BMW M Team WRT Hypercar driver Sheldon van der Linde has expressed practical aspirations for BMW’s debut Hypercar campaign, suggesting that expecting to compete against top teams is unrealistic. In a pre-season media call, he acknowledged the need to approach their goals realistically, stating that they cannot expect to immediately surpass Ferrari or Toyota. Van der Linde emphasized the importance of building the car incrementally and ensuring its reliability, especially in the early stages. He also highlighted the significance of a strong driver lineup, including himself, Robin Frijns, and Rene Rast, to drive the program forward. Van der Linde emphasized the need to finish races and establish a reliable foundation before focusing on speed improvements.
Van der Linde, Frijns, and Rast will share the #20 BMW M Hybrid V8, with all three drivers possessing experience in prototype sportscar racing and previous involvement with WRT in GT racing programs. Despite a challenging start to their IMSA season last year, BMW Team RLL secured their first victory at Watkins Glen, benefitting from post-race disqualifications of their competitors. This success propelled them into contention for the 2023 championship title. As they prepare for the demanding 1812 km Qatar season-opener, BMW will need to prioritize reliability due to the BoP regulations. Competing against 16 other rivals, BMW’s #20 and #25 Hypercars will need to perform strongly in terms of reliability.
The 24-year-old South African driver expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far, acknowledging that they started the previous year at a disadvantage. However, with the support of WRT, a highly regarded team in the industry, they have made significant strides. Van der Linde emphasized the successful collaboration between BMW and WRT, highlighting their combined experience. While remaining realistic with their goals, he expressed a desire to perform well in the upcoming season.
According to the Source motorsportweek.com