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.”