BMW confirms end to RLL partnership in GTP

BMW has confirmed that Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing will step back from its role as its service provider in IMSA's GTP class at the end of 2025.

While BMW Motorsport boss Andreas Roos was not on hand to speak with reporters at the FIA WEC's meeting in Brazil on Friday, a brand spokesperson provided a verbal statement in response to RLL co-owner Bobby Rahal's comments to RACER's Marshall Pruett.

“It’s true, we will not be with RLL in GTP next year,” they said.

The spokesperson also added that RLL's longstanding relationship with the German brand may continue beyond the current season.

“We are currently working out what our future looks like with them, in historic racing and in our spare parts service. Right now, we cannot confirm anything more about what the program will look like in 2026. We are going through internal discussions right now and will have more to say after decisions are made later this month.”

Elsewhere, RACER reported that Belgian outfit WRT, which currently competes with the M Hybrid V8 in the WEC, is expected to take over the role as BMW's partner in IMSA's top class next year. 

WRT team principal Vincent Vosse was unable to confirm or deny this aspect of the story, as his team shift focus on Sunday's six-hour WEC race in São Paulo.

“As I always said, we would be interested (in GTP). But it’s not in our hands at the moment,” he told RACER on Friday at Interlagos. 

When asked specifically whether or not he could confirm that WRT was in talks with BMW to take over the contract, he added: “No. I mean, we’ve been discussing it generally. But, I was surprised to hear that there was an article from RLL. I’m not going to comment on it.”