Grand finale of the inaugural IMSA GTP season for BMW M Team RLL at Petit Le Mans: Connor De Phillippi and Nick Yelloly in contention for the driver’s title.

Munich. BMW M Team RLL will close the inaugural IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season for its BMW M Hybrid V8 racing cars at this weekend’s Petit Le Mans, at Road Atlanta (USA), looking to cap the year with a second GTP class victory and, potentially, a driver’s title. BMW M works drivers Connor De Phillippi (USA) and Nick Yelloly (GBR) are currently in fourth place in the GTP driver’s championship, only 38 points from the lead. They aim to add one more great finish to their season that has already seen one victory among five podium finishes.

For the 10-hour Petit Le Mans race, De Phillippi and Yelloly will be joined in the cockpit of the #25 BMW M Hybrid V8 by fellow BMW M works driver Sheldon van der Linde (RSA). Marco Wittmann (GER) joins fellow BMW M works drivers Augusto Farfus (BRA) and Philipp Eng (AUT) in the #24 BMW M Hybrid V8 with the aim of securing the first podium for the car.

In the GTD class, three BMW M4 GT3s will compete. With five victories so far this season, Bryan Sellers and Madison Snow (both USA) have already secured the title with the #1 Paul Miller Racing BMW M4 GT3. They will be joined by Corey Lewis (USA) at Petit Le Mans. Turner Motorsport brings two GTD class entries. The #96 BMW M4 GT3, of Robby Foley and Patrick Gallagher (both USA) will add Michael Dinan (USA). In the #97 car, Thomas Merrill (USA) will share duties with regular pairing Bill Auberlen and Chandler Hull (USA).

Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta gets underway on Saturday, 14th October at 11:40 local time (17:40 CEST).

Quotes ahead of Petit Le Mans.

Bobby Rahal (Team Principal BMW M Team RLL): “There is no question that our GTP programme was a tremendous undertaking for BMW M Team RLL, BMW M Motorsport, and everyone involved with the BMW M Hybrid V8. Certainly the victory at Watkins Glen was a highlight and five podiums so far for the number 25 car is a great accomplishment. Comparing where we were only one year ago when we began with this new formula to our test last week at Road Atlanta in preparation for Petit Le Mans we have made some great gains. Historically, Petit has been a good weekend for us so we can’t help but be optimistic.”

Connor De Phillippi (#25 BMW M Hybrid V8): “The 2023 season has been a rollercoaster of emotions and the finale at Petit Le Mans is going to be one last firework show. We recently had a great two day test and feel we are as prepared as we can be. With nearly 60 cars on a 70 second lap, it is going to be a hectic race and we all arrive there with one goal in mind. Win!”

Nick Yelloly (#25 BMW M Hybrid V8): “I have tested at Road Atlanta, but not raced there as yet so I am looking forward to Petit Le Mans. Connor and I are in the fight for the driver’s title so it’s all to play for. After Daytona and our disappointing day I would not have guessed our season would have gone so well, but BMW M Motorsport and BMW M Team RLL have given us a car and strategy that has kept us in the mix for the remainder of the season.”

Sheldon van der Linde (#25 BMW M Hybrid V8): “I’m very excited to be back with Connor and Nick at my favourite circuit in the US for the season finale. It’s been a while since I’ve been in the number 25 BMW M Hybrid V8 so I’m looking forward to seeing the development of the car this season. I hope to get up to speed quickly and give the boys the best shot at a win and the championship.”

Philipp Eng (#24 BMW M Hybrid V8): “Our test at Road Atlanta a couple of weeks ago was good. We tested many things and found the car in a very good window. This track and car combination is phenomenal and I can’t wait for ten hours of racing.”

Augusto Farfus (#24 BMW M Hybrid V8): “We had a very good test at Road Atlanta recently so we are looking to finish off the season with our best performance.”

Marco Wittmann (#24 BMW M Hybrid V8): “I’m very much looking forward to the season finale at Petit Le Mans. It’s been a while since Sebring but obviously it’s always a pleasure to race with our LMDh car and the BMW M Team RLL crew. I hope we will have a good and successful weekend and to finish the first GTP season on a high for Augusto, Philipp and myself and also the aim is to help the sister car as they still are in the fight for the title.”