Initial details of the future race program for BMW M works drivers Sheldon van der Linde (RSA) and Marco Wittmann (GER) have been released by BMW M Motorsport.
When the BMW M Hybrid V8 debuts in the GTP class of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship at the 24 Hours of Daytona in the USA in January 2023, both of the drivers will spend time behind the wheel. The pair will also compete in the new prototype at the 12 Hours of Sebring in March 2023.
As a result, all three of the BMW M works drivers who raced in the 2022 DTM season will now feature in the new LMDh program. Both van der Linde and Wittmann have spent time conducting testing of the BMW M Hybrid V8, with Wittmann having recently driven the car during a test day at Road Atlanta.
BMW M Motorsport previously announced that Philipp Eng, Connor De Phillippi (USA), Augusto Farfus (BRA) and Nick Yelloly (GBR) will also be regular drivers of the two BMW M Hybrid V8 vehicles during the 2023 IMSA season. IndyCar driver Colton Herta (USA) will also get seat time in the race car alongside van der Linde and Wittmann at Daytona next year.
“Racing in America is always very special. I am proud to be part of the LMDh program next year,” said van der Linde. “Daytona is a fantastic race with an incredible history. I am looking forward to appearing there for BMW M Team RLL for the second time in a row. The fact that we will be aiming for overall victory this time makes the events at Daytona and Sebring all the more exciting.”
“I am really looking forward to racing in the IMSA series again next season, and to being involved in classics like the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring,” added Wittmann. “I have done a few days of testing in the BMW M Hybrid V8 and am thrilled to be part of a project like this. The car has a lot of downforce, a lot of power, no driver aids like ABS – a real prototype. It will be cool to support the four regular IMSA drivers.”
