BMW M Team WRT tests the BMW M Hybrid V8

The raw carbon BMW M Hybrid V8 recently took the track at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium to give BMW and Team WRT the opportunity to collect valuable data ahead of next year's FIA WEC season. Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): "We are right on schedule. It's clear that having the vehicle in both race action in the IMSA series and testing here in Europe is a benefit. The dual pool of experiences benefits all sides, BMW M Team WRT as well as BMW M Team RLL and our BMW M Motorsport engineers. The fact that we had Marco Wittmann and Nick Yelloly testing the LMDh car here at Spa-Francorchamps, drivers who are already very familiar with the BMW M Hybrid V8 from their race experiences in North America underscores this valuable synergy."

Eight official BMW drivers took part in the testing sessions: Robin Frijns, Marco Wittmann, Nick Yelloly, Maxime Martin and René Rast. Wittmann and Yelloly brought their experience gained in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship after having competed in the Rolex 24 at Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring. Robin Frijns (BMW M works driver): "I have only recently become a part of this fantastic project and am still in the process of comprehending the BMW M Hybrid V8 in all its complexity. I am learning with each lap. However, things have gone very well here at Spa-Francorchamps, and we have made significant progress with the car. I am looking forward to the upcoming tests.”

The team, managed by Vincent Vosse, focused on optimisating systems and performances, working alongside the drivers to master the Hypercar's nuances. Vincent Vosse (Team Principal BMW M Team WRT): “The three test days have gone very well. Once again, we've learned a lot, which continues to push us forward in preparation for the WEC season in 2024. At the moment, it's crucial to accumulate as much mileage as possible and to do our homework with the car, as well as with the team. It's working well.”

Check out the photo gallery below!