[jpdchicago]

     Featured on BIMMERPOST.com

Just figured out how the 103 extra M4 gts are going to be used!

Probably will be using M2s and M4s...

http://www.dailysportscar.com/2017/0...r-le-mans.html

BMW and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest have signed an agreement making the German car manufacturer the official vehicle supplier at the Circuit des 24 Heures in Le Mans, both during and outside race events (pic above is of the BMW safety fleet for MotoGP).

BMW thus replace Audi as the official vehicle supplier after the Ingolstadt-based marque ceased its LMP1 programme at the end of 2016.

BMW though have stepped up a year before their planned full FIA WEC entry with a new GTE Pro effort.

The fleet comprises medical and extraction vehicles, safety cars for race events as well as cars used by officials.

BMW’s range will be well-represented in the impressive fleet of distinctive high-performance saloons, estates, coupés, SUVs and limousines.

Up to 26 vehicles will be used during the 24 Hours of Le Mans and five will be required for year-round track events.

This is the first stage in the partnership, with several other projects currently under discussion.

Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest: “The ACO was particularly eager to set up a partnership with BMW. We have great pleasure in announcing that the German manufacturer will be the supplier of the official vehicles used at the Circuit des 24 Heures. BMW and Le Mans go back a long way and this new partnership is the first step in a long and fruitful relationship.”

Peter Quintus, Vice President sales and marketing BMW M: “We are delighted to be the supplier of the official vehicles for the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Le Mans 24 Hours Motos this year.

“This is a first step towards a more ambitious undertaking in 2018 when we will be returning to endurance racing in LM GTE Pro. We thank the ACO for giving us this opportunity.”

The 85th 24 Hours of Le Mans will be held on June 17-18, 2017

[Naz24]

This is good news. Audi has done a good job over the past few years to market themselves in movies, etc. glad to see bmw taking notes.

[positiveions]

Good for BMW. But, I am wondering if Audi is cutting down on expenses?

[bradleyland]

Originally Posted by positiveions

Good for BMW. But, I am wondering if Audi is cutting down on expenses?

Audi pulled out of FIA/ACO LMP1 because of cost cutting measures. Dieselgate, being the primary driver, and also considering that Porsche (another VAG brand) are competing so well, why run two teams? That seems to be the reasoning, anyway.

In any case, I'm glad to see BMW picking up the torch. BMW Motorsport needs a shot in the arm. The M6 GT3 and GTLM haven't exactly been lighting the world on fire.

[RACEM4TE]

Originally Posted by bradleyland

Audi pulled out of FIA/ACO LMP1 because of cost cutting measures. Dieselgate, being the primary driver, and also considering that Porsche (another VAG brand) are competing so well, why run two teams? That seems to be the reasoning, anyway.

In any case, I'm glad to see BMW picking up the torch. BMW Motorsport needs a shot in the arm. The M6 GT3 and GTLM haven't exactly been lighting the world on fire.

Rumor has it that audi is building a Hypercar for the valkryie and project one. Maybe that?

[M5essex]

Even after the expense Audi have made with their current tv advert at Le Mans??

[M5essex]

Even after the expense Audi have made with their current tv advert at Le Mans??

[Brake_Late]

Originally Posted by positiveions

Good for BMW. But, I am wondering if Audi is cutting down on expenses?

Lawsuits

[shivaswrath]

#dieselgate

[sahajesh]

Originally Posted by M5essex

Even after the expense Audi have made with their current tv advert at Le Mans??

Bit f*cking dumb making that ad - stupid b*stards.

[Matski]

Originally Posted by sahajesh

Bit f*cking dumb making that ad - stupid b*stards.

To be fair to Audi, they've earned themselves the right to market the hell out of their Le Mans presence through their significant input, expense, success and support of the series for a decade and a half, and with the R8 LMS GT3 still giving strong showings in other GT and endurance series' Audi sport will still have a strong presence at race tracks.

[sahajesh]

Originally Posted by Matski

To be fair to Audi, they've earned themselves the right to market the hell out of their Le Mans presence through their significant input, expense, success and support of the series for a decade and a half, and with the R8 LMS GT3 still giving strong showings in other GT and endurance series' Audi sport will still have a strong presence at race tracks.

Good point but I'll never be fair to Audi

[eau_rouge]

Originally Posted by positiveions

Good for BMW. But, I am wondering if Audi is cutting down on expenses?

They actually shift that budget to the Formel E series.

[PARTS@STBMW]

This is pretty awesome.

[Welsh Meatball]

Originally Posted by sahajesh

Bit f*cking dumb making that ad - stupid b*stards.

Pretty sure that ad was intended as a bit of a farewell to Le Mans, and more to do with their heritage there...

[bradleyland]

Originally Posted by RACEM4TE

Rumor has it that audi is building a Hypercar for the valkryie and project one. Maybe that?

How does that relate to them pulling out of Le Mans though?

There have been plenty of articles published on motorsports websites citing diesel gate as the main driving factor behind their exit.