong comeback with Rast's win the following day and extended their lead in the team standings before the season finale. With 320 points, the team from Oschersleben (GER) has a 39-point cushion in the title fight .

Munich. The upcoming Indianapolis 8 Hour (USA) on 5^th October (Race start: 18:15 CEST) serves as the season finale for both the Intercontinental GT Challenge and the Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS. BMW M Motorsport is in contention for titles in both race series. Team WRT is competing with two BMW M4 GT3s and six BMW M works drivers to secure the driver and manufacturer titles in the Intercontinental GT Challenge. One of the two cars features the design of Premium Technology Partner Shell. Additionally, the simulation software provider Ansys is participating for the first time as an Official Partner. In GT World Challenge America, ST Racing and Turner Motorsport are still in contention for the title in the Pro-Am class. Five BMW M4 GT3s will be taking to the start for this event.