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
FIA World Endurance Championship
The FIA World Endurance Championship is where some of the world’s most prestigious and successful automotive manufacturers push their machinery to the limit, competing against each other in a series of endurance events at locations across the globe, from both Americas to Asia, Europe and the Middle East, with the calendar including the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans race.
The competition takes place across two classes: purpose-built prototypes compete in the Hypercars class, while the LMGT3 class is for racing variants of road-going supercars.
Records & Achievements
BMW M Hybrid8 WEC WEC 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
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.
Round 1: Qatar 1812
Qatar
Round 2: 6 Hours of Imola
Italy
Round 3: 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps
Belgium
Round 4: 24 Hours of Le Mans
France
Round 5: Rolex 6 Hours of São Paulo
Brazil
Round 6: Lone Star Le Mans
USA
Round 7: 6 Hours of Fuji
Japan
Round 8: Bapco Energies 8 Hours of Bahrain
Bahrain