A podium in WEC, a double in IMSA: BMW's crazy week in Endurance

In the space of a week, the Munich firm has achieved two historic results with a first podium in WEC at Fuji, then a double in IMSA at Indianapolis, reflecting the efforts made to improve the M Hybrid V8 over the past two years.

Published on 23/09/2024 à 17:02

Dorian Grangier

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A podium in WEC, a double in IMSA: BMW's crazy week in Endurance

©BMW

What a week for BMW in the premier categories of theEndurance ! The propeller brand has just achieved two historic performances in less than eight days with its LMDh, the BMW M Hybrid V8. In Fuji, on September 15, the German team associated with Team WRT took its first podium in the World Endurance Championship, in the Hypercar category thanks to Raffaele Marciello, Dries Vanthoor and Marco Wittmann. A week later, on September 22, the Bavarian clan – associated with Team RLL in the United States – achieved an incredible double with the victory of the No. 24 of Philipp Eng and Jesse Krohn ahead of the No. 25.

BMW finally shines in IMSA

An incredible double result for BMW, which has suffered for a long time with its machine since its launch in IMSA, in 2023. In a year and a half, the German manufacturer had only won one victory across the Atlantic… on the green carpet at Watkins Glen last year. In Indianapolis, in terrible conditions, the two BMWs braved the rain and the elements to win, even if the M Hybrid V8 is still not the fastest car on the grid.

“This week has been incredibly successful for our LMDh program with the first podium in WEC and the first one-two in IMSA. Congratulations to the BMW M Team RLL who, despite a difficult season, continued to work with the BMW M Motorsport engineers to make this success possible, said Andreas Roos, Head of BMW M Motorsport, happily.. I am very pleased that we have managed to convert the potential that our M Hybrid V8 has often demonstrated this season into top results twice in a row. This is a well-deserved reward and a great motivation for everyone involved in our LMDh project."

In Indianapolis, BMW Team RLL was the most inspired team, putting on slick tyres first, before resisting the return of the competition, notably from the Porsche No. 6. The American-German team did not give any team instructions, so the two GTPs engaged in a spectacular battle in the last hour. "I am almost speechless. I am extremely happy for everyone at BMW and Team RLL, said Philipp Eng after his victory. Everyone more than deserved this success. Personally, this victory is very emotional because I have experienced difficult times here in North America, when the expected results were not there. Today was our day. Now, it is time to celebrate.

ALSO READ > Indianapolis – BMW scores a double, misfortune for Bourdais and Grosjean

Dorian Grangier

A young journalist nostalgic for the motorsport of yesteryear. Raised on the exploits of Sébastien Loeb and Fernando Alonso.

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