BMW back at LeMans & WEC 2018

[ZermattV]

http://www.fiawec.com/en/news/bmw-to-enter-wec-from-2018_4434.html

As part of its global motorsport strategy, BMW will enter the LMGTE category alongside current prestigious manufacturers such as Aston Martin, Ferrari, Ford, and Porsche. Its entry in the world championship will also mark a return to the cornerstone of the WEC, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, for the first time since 2011.

BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt commented: “Starting with the 2018 season, we want to further expand our activities in GT racing and compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship... This obviously also includes our return to Le Mans, which we are particularly looking forward to. The way the WEC has developed so well makes us confident that there is a big future for GT racing.”

I wonder if this will be with the Z5 as they are entering in the LMGTE class - for me its a pity they've not decided to take Audi/Porsche and Toyota on in LMP .

 

[Chris_D]

Can't wait for this too.
Maybe they'll even develop a car specially, like the old M1. Then we'll see some roadgoing homologation examples too. But I doubt it. Too expensive and risky for them these days perhaps.
I suspect if LMGTE goes well for them that they'll consider LMP series. Would be great to see them thrashing Audi and Porsche at Le Mans.....

 

[RickRob]

It will indeed be interesting, especially if it is based on the Z5 as that may indicate a Z5M could be on the cards.

I am definitely going to Le Mans next year. I have said this for the past 2 years and the rest of my life got in the way. The tickets go on sale next month, so I am going to get some and manage the rest of life around that!

 

[ZermattV]

for me its been evident for some time that they've needed a stronger motorsport presence. Hopefully this will move towards a full LMP1 campaign - it won't look good to be lapped all the time by Porsche and Audi. BMW i12 anyone .

You have Audi, Porsche and Toyota running LMP1, Ford with the GT in the GT classes , Mercedes with F1 . Even Jaguar have their Formula E Project. Sadly BMW seemed to have turned their back on most motorsport disciplines with the exception of DTM .

for those who can't make it to Lemans I'd really recommend Silverstone WEC - for 40 quid for a weekend ticket it is great value for money in comparison to F1 prices .