RLL loses BMW GTP program by the end of 2025

BMW Motorsport will end its 17-year partnership with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing following the conclusion of the 2025 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The decision comes as the German manufacturer seeks to consolidate its global prototype programs under a single operational structure.

"It's been a privilege and honor to represent BMW at circuits across the United States and Canada," stated Bobby Rahal, co-founder of the Ohio-based team. "Now it's time to move on to new challenges."

BMW and RLL will contest three more races before their separation: Road America (August 3), Indianapolis Motor Speedway (September 21), and Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta (October 11).

Photo By IMSA

WRT favored despite weaker results

Team WRT, which operates BMW's Hypercar program in the WEC, emerges as the leading candidate to take over the M Hybrid V8 operation in IMSA starting 2026. This decision comes despite RLL's two wins and multiple pole positions in GTP - results the Belgian team hasn't matched in the world championship.

The selection process for the new partner was delayed several months while BMW evaluated the impact of U.S. tariff policies. These economic factors appear to have favored WRT, which already handles intercontinental logistics for the hybrid prototype.

A BMW spokesperson confirmed the split from Brazil: "It's true, we won't continue with RLL in GTP next year. We'll share more information after final decisions are made later this month." Vincent Vosse, WRT team principal, only expressed interest in GTP without confirming negotiations.

Mixed results in hybrid era

RLL debuted the M Hybrid V8 in GTP during 2023 with runner-up finishes at Sebring and Long Beach. The team inherited victory at Watkins Glen when the winning Porsche failed post-race inspection. Their 2024 campaign peaked with a 1-2 finish at Indianapolis, where Eng and Krohn won by 1.647 seconds.

The 2025 season has shown speed without results: four consecutive poles (Daytona, Sebring, Long Beach, Laguna Seca) but only podiums at Long Beach and Laguna Seca. The best finishes were third places for Vanthoor/Eng in the #24 car.

Photo By IMSA

Legacy of 26 wins since 2009

The BMW-RLL partnership produced championships with the E92 M3 GT2 (2010-2011), victories with the Z4 GTE (2013-2015), and its peak with the M8 GTE: consecutive wins at the 24 Hours of Daytona GTLM (2019-2020). Their combined record includes 26 wins and multiple IMSA championships.