Introducing the teams
About BMW M Hybrid V8
The BMW M Hybrid V8 competes against the best of the best on the biggest stages of international prototype racing for BMW M Motorsport. The chassis for the two prototype cars is being built in collaboration with world-renowned and successful manufacturer Dallara.
Since 2023, the BMW M Hybrid V8 has been competing for overall victories in the GTP category of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IWSC) at prestigious classics such as the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring. In 2024, BMW M Motorsport also returned to the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). There, the race car competes in events such as the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans.
About
IMSA: International Motor Sports Association
The International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) is the premier North American sanctioning body for sports car endurance racing, owned by NASCAR. Founded in 1969, it organizes the flagship WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, featuring multi-class racing with GTP prototypes and GT cars, known for high-profile events like the 24 Hours of Daytona.
Records & Achievements
BMW M Hybrid8 IMSA IMSA Record
About the vehicle
BMW M Hybrid V8
Engine: V-shaped Otto four-stroke twin-turbo engine
Displacement: 3,999 ccm
Cylinders: 8
Engine Speed: max. 8,200 rpm
Output (regulated): approx. 640 hp
Torque: approx. 650 Nm
KYB Components Onboard
EPS
Philipp Eng
Born 1990 – Austria
Philipp Eng was born in Salzburg, Austria and began his motorsport career in karting before progressing through the European single-seater ranks. After competing in Formula BMW, Formula 3 and GP3, he made the transition to GT and endurance racing, where he quickly established himself as a leading BMW factory driver.
Eng enjoyed major success in DTM, winning the championship in 2018, and has since achieved victories and podiums in some of the world’s most prestigious endurance races, including the 24 Hours of Daytona, Spa and Nürburgring. Known for his consistency, technical skill and calm approach under pressure, Eng is a key member of BMW’s international motorsport programme.
Robin Frijns
Born 1991 – Netherlands
Robin Frijns was born in Maastricht, Netherlands and began his racing career in karting before rising rapidly through the single-seater ranks. He made an immediate impact by winning the Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup and Formula Renault 3.5 Series titles, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most highly rated young drivers.
Frijns has since built a successful career in GT, touring car and electric racing. Frijns is a multiple race winner in DTM and a consistent front-runner in Formula E, where he has claimed victories and podium finishes. As a BMW M works driver, he is known for his speed, versatility and technical feedback, making him a valuable asset across multiple championships.
Kevin Magnussen
Born 1992 – Denmark
Kevin Magnussen was born in Roskilde, Denmark into a motorsport family and began his career in karting before progressing through the junior single-seater ranks. He quickly made his mark by winning the Formula Renault 3.5 Series, earning a promotion to Formula One soon after.
Magnussen has competed for several seasons at the highest level of Formula One, achieving podium finishes and establishing a reputation as a tough, determined racer. Alongside his single-seater career, Magnussen has gained extensive experience in endurance racing, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans and IMSA competition. Known for his aggressive racecraft and resilience, he brings top-level experience and versatility to every programme he competes in.
Raffaele Marciello
Born 1994 – Switzerland
Raffaele Marciello was born in Zurich, Switzerland and began his motorsport career in karting before progressing through the European single-seater ranks. He achieved early success in Formula 3, establishing himself as one of the standout talents of his generation.
The Swiss driver has since built an outstanding career in GT racing, becoming one of the most successful GT drivers of the modern era. Marciello is a multiple championship winner in GT World Challenge and has claimed victories in major endurance events including the 24 Hours of Spa. Known for his speed, precision and consistency, he is a key figure in BMW’s international GT and endurance racing programme.
René Rast
Born 1986 – Germany
René Rast was born in Minden, Germany and began his motorsport career in karting before progressing through the junior formulae. After gaining experience in single-seaters and GT racing, he established himself as a front-runner in touring car competition.
The German is one of the most successful drivers of the modern DTM era, having secured multiple DTM championship titles and numerous race wins. Rast has also enjoyed success in endurance racing, including overall victories at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring and strong performances at Le Mans. Known for his consistency, precision and race intelligence, he is a key part of BMW’s international motorsport programme.
Sheldon Van Der Linde
Born 1999 – Republic of South Africa
Sheldon van der Linde was born in Johannesburg, South Africa and began his motorsport career in karting before progressing through the European junior formulae. He made a strong impression early on, becoming one of the youngest drivers to compete in DTM.
The South African achieved major success by winning the DTM championship in 2022, cementing his status as one of touring car racing’s leading talents. As a BMW M works driver, van der Linde also competes in GT and endurance racing, where he is known for his speed, racecraft and adaptability across different disciplines.
Dries Vanthoor
Born 1998 – Belgium
Dries Vanthoor was born in Neerpelt and began his motorsport career in karting before progressing through the European GT racing ranks. He quickly established himself as a standout talent, achieving success at a young age in top-level GT competition.
Vanthoor has enjoyed major success in endurance racing, including victories in some of the world’s most prestigious events such as the 24 Hours of Spa and the 24 Hours of Daytona. As a BMW M works driver, Vanthoor competes across international GT and endurance championships, where he is known for his speed, racecraft and consistency at the highest level.
Marco Wittmann
Born 1989 – Germany
Marco Wittmann was born in Fürth and began his motorsport career in karting before progressing through the junior single-seater ranks. He later moved into touring car racing, where he quickly established himself as a leading contender.
Wittmann is a two-time DTM champion, securing titles in 2014 and 2016, and has achieved numerous race wins and podium finishes in the series. As a BMW M works driver, Wittmann also competes in GT and endurance racing, known for his consistency, technical precision and experience at the highest level of international motorsport.
Round 2: 12 Hours of Sebring
Sebring, USA
Round 3: Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach
California, USA
Round 4: WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
California, USA
Round 5: Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen
New York, USA
Round 6: Chevrolet Grand Prix
Ontario, Canada
Round 7: Motul SportsCar Endurance Grand Prix
Wisconsin, USA
Round 8: Michelin GT Challenge at VIR
Virginia, USA
Round 9: TireRack.com Battle On The Bricks
Indianapolis, USA
Round 10: Motul Petit Le Mans
Georgia, USA