BMW lays out plans for factory WEC and Formula E campaigns

BMW is set to expand its motorsport programmes to factory FIA World Endurance Championship and Formula E campaigns.

The German brand will enter the WEC’S GT class in 2018, and has confirmed a partnership with the Andretti FE team as part of its evaluation of a full works entry into the electric singleseater series.

BMW runs versions of the M6 in GTLM and GT3 in America and Europe, but would not confirm which model would be its future WEC GTE contender.

Jens Marquardt, BMW’S motorsport director, said there was a “big future” for GT racing: “This also includes our return to Le Mans, which we are particularly looking forward to.”

BMW driver Antonio Felix da Costa was announced as an Andretti FE driver in July and the marque will work closely with the American team “in order to familiarise itself with processes in this series”.

It is understood BMW’S involvement in the development of the Andretti ATEC-02 powertrain for the 2016/17 season, which begins in Hong Kong on October 9, has been significant.

Marquadt said a works entry was “conceivable” for the 2018/19 campaign, if the series can move to single-car races.

BMW will also still compete in the IMSA Sportscar Championship and expand its GT4 participation with the M4 GT4.