BMW drivers hail ‘huge step forward’ over 2024

The two BMW M Hybrid V8s showed strong speed during the traditional ‘Prologue’ group test at Lusail International Circuit – Robin Frijns posting the outright benchmark time in the final session – before carrying that form over into race week.

Both cars advanced comfortably through to the Hyperpole shootout in qualifying, on the way to securing second (Dries Vanthoor) and sixth (Frijns) on the grid for the Qatar 1812km – the former duly claiming the prototype’s maiden front row start in FIA WEC competition, a scant 0.136secs shy of pole position.

Team newcomer Kevin Magnussen began the ten-hour contest in the #15 entry, slipping to third before fending off challenges from Ferdinand Habsburg (Alpine) and Earl Bamber (Cadillac), but the Dane would hit dramas at the conclusion of an early Full Course Yellow period, when a pit speed-limiter issue followed by contact with an LMGT3 car dropped the BMW well down the Hypercar order and necessitated an unscheduled nose change.

A drive-through penalty for Vanthoor due to a collision just over three hours in cost the #15 crew further time, but a quick and consistent run thereafter – allied to a solid strategy – hauled the Belgian, Magnussen and Raffaele Marciello up to fourth at the chequered flag, less than ten seconds adrift of victory and ‘best-of-the-rest’ behind the all-conquering Ferraris. Vanthoor’s fastest lap towards the end of the second hour proved to be the quickest of the non-499P drivers.

“After starting second, fourth is maybe not the result we had hoped for, but we didn’t have the cleanest of races, also from my side,” he reflected. “Without that, we probably had a shot at fighting for third, even if the Ferraris were untouchable – they were flying in every session, so it was very difficult to beat them.

“I think we can be happy with fourth and with the progress we’ve made compared to last year. Back then, we got lapped three times in one or two hours, but P4 shows the car is fast now. We’re not there yet and clearly we are still not the fastest, so we need to execute cleanly – myself included – and keep improving.”

“I’m very happy!” added Magnussen. “The pit-stops and strategy were very good, and fourth was the best result we could have achieved with the pace we had. The team did a very good job. We just had a few hiccoughs that we will certainly resolve. BMW and Team WRT have definitely made a big step, which is very good to see!”

In the sister car, René Rast initially climbed a spot to fifth, with Frijns subsequently settling into fourth following the #15’s delays as the experienced Dutchman took up the charge. A clash with the pole-sitting Ferrari – for which the latter was penalised – cost the #20 crew time, but the BMW remained in the mix throughout and went on to cross the line in seventh place, cementing the German manufacturer’s best double finish to-date.

“We can be really happy with the progress we’ve made in one year,” mused Rast and Frijns’ stablemate, Sheldon van der Linde. “When you look at where we were last season, with both cars out of the top ten and no real chance to fight anybody else on-track, we have made a huge step forward.

“I think we can be really proud of BMW M Motorsport for giving us a car we can properly race with; it has been a huge step from their side. Driveability has improved a lot, which allows us to really race other cars now.”

The #20 trio – unchanged since last season – registered its best result of 2024 at Imola, and BMW will travel to the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari for round two of the current campaign (18-20 April) sitting second in the Manufacturers’ standings as it bids to build upon its early momentum.

“Looking at where we were in Qatar a year ago, this is a very big improvement,” acknowledged Team Principal, Vincent Vosse. “We can all be proud of this achievement. Not being on the podium in the end was a bit tough, but the Ferraris were hard to catch. The guys did an incredible job, and we will certainly take this result.”

“This was a very good start to our second season in FIA WEC,” echoed Head of BMW M Motorsport, Andreas Roos. “Our two BMW M Hybrid V8s showed strong pace from the Prologue, and with second place in qualifying, we underscored our ambition to compete for the podium. Unfortunately, the Ferraris were a bit too strong in the race, but we are satisfied with fourth and seventh places.

“We’re happy about the important points towards the world championship standings, and the continuation of our positive trend from the end of 2024 and the 24 Hours of Daytona a few weeks ago. Thanks to everyone who worked hard over the winter to get us into this good starting position for the season. We can definitely build on this performance.”