Introduction
BMW M Motorsport is set to make a formidable return to the GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS in 2026, with an impressive roster of drivers and teams. This season is particularly significant as BMW aims to reclaim its dominance following a successful previous campaign, where they clinched both the overall championship and the Sprint Cup titles.
Reigning Champions Ready to Defend
The driving 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 as they embark on their title defence.
New Faces in the Line-up
This year sees the addition of Valentino Rossi, the Italian motorsport icon, who will compete in all ten rounds for Team WRT. Rossi will share the #46 BMW M4 GT3 EVO with Max Hesse from Germany in the Pro category, showcasing a blend of experience and youthful enthusiasm. For the endurance rounds, Dan Harper from Great Britain will join them, further strengthening their chances in the Endurance Cup.
ROWE Racing’s Competitive Edge
ROWE Racing is also fielding a strong team with six BMW M works drivers, aiming for success in the Endurance Cup. The team comprises Augusto Farfus (Brazil), Raffaele Marciello (Switzerland), and Jake Dennis (Britain), who will compete in the Pro Cup. Their previous successes, including a three-hour race win at the Nürburgring, bolster their credentials 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 FIA GT World Cup appearance in Macau. This visual identity not only enhances team morale but also signifies a fresh strategy focused on both the prestigious 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps and the overall Endurance Cup standings.
Support from Newcomers
Jordan Pepper, another newcomer to the BMW M works driver line-up, will bolster Team WRT’s efforts in the Endurance Cup, while also competing in the #31 BMW M4 GT3 EVO alongside Amaury Cordeel in the Sprint Cup. This infusion of new talent is expected to invigorate the team dynamics and enhance competitive performance throughout the season.
Team Principal Insights
Andreas Roos, Head of BMW M Motorsport, expressed confidence in their 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 their roster. Hans-Peter Naundorf of ROWE Racing noted a strategic shift aimed at achieving success not just at marquee events but across the entire season.
Driver 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 globally. Rossi’s enthusiasm for the championship underscores its appeal, while Marciello’s commitment to ROWE Racing reinforces their shared goal of championship glory.
BMW M Works Driver Line-up Overview
The following 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
