After a 25-year hiatus, BMW M Motorsport made a remarkable comeback in the top class at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. Despite challenging weather conditions and a series of accidents, the team celebrated a podium finish with Augusto Farfus, Sean Gelael, and Darren Leung securing second place in the LMGT3 category aboard the Team WRT #31 BMW M4 GT3.
The race was marked by turbulent weather, including heavy rain showers that necessitated a multi-hour safety car period. However, the #31 crew maintained their composure and delivered a flawless performance, marking the first time since 2011 that a BMW team has graced the podium at Le Mans.
In contrast, the Hypercar class saw misfortune for BMW M Motorsport as both the #15 BMW M Hybrid V8 and the #20 BMW M Hybrid V8 Art Car were forced out of contention due to accidents. The #15 car, which had shown promise with Dries Vanthoor’s fastest qualifying time, was retired after a high-speed collision caused by another vehicle. Similarly, the #20 Art Car, which had made significant progress from its starting position, met with an accident that led to extensive repairs before it could cross the finish line in a symbolic gesture of resilience.
Franciscus van Meel, CEO of BMW M GmbH, expressed that despite the setbacks, the weekend was an emotional one that brought the BMW M community closer together. The return of the #20 Art Car to complete the race was particularly poignant and served as a testament to the team’s determination.
Andreas Roos, Head of BMW M Motorsport, reflected on the event as an emotional rollercoaster but took pride in the team’s strong start and overall performance. The second-place finish for the #31 car was seen as a conciliatory end to an eventful race.
The event also served as an opportunity for BMW M Motorsport to engage with fans and showcase their latest offerings, including the new BMW M5 in a Closed Room experience and updates to the BMW M2 and BMW M4 CS models.
