WRT to Race New BMW in 2024

Reigning WEC LMP2 champions Team WRT will race the all-new BMW LMDh challenger in the 2024 Hypercar category.

WRT co-owner and team principal, Vincent Vosse, inked the deal with the Munich manufacturer to field the BMW M Hybrid V8 last month. The new opportunity will see WRT race with its second German manufacturer in recent years after a previous long relationship with Audi Sport.

WRT is set to race the BMW LMDh in the project’s second year as the car is planned to debut in next year’s IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTP class with a two-car factory effort from the Bobby Rahal and David Letterman owned Team RLL squad.

“It is fantastic to see how our LMDh project has been gaining momentum in recent weeks,” said BMW M CEO Franciscus van Meel, who signed the agreement alongside WRT’s Vincent Vosse and Pascal Weerts, and BMW M Motorsport director Andreas Roos.

“First the successful rollout of the BMW M Hybrid V8, followed by the decision of the Board to approve the return to the WEC – and now the agreement with one of the best and most successful teams in endurance racing.

“We are proud and delighted that a top-quality team like Team WRT has agreed to take on our BMW M Hybrid V8 and compete with it at Le Mans, and at all the other WEC races.

“The next few years will see us in a great position in both top race programs, with BMW M Team RLL in the IMSA series and Team WRT in the WEC.”

WRT accomplished major success in its first season in the WEC sealing last year’s title in addition to the European Le Mans Series crown and also winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in class.

“All of us at Team WRT are extremely happy with the start of this new partnership with BMW M Motorsport and feel honoured to be associated with a brand that has such an awesome pedigree in motor racing,” said Vosse.

“Team WRT was launched thirteen years ago and has enjoyed continuous success in different categories, mainly GT3 and endurance racing.

“Since the very beginning, the 24 Hours of Le Mans has been in our plans and in our dreams and being part of the new Hypercar era of the FIA WEC that is about to open, was our strongest desire.

“To prepare for that, we have launched a program in LMP2 two years ago, where we have proved to be competitive and successful, taking ELMS and FIA WEC titles, and also a class win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in our maiden participation.

“Entering the LMDh arena with a strong partner such as BMW M Motorsport was the logical next step and we are not only thrilled about the challenge ahead but also thankful for BMW M Motorsport’s trust in us.

“I can still remember when BMW M Motorsport won at Le Mans in 1999, as I was one of the drivers of the team in the neighbouring box.

“We will work hard to repeat these moments and live them together.”