IMSA – Connor de Phillippi joins BMW Team RLL

Titled in ADAC GT Masters in 2016 and winner of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring this season with the Land Motorsport Audi R8 LMS GT3, Connor by Phillippi will move to the next level in 2018.

Le natif de la Californie, ancien pilote Junior Porsche, rejoindra en effet le BMW Team RLL pour piloter la nouvelle M8 en catégorie GTLM en IMSA next season. « Being part of the BMW family is something I am very proud of, specifies the American. Driving for BMW Team RLL is an accomplishment for me. »

Connor de Phillippi knows the IMSA series well, having notably won Petit Le Mans last October in GTD, again with the Audi R8 LMS – Land Motorsport with Christopher Mies. The new recruit of Bobby Rahal's structure is not the only one confirmed for 2018 since John Edwards will extend his lease.

Bill Auberlen, aligned with Team RLL in recent years in IMSA, will, however, take a step back by becoming an ambassador for BMW North America. The 2017 GTLM vice-champion will however be aligned with the North American events. Endurance Cup, namely the 24 Hours of Daytona, the 12 Hours of Sebring, the 6 Hours of Watkins Glen and Petit Le Mans.

« My goal remains to reach the top of the list of winning sports car drivers in the United States and I want this success to be shared with BMW, admits Auberlen. We are only three wins away. We haven't yet determined what else I could drive, but any opportunity in a BMW race car is good. »

BMW Team RLL was recently testing at Miami-Homestead in Florida. Edwards, De Phillippi but also Martin Tomczyk, aligned in 2017 with John Edwards, were present. BMW is expected to confirm all of its drivers on December 15 during the end-of-season festivities.