Introduction
BMW M Motorsport is gearing up for a formidable return to the GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS in 2026, with an impressive line-up of drivers and teams. This season is particularly significant as BMW seeks to reclaim its dominance following a successful previous campaign, where it clinched the overall championship and the Sprint Cup titles.
Defending Champions Ready to Fight
The driver duo of Kelvin van der Linde from South Africa and Charles Weerts from Belgium will once again represent Team WRT in the #32 BMW M4 GT3 EVO. Their experience and proven track record, having secured the championship last season, make them formidable contenders in their title defence.
New Faces in the Line-up
This year sees the addition of Valentino Rossi, the iconic Italian driver, who will compete in all ten rounds for Team WRT. Rossi will share the #46 BMW M4 GT3 EVO with Germany’s Max Hesse in the Pro category, showcasing a blend of experience and youthful enthusiasm. For the endurance rounds, Britain’s Dan Harper will join them, further bolstering their chances in the Endurance Cup.
ROWE Racing’s Competitive Edge
ROWE Racing also fields a strong team with six BMW drivers, aiming for success in the Endurance Cup. The team comprises Augusto Farfus (Brazil), Raffaele Marciello (Switzerland), and Jake Dennis (United Kingdom), who will compete in the Pro Cup. Their previous successes, including a three-hour race win at Nürburgring, reinforce their credibility as serious title contenders.
Design and Strategy for Success
The #98 BMW M4 GT3 EVO driven by Farfus and Marciello will sport a striking colour scheme of white, red, and black, reminiscent of their appearance at the FIA GT World Cup in Macau. This visual identity not only boosts team morale but also signifies a new strategy focused on both the prestigious 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps and the overall Endurance Cup standings.
Support from New Arrivals
Jordan Pepper, another newcomer to BMW’s driver line-up, will strengthen Team WRT’s efforts in the Endurance Cup, competing in the #31 BMW M4 GT3 EVO alongside Amaury Cordeel in the Sprint Cup. This injection of new talent is expected to revitalise the team’s dynamics and enhance competitive performance throughout the season.
Team Principal’s Outlook
Andreas Roos, head of BMW M Motorsport, expressed confidence in his line-up, highlighting the combination of experience and emerging talent as key to their ambitions for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, Vincent Vosse of Team WRT acknowledged the excitement of defending multiple titles and welcomed the new additions to his roster. Hans-Peter Naundorf of ROWE Racing pointed to a strategic shift aimed at achieving success not only in marquee events but throughout the entire season.
Drivers’ Perspectives
Both van der Linde and Weerts are eager to continue their partnership in what is recognised as one of the most competitive GT racing series in the world. Rossi’s enthusiasm for the championship underscores his appeal, while Marciello’s commitment to ROWE Racing reinforces their shared goal of glory in the championship.
Summary of BMW M Driver Line-up
Below is a summary of the driver line-ups for the Pro and Gold Cup categories:
- Sprint Cup
- #31 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, Team WRT: Amaury Cordeel, Jordan Pepper
- #32 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, Team WRT: Kelvin van der Linde, Charles Weerts
- #46 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, Team WRT: Max Hesse, Valentino Rossi
- Endurance Cup
- #32 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, Team WRT: Jordan Pepper, Kelvin van der Linde, Charles Weerts
- #46 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, Team WRT: Dan Harper, Max Hesse, Valentino Rossi
- #98 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, ROWE Racing: Jake Dennis, Augusto Farfus, Raffaele Marciello
- #998 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, ROWE Racing: Ugo de Wilde, Jens Klingmann, Tim Tramnitz
© BMW Group
