BMW is believed to be evaluating a 2017 BMW LMP1 Programme. Well sourced reports in the German press explain that a project to design a new LMP1 design are well underway. BMW Motorsport personnel have been seen at both WEC rounds so far and taking a specific interest in the car contesting the LMP1 class rather than those in the GTE field where they may be expected.

The German marque which won Le Mans in 1999 and powered the 1995 winner is said to be one of two manufacturers who have made serious approaches to the ACO about a 2017 LMP1 entry, and have enquired about the direction of the rules in 2017 when new regulations are expected in the class.

BMW has not had a major international motorsport programme since it withdrew from F1 at the end of the 2009 season. Since then it has focussed on DTM and customer GT racing, as well as its works United Sports Car Championship team in the USA.

LMP1 is likely of specific interest to BMW due to its advanced position in electric mobility and development of cutting edge hybrid technologies such as its patented ‘turbo steamer’ and thermoelectric generators. Indeed the brand has even created its own alternative fuel and hybrid brand ‘i’ (as in BMW i8). The suitability between the current LMP1 rules aimed at advancing technology and BMW’s clear philosophy of being a leader in this field is clear. With ‘Garage 56’ seemingly vacant for 2016 & 2017 BMW could use this route to deploy technologies that are not yet represented in the current LMP1 regulations, before a full entry the following year (the same path taken by Nissan).



There are some reasons why a BMW project may not happen, some of the technological avenues being pursued by BMW fall outside of the current LMP1 rules structure and additionally the firm lacks the capability to develop a modern LMP or open wheel car in house (during its tenure in F1 it partnered with Sauber).

This lack of capability in house could easily be overcome with the use of the local supply chain however with a wide range of firms in Bavaria such as Holzer and Adess and others all with track record in LMP and F1 car construction and development.

BMW through its DTM commitment is already developing an engine that could be well be suited to use in LMP1. Its new ‘NRE’ two litre four cylinder direct injection engine will produce in excess of 600bhp.

BMW Motorsport boss Jens Marquardt refused to deny the speculation surrounding the firms 2017 Le Mans project but made it clear that for the brand to enter the rules would likely have to change “if you take BMW as a global brand we are not a slow follower or a fast follower, we are setting new paths, which we have shown with ‘i’ so I don’t think we need to follow what everyone does.

The WEC is still following and what we need to figure out is a new path that suits BMW, like with ‘i’. He went on however to point out that if the return on investment was worthwhile BMW would certainly consider a new global programme.

“If a global return on investment is balanced withyour investment it can make a lot of sense but it has to be balanced. Some of the championships are a huge investment and a return on investment calculation sometimes in those respects are difficult but it depends how close these things are to your brand.”

A full story on the potential of BMW to return to Le Mans can be read (in German) in the latest issue of Sport Auto magazine (issue 6/2015), which is available now.