BMW M Motorsport Considers WRT for IMSA Expansion
Date: [Insert Date]
BMW M Motorsport is exploring potential collaborations for its IMSA SportsCar Championship program, with the Belgian WRT team emerging as a frontrunner. Following the decision to not renew its partnership with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL), BMW is in discussions to transfer its GTP program, which is entering its fourth season in North America.
“We are talking to different teams, and we are one of them,” confirmed WRT team principal Vincent Vosse. He expressed readiness to establish the necessary infrastructure for a GTP campaign as early as next season. “We could do it for next year if the opportunity arises,” he added.
The announcement to part ways with RLL comes after a period of underperformance, yielding only two wins over two and a half seasons with the BMW M Hybrid V8. BMW’s official statement acknowledged the end of its long-standing partnership with RLL, which dates back to 2009 and includes multiple vehicle models.
BMW M Motorsport head Andreas Roos assured fans of the brand’s commitment to IMSA despite rumors of a possible downscale. “Clearly we want to continue in IMSA, and there is no reason why we wouldn’t,” he stated during the Le Mans 24 Hours.
The integration of WEC regulars Dries Vanthoor and Sheldon van der Linde into the RLL roster for 2025 aims to enhance development and information sharing between the two series.
WRT previously participated in IMSA at the Daytona 24 Hours in 2019 and 2020, achieving third place in the GT Daytona class. The team has expressed a long-standing interest in expanding further into IMSA.
While talks continue with RLL on alternative projects, including the management of BMW’s heritage racing fleet, the future of the GTP program remains a topic of significant interest as the 2026 season approaches.
Relevant Quotes
- Vincent Vosse: "I have always been interested to race in IMSA when an opportunity is coming."
- Andreas Roos: “We will make an announcement in due course regarding our 2026 program.”
Contextual Insights
BMW’s transition reflects a broader strategic reevaluation within its motorsport operations, aiming to position itself competitively in high-profile endurance racing. As negotiations progress, WRT’s potential entry into the IMSA series could mark a significant pivot for both the team and the manufacturer in the North American motorsport landscape.
