Team WRT succeeds in its first tests with the BMW M Hybrid V8

At the end of May, the Belgian team, which will defend the colors of BMW M Motorsport in the FIA WEC 2024, took the new BMW M Hybrid V8 for the first time at Dingolfing, the BMW Group's testing ground in Bavaria, Germany. Next, a three-day test session was held at Motorland Aragón, in Alcañiz, Spain. BMW M works drivers Sheldon van der Linde, Dries Vanthoor, Maxime Martin and Jesse Krohn took turns at the wheel, later joined by Dan Harper and Max Hesse from the BMW M Junior team for a first functional test.

The sessions ran smoothly and the BMW M Motorsport and BMW M Team WRT engineers gathered a lot of information and data which will be very useful in the development program of the new car and the many other tests to come. Meanwhile, the BMW M Hybrid V8, which is already racing in the United States, achieved its first series victory last weekend IMSA in Watkins Glen, NY, with Connor De Philippi and Nick Yelloly in the car.

Preparations actually began in January, as Team WRT personnel participated in the United States in the work surrounding the launch of the IMSA program and were involved in the construction of the car in Munich, with the aim of familiarizing themselves with all processes and to contribute to them. Preparation work has also been intense at the team's factory in Baudour.

The countdown to the return of BMW M Motorsport to the FIA ​​WEC and the Le Mans 24 Hours is underway. Last week, BMW M Team WRT successfully completed the first test drives with the BMW M Hybrid V8 at Aragón… #WEC @followWRT pic.twitter.com/7L30timin6

— BMW M Motorsport (@BMWMotorsport) June 26, 2023

“Last week marked the successful start of our WEC preparation program, said Andreas Roos, director of BMW M Motorsport. The BMW M Hybrid V8 ran smoothly during the first tests and provided our engineers and the team with many lessons learned. Many thanks to everyone at BMW M Motorsport in Munich and the BMW M Team WRT for making this successful kick-off possible. Of course, the experiences we have accumulated with BMW M Team RLL in IMSA also contributed to this. At the start of the LMDh program, we deliberately chose to compete exclusively in IMSA before joining the FIA ​​WEC. We benefit today from this approach. There is still a lot of work left before the first races. We are all very motivated to work throughout the year. »

“This is a big step and one that we have all worked very hard for, continues Vincent Vosse, team principal BMW M Team WRT. This is an important step for the team. Being at Le Mans has always been a goal for the team, but being at Le Mans representing a manufacturer like BMW in the premier class is a dream come true. And I feel like we have the best manufacturer behind us. The guys did a great job building and preparing the car. The start-up went well and we then had test days without problems and with good feedback. This has been an important first step in preparing for the 2024 season. I can't wait and want to say a big thank you to everyone involved. »