Munich. BMW Team RLL will look to close the 2018 IMSA
WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the inaugural season for the
BMW M8 GTE with a third consecutive GTLM class victory, this time at
the 21st annual Motul Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta (USA).
Following a win and double-podium finish at Virginia
International Raceway (USA) in August and a second victory at the
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca (USA) last month the team is fully
prepared for Petit Le Mans – an event they won last year in the final
race for the BMW M6 GTLM. Bill Auberlen (USA) rejoins Alexander Sims
(GBR) and Connor De Phillippi (USA) in the #25 BMW M8 GTE for the
fourth time this season. Chaz Mostert (AUS) will co-drive with John
Edwards (USA) and Jesse Krohn (FIN) in the #24 BMW M8 GTE. This
weekend will also see BMW Team RLL complete its 10th season
of racing with BMW.
Statements on the race at Road Atlanta
:
Bobby Rahal (BMW Team RLL, Team Principal): “The last
two wins have come from really careful fuel management and a great job
by the drivers. I don’t see why we can’t be in the thick of it at
Petit Le Mans and go for three in a row. We tested there and the car
ran well but of course it is a tough race. Winning the race last year
was a tremendous achievement for ourselves and for BMW. Just like any
race, we will have to stay out of trouble and be smart. If we can do
that, I think we have a shot at getting back-to-back wins there as
well as winning the third in a row for the BMW M8 GTE.“
Connor De Phillippi (#25 BMW M8 GTE): “Carrying a two
race victory streak into the last race event of 2018 gives us that
much more confidence as a team. We’ve certainly proven our BMW M8 GTE
is capable of winning and the past history at Petit Le Mans has also
proven that Road Atlanta is a track that suits our BMW race cars. This
year we have grown exponentially as a team, and I believe we are all
very happy with what we’ve achieved in our debut season with our BMW
M8 GTE programme.”
Alexander Sims (#25 BMW M8 GTE): “On the back of two
excellent wins in our BMW M8 GTE it feels like we are getting our head
around the car in its first season. I am really looking forward to
getting to Petit Le Mans and seeing how our car works there. It’s a
tough and long race into the night which will mean we have to be at
the top of our game, however it’s the only circuit left where I have a
100% win streak so I’m beyond motivated to keep that going! It’s been
a thoroughly satisfying year so far; we have really improved our
knowledge of how the car works best and now all our focus is on
finishing the season on a high.”
Bill Auberlen (#25 BMW M8 GTE): “I can’t wait to
climb back into the BMW M8 GTE. BMW Team RLL has made great progress
this season and are on a two race winning streak. We’ll try to make it
three in a row. Petit Le Mans is always a tough race and a win there
is something every driver wants on their resume.”
John Edwards (#24 BMW M8 GTE): “Road Atlanta is an
impressive track that takes real commitment to get a quick lap time.
I’ve been in the car to finish second a couple of times over the
years, but have never won the race. I think this year might be the
year. We’re looking forward to having Chaz in our car. I first watched
him on TV earlier this year when I was glued to the online streaming
from Bathurst. After watching him there, I’m sure he’s going to adapt
to Road Atlanta just fine.”
Jesse Krohn (#24 BMW M8 GTE): “I am really looking
forward to one of the highlight races of the year. Petit Le Mans is
one my favorites and certainly one I would like to win. The team has
done an amazing job developing the car throughout the year and it is
starting to show with two wins in the last two rounds. The beginning
of the year wasn’t easy but overall the year has been positive and I
have personally learned a lot and have enjoyed every moment driving
the BMW M8 GTE for BMW Team RLL.”
Chaz Mostert (#24 BMW M8 GTE): “I’m super excited to
get the opportunity to race Petit Le Mans for BMW. Although it will
all be new, I know I can contribute.”
Note to editors:
You can find the latest video profiles of BMW Team RLL drivers Connor
De Phillippi and John Edwards attached.