BMW M Team WRT Hypercar driver Sheldon van der Linde has shared his practical aspirations for BMW’s inaugural Hypercar campaign. He recognizes the need to approach their goals realistically, understanding that surpassing top teams like Ferrari and Toyota immediately is not feasible. Van der Linde emphasizes the importance of gradually building the car and ensuring its reliability, particularly in the early stages. He also highlights the significance of a strong driver lineup, including himself, Robin Frijns, and Rene Rast, to drive the program forward. Van der Linde emphasizes the need to establish a reliable foundation before focusing on speed improvements by finishing races successfully.
Van der Linde, Frijns, and Rast will share the #20 BMW M Hybrid V8. All three drivers have experience in prototype sportscar racing and have been involved with WRT in GT racing programs. Despite a challenging start to their IMSA season last year, BMW Team RLL achieved their first victory at Watkins Glen. This success propelled them into contention for the 2023 championship title. As they prepare for the demanding 1812 km Qatar season-opener, BMW will prioritize reliability due to the BoP regulations. Competing against 16 other rivals, BMW’s #20 and #25 Hypercars will need to demonstrate strong reliability.
The 24-year-old South African driver expresses satisfaction with the progress made thus far. He acknowledges that they started the previous year at a disadvantage but have made significant strides with the support of WRT, a highly regarded team in the industry. Van der Linde highlights the successful collaboration between BMW and WRT, emphasizing their combined experience. While remaining realistic with their goals, he expresses a desire to perform well in the upcoming season.
Source: motorsportweek.com
