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BMW’s foray into the World Endurance Championship (WEC) with the M Hybrid V8 LMDh has been a journey marked by both promise and challenges. As the German manufacturer gears up for the 2025 season, driver Dries Vanthoor has emphasized the need for crucial upgrades to transform the car into a consistent frontrunner.
The BMW M Hybrid V8, which debuted in the IMSA SportsCar Championship in 2023, has shown flashes of potential but has struggled with consistency. The car’s expansion into the Hypercar class of the WEC this year has yielded modest results, with a notable podium finish at Fuji and a 1-2 victory in the IMSA enduro at Indianapolis.
Vanthoor believes that utilizing the “evo jokers”—limited upgrades allowed over the car’s five-year homologation period—could address some of the car’s weaknesses. “We have had quite some brake issues the whole season,” Vanthoor noted, highlighting one of the critical areas needing improvement. These issues have particularly affected the car’s performance in race conditions, despite being less noticeable during qualifying laps.
However, BMW’s motorsport chief Andreas Roos maintains that there is still untapped potential in the current car that can be extracted without resorting to these upgrades. “As long as we don’t extract the full potential of the car, there is no need to take a joker,” Roos stated. This cautious approach aims to maximize the car’s inherent capabilities before making any significant changes.
The BMW M Hybrid V8 is powered by the P66/3 eight-cylinder turbo engine, a development of the engine used in the BMW M4 DTM during 2017 and 2018. This engine, combined with the standardized hybrid components, forms the backbone of BMW’s LMDh prototype. The car’s chassis is built by the Italian race car specialist Dallara, ensuring a robust and competitive platform.
Despite the challenges, BMW’s commitment to the LMDh project remains strong. The team has been working diligently to improve the car’s performance, with a focus on areas such as braking and overall race durability. The recent successes at Fuji and Indianapolis are testaments to the car’s potential and the team’s relentless efforts.
Looking ahead, the 2025 season presents an opportunity for BMW to solidify its position as a top contender in the WEC. With strategic upgrades and continued development, the M Hybrid V8 could become a regular presence at the front of the grid. As Vanthoor aptly put it, “We really use [the evo jokers] for the big aspects of our car”. This strategic approach, combined with the team’s expertise and dedication, could pave the way for a successful campaign in the coming years.
