WRT Poised to Acquire BMW IMSA Program Following RLL Split
The Belgian WRT team is reportedly in negotiations to expand its motorsports program by taking over the BMW M Hybrid V8 LMDh operations from Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) in the IMSA SportsCar Championship for 2026. This move follows BMW’s decision not to extend its partnership with RLL, which has been in place since 2009.
WRT’s CEO, Vincent Vosse, confirmed the discussions, stating, “I think BMW is talking to different teams and we are one of them. I have always been interested to race in IMSA when an opportunity is coming.” He indicated that WRT could mobilize a GTP campaign in 2026 or even as soon as next year if the opportunity arises.
BMW’s withdrawal from RLL has generated speculation about the future of its GTP program, especially after achieving only two wins in over two seasons. However, BMW M Motorsport boss Andreas Roos affirmed the company’s commitment to maintaining its presence in the IMSA top class, emphasizing that ongoing deliberations are part of the normal process: “Clearly we want to continue in IMSA and at the moment there is no reason why we wouldn’t continue there.”
Roos also noted the strategic alignment of BMW’s LMDh programs for 2025, with plans to incorporate WEC drivers Dries Vanthoor and Sheldon van der Linde into the full IMSA campaign, aiming to enhance the development and data exchange across both series.
WRT previously participated in the IMSA series at the Daytona 24 Hours in 2019 and 2020, securing a third-place finish in the GT Daytona category. The collaboration with RLL has encompassed various model transitions, including the Z4 GTE and M8 GTE, before progressing to the current M Hybrid prototype.
As discussions between BMW and RLL continue, the potential for future collaboration on heritage projects remains on the table. Further announcements regarding BMW’s IMSA strategy for 2026 are expected in the near future.
