WEC - BMW to partner with WRT for its Hypercar programme

How could it be otherwise? Having become the team to beat in LMP2 from its first season in the category, WRT should have been defending Audi Sport's interests in Hypercar from 2023. But the company with the four rings is unfortunately losing interest in motor racing and has finally put an end to its programme. In secret, and two days before the shakedown of its LMDh. The good old days of Dr Ullrich are long gone!

➡️ On the same topic :

• The end of WRT and Audi Sport!

• BMW M Motorsport returns to Le Mans

• All the pictures of the BMW M Hybrid V8 in Varano  

The misfortune of some making the happiness of others, BMW did not let pass the opportunity to ensure the services of one of the best teams of the planet. One week after making its presence in the WEC official with its LMDh, which will start competing in IMSA in 2023, the Munich-based manufacturer has revealed the identity of its partner team. Not surprisingly, it is the entity of the Vincent Vosse-Yves Weerts duo which is the lucky one, which is only fair. 

“It is fantastic to see how our LMDh project has been gaining momentum in recent weeks,” said Franciscus van Meel. “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 programmes, with BMW M Team RLL in the IMSA series and Team WRT in the WEC.”

“The successes and extensive experience make Team WRT the ideal partner for our return to Le Mans, said Andreas Roos, current director of BMW M Motorsport. From the word go, discussions with Vincent Vosse and his partners were very positive. It was immediately clear that we share a passion for the WEC project and the BMW M Hybrid V8, and it did not take long to come to an agreement on collaboration. There will now be a period of intensive preparations next year, before the first competitive appearances in 2024.”

This association is due in particular to the excellent relationship between Vincent Vosse and Andreas Roos, whom the former Belgian driver met... when Andreas was working for Audi. “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 Vincent 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 programme 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 neighboring box. We will work hard to repeat these moments and live them together.”

From next year onwards, WRT will therefore participate in the development of the BMW Hypercar, which will make its return to the main class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans the following year, 23 years after its victory with the V12 LMR of Yannick Dalmas-Pierluigi Martini-Joachim Winkelhock. And this before entering it in the WEC the following season. 

GT3, LMP2, BMW M HYBRID M8... WHAT'S NEXT IN 2023 FOR WRT? In addition to the development of the BMW M Hybrid V8, what will the Baudour team be doing next year? On the sidelines of the Spa 24 Hours last Friday, Valentino Rossi confirmed his intentions to continue in the GT World Challenge next year. Relations with Team WRT are excellent, so why change? Further proof that the Vincent Vosse-Yves Weerts entity should continue in the SRO series... but obviously by swapping its Audi R8 LMS GT3 for BMW M4 GT3s. But Andreas Roos said : "We have not yet considered any potential appearances for Team WRT in GT racing. Over the coming months, we will make a decision about our race programme for the BMW M4 GT3 in the 2023 season in close collaboration with all our BMW M Motorsport teams." We believe it will be the case for sure. Finally, in order to keep up with the pace of proto and endurance racing, LMP2s should once again be entered in the WEC.