BMW in search of the potential of its LMDh

À avancer cachées, les BMW M Hybrid V8 pourraient-elles surprendre leur monde aux 24 Heures de Daytona ? Tandis que les trois autres constructeurs (Acura, Cadillac, Porsche) ont chacun empoché au moins une séance d’Essais Libres des dix proposées depuis le début du Roar, ce n’est pas le cas de la firme à l’hélice, qui a parfois semblé bien loin de ses rivaux. 

« We're having a little trouble, but we're not too worried, says Colton Herta, who will drive the No. 24 then the No. 25 in the race. As long as the car doesn't break down, it remains an issue that we can work on and that we as drivers can help with. It's clear that we are lacking a bit of basic rhythm, but we were behind schedule, so it's normal from that point of view. We just need to work twice as hard to catch up. »

The two German prototypes thus seem to have been spared major problems during testing. “ We've only had pretty minor issues so far, nothing that could put an end to our race », confirms Herta. An important fact as reliability will be at the heart of everyone's attention in Florida. It is even a source of concern for some, notably at Acura. 

Without certainty over 24 hours, the Japanese manufacturer had asked its two cars to take pole position to demonstrate its pace. What Tom Blomqvist achieved perfectly for Meyer Shank Racing. For the race, it will be another story. Daytona is a marathon, not a sprint. “ We are aware that we are at the limit when it comes to reliability », even admits simon pagenaud, Blomqvist's teammate at MSR.

Like Honda's premium branch, BMW did not complete an endurance test, its attempt being halted by technical problems after a few hours. At the end of 2022, during pre-season testing at Daytona, the Munich firm was chasing the clock and only arrived at the International Speedway with its roadworthy test car, performing the Shakedown of its first version race on the same track before carrying out the burn-in of the second in Austin a week later. The youth of the program compared to the others explains this lack of rhythm.

BMW is focused on development

« We are focused on our development, explains Andreas Roos, director of motorsport at BMW to AUTOhebdo. Not everything worked out the way we wanted, but we took advantage of the Free Practice to review the points that are on our list. We were able to check off a lot, but we still have a certain number left. Not everyone is at 100%, but with the tight schedule we've had to face to be here starting from a clean sheet 18 months ago, I have great respect for our team for making this possible. There is still a lot of work to do. We know he still has potential in the car, we still have to find it. » 

« We didn't have the time we wanted because we made the decision quite late to commit. Our schedule was even more complex, but other manufacturers are facing the same problems as us. Having a car like this in 18 months is a real challenge. »

While waiting to find performance, it is in the area of ​​reliability that BMW will try to surprise its opponents this weekend. “ You don't win a 24 hour race because you are fast for the first hour or two, Roos explains. You have to survive, you have to be reliable, you have to reach the finish line at the last minute. Knock on wood, because our cars are working well here so far. We had a few problems during testing, but nothing serious. »

A good omen for the race? The winners on Sunday evening will probably be those who spend the least time solving problems.

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