BMW M Team WRT and the BMW M4 GT3 accomplished an impressive feat by securing two victories in the supporting races at the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans. The BMW M Team WRT, alongside renowned BMW M works drivers Valentino Rossi and Max Hesse, participated in the Road to Le Mans support races, which are integral to the Michelin Le Mans Cup.
In the first race, Hesse and his teammate Tim Whale emerged victorious on Thursday, showcasing their exceptional skills. In the subsequent two 55-minute races, Rossi teamed up with Jérôme Policand and displayed an outstanding performance, ultimately earning Rossi his first GT3 triumph with a bold overtaking maneuver on the penultimate lap. Meanwhile, Hesse and Whale secured a commendable one-two finish as runners-up, highlighting the strength of the WRT team.
This marked BMW M Team WRT’s debut at Le Mans with BMW M Motorsport, serving as a prelude to the much-anticipated introduction of the BMW M Hybrid V8 in the top class in 2024. For the current season, the team entered two LMP2 cars for the 24-hour race, concluding their participation in this category. Another BMW M4 GT3, fielded by the GMB Motorsport team, also competed in the Road to Le Mans races, with drivers Roland and Kristian Poulsen securing seventh and fifteenth places respectively, adding to BMW’s strong presence in the event.
To commemorate the historic milestone of the 100th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a legendary BMW race car, the BMW V12 LMR, which secured the overall victory for BMW M Motorsport in 1999, took to the track for demonstration laps throughout the weekend. Additionally, the iconic BMW Art Cars by Alexander Calder and Jeff Koons, which made waves at Le Mans in 1975 and 2010 respectively, were on display, adding to the festivities and celebrating the rich heritage of BMW in motorsports.
Last year, BMW announced its entry into the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, with plans to compete in the LMDh prototype car class. The BMW LMDh V8 made its debut at Daytona, and the brand has set its sights on a Le Mans entry by 2024. The BMW LMDh car will join other notable manufacturers such as Porsche, Cadillac, Lamborghini, and Alpine on the grid, promising an exciting future for BMW in endurance racing.
Overall, BMW’s achievements at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, along with their ongoing commitments to innovation and participation in prestigious racing events, demonstrate their unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of performance and showcasing their excellence on the global stage.
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