BMW M Hybrid V8 performed well at ROAR
During the Roar before the 24 last weekend, BMW M Motorsport drivers and teams intensely prepared for the first season highlight of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IWSC), the 24 Hours of Daytona (USA). One week before the race, three test days featuring seven sessions were held, during which BMW M Team RLL with its two BMW M Hybrid V8s gave strong performances. Dries Vanthoor (BEL) set the overall fastest time with 1:35.424 minutes. Kevin Magnussen (DEN) and Kelvin van der Linde (RSA) used the tests to complete their first laps as BMW M works drivers.
GTP class
In the GTP category, BMW M Team RLL carried out an extensive testing programme, completing more than 370 laps at the Daytona International Speedway. In the #24 BMW M Hybrid V8, Philipp Eng (AUT), Dries Vanthoor, Kevin Magnussen, and Raffaele Marciello (SUI) took turns driving. In car #25, Marco Wittmann (GER), Sheldon van der Linde (RSA), Robin Frijns (NED), and René Rast (GER) shared the cockpit. Three of the sessions ended with a BMW M Hybrid V8 setting the best time. BMW M Motorsport newcomer Magnussen spent a lot of time getting accustomed to the car and team.
📷© IMSA. #24 BMW M Hybrid V8, BMW M Team RLL.
Dries Vanthoor (#24 BMW M Hybrid V8, BMW M Team RLL): “I'm happy with how the Roar went. It feels good to know that everything is running smoothly and that the car is performing well. But of course, it all counts next weekend. That's when the winners are crowned, and that's when we need to be there.”
📷 © Courtesy of IMSA. #25 BMW M Hybrid V8, BMW M Team RLL.
Marco Wittmann (#25 BMW M Hybrid V8, BMW M Team RLL): “We can be very satisfied with the sessions at the Roar. We've checked many things off our to-do list, so next week we can focus on fine-tuning. The goal is to be well-prepared for the first season highlight and hopefully compete for the podium and the win. Our performance at the Roar was encouraging, but we all know that it really counts in the race.”
GTD classes
The four Porsche 911 GT3 R cars in the GT categories logged a combined mileage of more than 4,000 kilometers.
GTD PRO
In the GTD-PRO class, Kelvin van der Linde had his premiere at the wheel of the #1 BMW M4 GT3 EVO from Paul Miller Racing. He shared driving duties with Madison Snow, Neil Verhagen, and Connor De Phillippi (all USA). In the sister #48 car, Dan Harper (GBR), Max Hesse (GER), Jesse Krohn (FIN), and Augusto Farfus (BRA) were in action. Harper and Hesse missed the first test day due to illness but caught up on their laps without issues later on. In total, the team’s two BMW M4 GT3 EVOs completed around 370 laps. They sported the BMW M Motorsport “Inception” design for the first time, which they will sport throughout the season.
📷 © Courtesy of IMSA. #1 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, Paul Miller Racing.
Kelvin van der Linde (#1 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, Paul Miller Racing): “For me, it was most important to cover as many kilometres as possible in the first few days. Thanks to the support of my teammates, I quickly got used to the BMW M4 GT3 EVO. They really helped me a lot. I feel comfortable in the car and am ready to go full attack at the 24-hour race. We'll have to see where we stand in terms of performance this week, but the mood in the team is good.”
📷 © Courtesy of IMSA. #48 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, Paul Miller Racing
Dan Harper (#48 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, Paul Miller Racing): “Max and I caught some virus after our win at the 24H Dubai and didn't feel well, so we missed the first day. Our teammates Jesse and Augusto took the opportunity to prepare the setup of the new car. We built on that on the second day, and I think we have a pretty good base. The team is doing a great job, very organised and professional. We definitely have room for improvement in terms of speed on a single lap, but there are still a few practice sessions left.”
GTD class
In the GTD class, Turner Motorsport tested its new BMW M4 GT3 EVO. Over the course of the Roar before the 24, the four drivers Robby Foley, Patrick Gallagher, Jake Walker (all USA), and Jens Klingmann (GER) completed around 150 laps. Starting next Thursday, the Daytona racing action continues with practice and qualifying.
📷 © Courtesy of IMSA. #83 Iron Dames Porsche 911 GT3 R.
Jens Klingmann (#96 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, Turner Motorsport): “Our focus in preparation for the race was clearly on the car's behaviour over the race distance. You don't win a 24-hour race in the first lap, so we worked on finding a good balance and pace for the long runs. The dress rehearsal of the brand-new BMW M4 GT3 EVO went perfectly. We put the car on the track, and everything worked exactly as it should. We are optimistic that we will have a package this week that can compete for the podium.”
24 Hours of Daytona WeatherTech schedule
Thursday, January 23, 2025 WeatherTech Championship’s sessions are programmed as follow:
Practice 1 from 10:05 AM to 11:35 AM ET
Qualifying from 2:10 PM to 3:40 PM ET
Practice 2 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM ET
Friday, January 24, 2025 WeatherTech Championship’s sessions are programmed as follow:
Practice 3 from 11:20 AM to 12:20 AM ET
The Rolex 24 goes green at 1:40 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 25 with qualifying on Thursday, January 23. The race will feature live television segments on NBC and USA and flag-to-flag coverage on Peacock in the U.S., and IMSA.com for international viewers.
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