This year silly season in motorsport has focused on the relentless efforts of the drivers and teams in Formula One once all parties involved try to complete their slots for the 2023 season. But, I’m willing to take that case as the most important move so far this year, just took place outside the Formula One World Championship. BMW car Tuesday’s announcement on which the WRT Team will operate Its factory LMDh team in the FIA World Endurance Championship.
With the global launch of the LMDh sports prototype portfolio in 2023, the international motorsport is in the midst of a silly season of its own. Participating manufacturers are deciding which teams will carry the brand’s banner and race its new cars in the North America-based FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA WeatherTech Sports Championship. . Many automakers simply maintain existing relationships. For example, late last year, BMW decided that Team Rahal Letterman Lanigan would race its LMDh at IMSA, continuing a relationship that began in 2009.
However, BMW went in a completely different direction when it joined the WEC. The German manufacturer will join a factory LMDh team run by WRT in the FIA WEC 2024 season. By joining this agreement, WRT will sever ties with Audi that have existed since the team’s creation in 2009. Over 13 years of existence, the Belgian team has become a GT racing powerhouse, winning 24 Hours Spa, 24 Hours Nürburgring, 12 Hours Bathurst, 10 Hours Suzuka, as well as 49 Championships.
Vincent Vosse, co-owner and co-CEO of WRT, said in a statement:
“Team WRT was launched thirteen years ago and has enjoyed continued success in various categories, primarily GT3 and endurance racing. From the very beginning, 24 Hours of Le Mans has been in our plans and dreams, and as part of the new Hypercar era of the FIA WEC that is about to begin, is our strongest wish. “
Two years ago, WRT started racing in the LMP2 level two prototype category in preparation for commissioning the LMDh prototype announced by Audi. The Belgian team effectively squandered its opposition in its first year in the tournament. WRT won the LMP2 class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the World Endurance Championship and the European Le Mans Grand Prix championship. However, the team was left without a factory program to prepare for when Audi LMDh development paused indefinitely arrive discover entered Formula 1. Now, Audi’s loss is BMW’s gain.
