FIA WEC Bahrain: BMW M Hybrid V8 fights for podium again in turbulent season finale.
10-11-2024 14:23 - MOTORSPORT
BMW M Team WRT made a very good start in qualifying, securing a spot in the coveted Hyperpole with both BMW M Hybrid V8s, where the ten top cars battle for the front grid positions. In the early stages of the eight-hour race, the #20, driven by René Rast (GER), Robin Frijns (NED), and Sheldon van der Linde (RSA), moved from tenth to fifth position, fighting for the top spots. Unfortunately, after nearly four hours, the race ended prematurely for the #20 due to an engine issue.
Meanwhile, Marco Wittmann (GER), Raffaele Marciello (SUI), and Dries Vanthoor (BEL) gradually worked their way up from ninth on the grid. About two hours before the race’s end, Vanthoor took third place, putting the #15 trio in contention for another podium finish. However, in the turbulent final phase –marked by numerous Full Course Yellows, Virtual Safety Cars, Safety Car phases, and different pit stop strategies – the BMW M Hybrid V8 lost a bit of ground in the tightly packed field. After intense position battles, the #15 crossed the finish line in sixth place and was then later promoted to fifth position.
In the LMGT3 class, Team WRT faced a tough final weekend. Augusto Farfus (BRA), Sean Gelael (INA), and Darren Leung finished the 8-hour race in 13th place in the #31 BMW M4 GT3. Their teammates Maxime Martin (BEL), Valentino Rossi (ITA), and Ahmad Al Harthy (OMA) were 14th in the #46 BMW M4 GT3.
Meanwhile, Marco Wittmann (GER), Raffaele Marciello (SUI), and Dries Vanthoor (BEL) gradually worked their way up from ninth on the grid. About two hours before the race’s end, Vanthoor took third place, putting the #15 trio in contention for another podium finish. However, in the turbulent final phase –marked by numerous Full Course Yellows, Virtual Safety Cars, Safety Car phases, and different pit stop strategies – the BMW M Hybrid V8 lost a bit of ground in the tightly packed field. After intense position battles, the #15 crossed the finish line in sixth place and was then later promoted to fifth position.
In the LMGT3 class, Team WRT faced a tough final weekend. Augusto Farfus (BRA), Sean Gelael (INA), and Darren Leung finished the 8-hour race in 13th place in the #31 BMW M4 GT3. Their teammates Maxime Martin (BEL), Valentino Rossi (ITA), and Ahmad Al Harthy (OMA) were 14th in the #46 BMW M4 GT3.