During the Roar before the 24 last weekend, BMW M Motorsport drivers and teams intensely prepared for the first season highlight of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IWSC), the 24 Hours of Daytona (USA). One week before the race, three test days featuring seven sessions were held, during which BMW M Team RLL with its two BMW M Hybrid V8s gave strong performances. Dries Vanthoor (BEL) set the overall fastest time with 1:35.424 minutes. Kevin Magnussen (DEN) and Kelvin van der Linde (RSA) used the tests to complete their first laps as BMW M works drivers.
In the GTP category, BMW M Team RLL carried out an extensive testing programme, completing more than 370 laps at the Daytona International Speedway. In the #24 BMW M Hybrid V8, Philipp Eng (AUT), Dries Vanthoor, Kevin Magnussen, and Raffaele Marciello (SUI) took turns driving. In car #25, Marco Wittmann (GER), Sheldon van der Linde (RSA), Robin Frijns (NED), and René Rast (GER) shared the cockpit. Three of the sessions ended with a BMW M Hybrid V8 setting the best time. BMW M Motorsport newcomer Magnussen spent a lot of time getting accustomed to the car and team.
In the GTD-PRO class, Kelvin van der Linde had his premiere at the wheel of the #1 BMW M4 GT3 EVO from Paul Miller Racing. He shared driving duties with Madison Snow, Neil Verhagen, and Connor De Phillippi (all USA). In the sister #48 car, Dan Harper (GBR), Max Hesse (GER), Jesse Krohn (FIN), and Augusto Farfus (BRA) were in action. Harper and Hesse missed the first test day due to illness but caught up on their laps without issues later on. In total, the team’s two BMW M4 GT3 EVOs completed around 370 laps. They sported the BMW M Motorsport “Inception” design for the first time, which they will sport throughout the season.
In the GTD class, Turner Motorsport tested its new BMW M4 GT3 EVO. Over the course of the Roar before the 24, the four drivers Robby Foley, Patrick Gallagher, Jake Walker (all USA), and Jens Klingmann (GER) completed around 150 laps. Starting next Thursday, the Daytona racing action continues with practice and qualifying.
