Munich. BMW M Motorsport will compete with three BMW M4 GT3 EVO cars in the top SP9 category at the Nürburgring 24 Hours race on May 16/17. The endurance classic on the Nordschleife is considered one of the most important GT3 races on the international motorsport calendar.
As defending champions, Kelvin van der Linde (RSA), Raffaele Marciello (SUI), and Augusto Farfus (BRA) return to the Nürburgring. Together with Jordan Pepper (RSA), they will compete in the car with start number 1 for ROWE Racing. In addition, other works drivers will race with ROWE Racing and Schubert Motorsport. BMW M Motorsport is aiming for its 22nd overall victory at the event.
Two cars for ROWE Racing
The second ROWE Racing car, number 99, will be driven by Dan Harper (GBR), Max Hesse (GER), Sheldon van der Linde (RSA), and Dries Vanthoor (BEL). Both ROWE cars will start on Michelin tires.
For Harper and Hesse, it's a return to a track where they have already completed numerous races as part of the BMW Junior Team. Hesse had achieved pole position in his last start in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring in 2024 and finished third in the race.
Schubert Motorsport with Yokohama tires
The third vehicle, starting number 77 from Schubert Motorsport, is driven by Charles Weerts (BEL), Marco Wittmann (GER), Philipp Eng (AUT), and Robin Frijns (NED). The team competes with tires from the Japanese manufacturer Yokohama, utilizing a special vehicle design.
Track record at the Nürburgring
BMW M Motorsport has a long history at the Nürburgring 24 Hours. Last year's victory marked the 21st overall win at this event. ROWE Racing was able to win the race in 2020 and achieved podium finishes in 2017, 2021, and 2023.
Several of the drivers deployed have celebrated overall victories at the Nürburgring in the past, including Kelvin van der Linde, Augusto Farfus, Dries Vanthoor, and Robin Frijns.
Preparation for the Nürburgring Endurance Series
In preparation for the 24-hour race, ROWE Racing and Schubert Motorsport are planning starts in selected rounds of the Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS) in March and April, as well as the 24h Qualifiers in April. Schubert Motorsport will also compete in the third NLS race.
Voices from the Teams
Andreas Roos, Head of BMW M Motorsport, emphasized the importance of the race for the company and pointed to the experienced driver lineup and the collaboration with the two teams, ROWE Racing and Schubert Motorsport.
Hans-Peter Naundorf, team principal of ROWE Racing, explained that the team is entering the event with clear sporting objectives. The driver lineups for both vehicles are accordingly strong.
Torsten Schubert, team principal of Schubert Motorsport, described the return to the Nürburgring 24 Hours as a special challenge. He stated that they are working intensively on preparations together with tire partner Yokohama.
The drivers also spoke positively about the upcoming participation, highlighting in particular the importance of the race and the cooperation within the teams.
Driver lineup at a glance
#1 BMW M4 GT3 EVO – ROWE Racing
Kelvin van der Linde (RSA)
Raffaele Marciello (SUI)
Augusto Farfus (BRA)
Jordan Pepper (RSA)
#99 BMW M4 GT3 EVO – ROWE Racing
Sheldon van der Linde (RSA)
Dries Vanthoor (BEL)
Max Hesse (GER)
Dan Harper (GBR)
#77 BMW M4 GT3 EVO – Schubert Motorsport
Marco Wittmann (GER)
Charles Weerts (BEL)
Philipp Eng (AUT)
Robin Frijns (NED)