First IMSA test for the updated BMW M Hybrid V8
This coming weekend, BMW M Team WRT (supported by BMW M Team RLL) will make its debut with the BMW M Hybrid V8 in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship during the official sanctioned test at Daytona with new design and headlights.
📷© BMW Group. New BMW M Hybrid V8 at Le Castellet tests
New design and new headlights
The hypercar from BMW M Motorsport will hit the track at the International Speedway sporting its new design and, for the first time, its new headlights. The track lights combine cutting-edge lighting technology with iconic design.
📷© BMW Group. New BMW M Hybrid V8 at Le Castellet tests
The aerodynamic updates to the BMW M Hybrid V8 for the 2026 season were already showcased during previous test drives, including the smaller kidney grille and the modified front splitter designed to optimise airflow and cooling. Now, Daytona will see the addition of another significant update: the new headlights. The advanced technology of the track lights ensures improved visibility for drivers during the numerous night races in the IMSA series and the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC). These include the 24-hour highlights at Daytona and Le Mans (FRA), as well as the 12 Hours of Sebring (USA), Petit Le Mans in North America, and the FIA WEC events in Qatar and Bahrain. The track lights illuminate the car's surroundings even more brightly, helping drivers better assess race situations, especially in poorly lit sections of the track.
BMW M Team RLL supports BMW M Team WRT
On Friday and Saturday, BMW M Team WRT will have five test sessions to gain initial experience with the hypercar on the Daytona International Speedway and familiarise themselves with the procedures of the IMSA series. The Belgian team, which already knows the car well from two seasons in the FIA WEC, will be supported at Daytona by BMW M Team RLL. This collaboration aims to ease and accelerate BMW M Team WRT's adaptation to the IMSA series.
📷© BMW Group. New BMW M Hybrid V8 at Le Castellet tests
6 BMW M works drivers
Behind the wheel of cars number 24 and 25, Road Atlanta lineups with #24 BMW M works drivers Philipp Eng, Dries Vanthoor, and Kevin Magnussen will alternate during the two test days with #25 duo René Rast and Marco Wittmann. Robin Frijns who also participated to the 24 Hours of Daytona 2024, will be the sixth driver participating to the test. Source: BMW Group
📷© BMW Group. New BMW M Hybrid V8 at Le Castellet tests
Schedule
Friday, November 14, with two sessions at 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. for GTP/LMP2.
Saturday, November 15, three sessions for all classes are at 9:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 16, the GT classes get two sessions at 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
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