At the start of the second half of the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) season, BMW M Team WRT managed to finish with all its cars at the 6 Hours of São Paulo (BRA), but could not match the performance shown in previous races.
São Paulo. At the start of the second half of the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) season, BMW...
At the start of the second half of the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) season, BMW M Team WRT managed to finish with all its cars at the 6 Hours of São Paulo (BRA), but could not match the performance shown in previous races.
São Paulo. At the start of the second half of the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) season, BMW M Team WRT managed to finish with all its cars at the 6 Hours of São Paulo (BRA), but could not match the performance shown in previous races. In the Hypercar class, the cars ended the race in ninth and 14th places, while in the LMGT3 category, the #46 BMW M4 GT3 crossed the finish line in fifth place, and the #31 BMW M4 GT3 earned a point in the title race by finishing tenth.
In qualifying, one BMW M Hybrid V8 and one BMW M4 GT3 each made it into Hyperpole. Robin Frijns (NED) and Darren Leung (GBR) secured the tenth and sixth starting positions. However, it quickly became apparent in the race that the pace in both classes was not sufficient to achieve top results. Thanks to error-free performances and good reliability, three of the four crews still managed to collect valuable points. Raffaele Marciello (SUI), Dries Vanthoor (BEL), and Marco Wittmann (GER) finished ninth in the #15 BMW M Hybrid V8 after starting 14th. Frijns, René Rast (GER), and Sheldon van der Linde (RSA) finished in 14th place in the sister car. They lost several positions and a lot of time due to a spin that was not their fault.
In the LMGT3 class, Ahmad Al Harthy (OMA), Maxime Martin (BEL), and Valentino Rossi (ITA) finished in fifth place after a strong comeback from twelfth on the grid. Augusto Farfus (BRA) had to settle for tenth place at his home race, celebrated by many enthusiastic Brazilian fans, alongside Leung and Sean Gelael (INA), after receiving a drive-through penalty.
Comments after the 6 Hours of São Paulo:
Munich / Goodwood. The new BMW M5 (energy consumption weighted, combined: 1.7 – 1.6 l/100 km [166.2 – 176.6 mpg imp] and 25.5 – 25.0 kWh/100 km in the WLTP cycle; CO2 emissions weighted, combined: 39 – 37 g/km in the WLTP cycle; fuel consumption with discharged battery: 10.3 – 10.2 l/100 km [27.4 – 27.7 mpg imp] in the WLTP cycle; CO2 classes: weighted, combined B, with discharged battery: G) is ready to race, as it will demonstrate in the legendary hill climb at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2024. This storied event taking place in the English county of West Sussex is therefore the ideal occasion for the world premiere of the high-performance sedan in its seventh generation. The new BMW M5 will be making its first public appearance as part of a spectacular line-up of vehicles that also includes the BMW M Hybrid V8 prototype endurance racer, the new BMW M4 CS (fuel consumption, combined: 10.2 l/100 km [27.7 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions, combined: 232 g/km in the WLTP cycle, CO2 class: G) and an array of classic machines from the motor sport history of BMW and BMW Motorrad.
With its M HYBRID system, the new BMW M5 is ideally equipped to post an impressive performance over the 1.86-kilometre (1.16-mile) hill climb. For the first time in the 40-year history of the high-performance sedan, an electrified drive system is on hand to provide instantaneous power development and imposing muscularity. The combination of a high-revving V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology and the latest-generation electric motor generates system output of 535 kW/727 hp and peak torque of 1,000 Nm (737 lb-ft). This fresh approach to delivering the performance profile for which M cars are renowned teams up with bespoke chassis technology and the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system to deliver a performance experience of rare magnetism and allure.
The new BMW M5 will be unveiled at BMW’s trackside stand on Thursday, 11 July 2024 as an early highlight of the four-day event. The new BMW X3 will also celebrate its world premiere at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2024. Now in its fourth model generation, the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) impresses not only with its visually striking design and innovative digital technology, but also with significantly enhanced agility and dynamic prowess. This increase in sporting appeal is embodied most prominently by the BMW X3 M50 xDrive (fuel consumption, combined: 8.3 – 7.7 l/100 km [34.0 – 36.7 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions, combined: 189 – 175 g/km in the WLTP cycle; CO2 classes: G – F), which will be presented at the Festival of Speed. The new range-topping variant of the X3 – a model series first launched 20 years ago – is fitted with the most powerful six-cylinder in-line petrol engine ever assigned to an M Performance model. The 3.0-litre unit joins forces with 48V mild hybrid technology to produce maximum output of 293 kW/398 hp.
The Hill beckons: BMW lines up with new machinery, racing legends and famous drivers and riders.
The BMW M5 is powering into a new era. With 40 years of history under its belt, the legendary high-performance sedan is entering its seventh model generation. And the executive model from BMW M GmbH now has an electrified drive system for the first time. A model-specific version of the M HYBRID system gives the new BMW M5 (energy consumption,...
The BMW M5 is powering into a new era. With 40 years of history under its belt, the legendary high-performance sedan is entering its seventh model generation. And the executive model from BMW M GmbH now has an electrified drive system for the first time. A model-specific version of the M HYBRID system gives the new BMW M5 (energy consumption, weighted, combined: 1,7 – 1,6 l/100 km [166.2 – 176.6 mpg imp] and 25,5 – 25,0 kWh/100 km according to WLTP; CO2 emissions, weighted, combined: 39 – 37 g/km according to WLTP; fuel consumption with discharged battery: 10,3 – 10,2 l/100 km [27.4 – 27.7 mpg imp] according to WLTP; CO2 classes: weighted, combined B, with discharged battery G) maximum output of 535 kW/727 hp and peak system torque of 1,000 Nm (737 lb-ft). The combination of a high-revving V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology and an electric motor, plus power transfer courtesy of an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and M xDrive all-wheel drive, enables acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.5 seconds.
The imposing power delivery and emotionally engaging performance experience served up by the new BMW M5 are accompanied by a new interpretation of the high-performance car design for which M is renowned. Prominent wheel arch and side skirt extensions, the sculptural front apron and model-specific surfacing around the C-pillar – including an embossed “M5” logo for the Hofmeister kink – give the car an athletic appearance that helps to differentiate it more clearly than ever from the BMW 5 Series Sedan. At the same time, an unusually high proportion of surfaces painted in body colour create a puristic appearance with stylish references to its superior dynamic talents.
Following the mega-event of the 24 Hours of Le Mans (FRA), the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) heads into the second half of the season this coming weekend with the 6 Hours of São Paulo (BRA).
São Paulo. Following the mega-event of the 24 Hours of Le Mans (FRA), the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) heads into the...
Following the mega-event of the 24 Hours of Le Mans (FRA), the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) heads into the second half of the season this coming weekend with the 6 Hours of São Paulo (BRA).
São Paulo. Following the mega-event of the 24 Hours of Le Mans (FRA), the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) heads into the second half of the season this coming weekend with the 6 Hours of São Paulo (BRA). In the Hypercar class, BMW M Team WRT will compete with two BMW M Hybrid V8 cars. The goal is to translate the strong pace shown by the car at Le Mans into good results and to collect important points for the overall standings. In the LMGT3 category, Augusto Farfus (BRA), Sean Gelael (INA), and Darren Leung (GBR) are aiming for the World Championship title after their victory at Imola (ITA) and a second place at Le Mans most recently. For Farfus, who was born in Curitiba (BRA), a very special home race awaits.
It has been 14 years since Farfus last competed in races for BMW in his home country of Brazil – in 2010 in the FIA World Touring Car Championship (FIA WTCC). Now he returns with his fellow drivers in the #31 BMW M4 GT3 to fight for the World Championship lead in the LMGT3 class. The trio is just two points behind the leaders with 73 points. In the #46 BMW M4 GT3, Maxime Martin (BEL), Valentino Rossi (ITA), and Ahmad Al Harthy (OMA) will take turns.
In the Hypercar class, Raffaele Marciello (SUI), Dries Vanthoor (BEL), and Marco Wittmann (GER) in the #15 BMW M Hybrid V8, as well as Robin Frijns (NED), René Rast (GER), and Sheldon van der Linde (RSA) in the #20 BMW M Hybrid V8, aim to achieve good positions after disappointing results at Le Mans. With the fastest qualifying time at Le Mans, the car has proved it can keep up with the best, and now the team aims to regain the consistency in the race that was lacking last time.
The 6 Hours of São Paulo will start on Sunday, 14th July, at 16:30 CEST (11:30 local time).
Note to editors.
On Friday, at 18:15 local time in the paddock, there will be a ‘Meet the Team’ event with all drivers, Head of BMW M Motorsport Andreas Roos, and WRT Team Principal Vincent Vosse. All accredited media representatives are invited.
Comments before the 6 Hours of São Paulo:
The fourth DTM race event of the season at the Norisring (GER) was German René Rast’s weekend. In the Saturday race, he used his full experience in the rain gamble of Nürnberg (GER), made the right tyre choice, and celebrated his first season victory in the Schubert Motorsport #33 BMW M4 GT3.
Norisring. The fourth DTM race event of the...
The fourth DTM race event of the season at the Norisring (GER) was German René Rast’s weekend. In the Saturday race, he used his full experience in the rain gamble of Nürnberg (GER), made the right tyre choice, and celebrated his first season victory in the Schubert Motorsport #33 BMW M4 GT3.
Norisring. The fourth DTM race event of the season at the Norisring (GER) was German René Rast’s weekend. In the Saturday race, he used his full experience in the rain gamble of Nürnberg (GER), made the right tyre choice, and celebrated his first season victory in the Schubert Motorsport #33 BMW M4 GT3. His performance on Sunday was equally strong. Starting from 19th place and with 20 kilograms of success ballast, he stormed up to fifth position and collected valuable points in the DTM title race. At the halfway point of the season, Rast is third in the drivers' standings with 93 points, while Schubert Motorsport leads the team standings with 186 points. Sheldon van der Linde (RSA) and Marco Wittmann (GER) also scored points .
Before full stands on the city circuit at the Dutzendteich, Rast drove from seventh on the grid to victory in the first race, because when the rain began, unlike nearly all the other drivers, he did not come in for a tyre change but instead weathered the brief shower on slicks. Thanks to the saved pit stop, he was unstoppable on his way to his 27th DTM win. After two third-places in 2022 and two second-places in 2023, it was the fifth consecutive podium for Rast at the Norisring. Although the series ended with a fifth place on Sunday, his comeback over 14 positions was such strong damage limitation that it felt like another podium. After eight of 16 season races, Rast is just eleven points behind the leader in the overall standings with his 93 points. Schubert Motorsport has a 16-point advantage over second place in the team standings.
For Rast’s teammates Sheldon van der Linde (RSA) and Marco Wittmann (GER), the weekend did not go optimally. Van der Linde had strong pace in the #31 BMW M4 GT3 and started the Saturday race from the front row. However, he fell back to seventh place in the rain gamble with victory in sight. On Sunday, the 2022 DTM champion was classified in 14th place after a penalty. Wittmann, celebrated by fans at his home game in Nürnberg, could not match his great victory at Zandvoort (NED) a few weeks ago. He finished in twelfth and eleventh places in the #11 BMW M4 GT3.
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