Sakhir, Bahrain – Thrilling Conclusion

In a thrilling conclusion to its debut season at the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC), the BMW M Team WRT showcased the impressive capabilities of the BMW M Hybrid V8. After achieving a landmark podium finish at Fuji, the team aimed for another top spot in the 8 Hours of Bahrain. Although the #15 car had a challenging finish, crossing the line in sixth place, excitement was palpable as it fought hard throughout the race.

Race Start and Initial Challenges

The race began with high hopes, as both BMW M Hybrid V8 vehicles secured positions in the highly competitive Hyperpole qualifying round. The #20 car, manned by drivers Renè Rast, Robin Frijns, and Sheldon van der Linde, exhibited exceptional pace, moving from tenth to fifth within the first hours of racing. However, fortune favored them little, as a technical issue caused an early retirement after nearly four hours on the track.

On the other hand, the #15 BMW M Hybrid V8, driven by Marco Wittmann, Raffaele Marciello, and Dries Vanthoor, began its journey from ninth on the grid, gradually climbing the ranks. At approximately two hours from the finish, Vanthoor surged into third position, igniting hopes for another podium finish. Unfortunately, the final stages of the race were marked by unpredictable full course yellows and a flurry of safety car periods, leading to a loss of momentum, ultimately settling for sixth place.

Challenges in LMGT3 Class

In the LMGT3 class, Team WRT faced significant challenges, with the #31 BMW M4 GT3 finishing in the 13th position and the #46 car trailing closely behind at 14th. Despite their best efforts, neither car was able to mount a serious challenge for top placements.

Reflections on the Season

Andreas Roos, Head of BMW M Motorsport, expressed mixed emotions following the race, highlighting the season's achievements despite the barriers faced in Bahrain. “It’s been a long season, and while we had hopes for a better finish, we’ve made tremendous progress since our debut. Sixth place is not where we aimed to be, but we can reflect positively on our development through the season.”

Vincent Vosse, Team Principal of BMW M Team WRT, echoed Roos's sentiments, stating, “It was a tough race and while we were poised for a podium, circumstances didn't favor us. P6 reflects our hard work, and although we struggled in LMGT3, it’s crucial for us to focus on what we can improve for future races.”

Looking Ahead

Raffaele Marciello stated, “We had the potential for a better finish. If we consider our growth since Qatar, we can proudly look toward next season as we have consistently fought for top positions.”

Despite the setbacks, optimism remains high. The team's ambition is clear, and the BMW M Hybrid V8 has shown that it can compete with the best in the world. With insights gained and progress made, BMW M Team WRT is excited to return stronger in the upcoming 2025 season, fueled by their experiences and the encouragement of fans and partners alike. Will they claim the podium next year? The thrilling anticipation begins now!