BMW confirms drivers driver line-up for BMW Team RLL IMSA 2020 season
FOLLOWING YESTERDAY’S ANNOUNCEMENT BMW TODAY CONFIRMED BRUNO SPENGLER TO SHARE NO.25 BMW M8 GTE WITH CONNOR DE PHILIPPI
BMW has been evaluating their driver roasters representing the manufacturer in preparation for the 2020 season. As mentioned yesterday, Bruno Spengler is to join BMW Team RLL for the 2020 season.
Bruno will join Connor De Phillippi(USA) for the complete season sharing the no. 25 BMW M8 GTE. For the Rolex 24, they will be joined by Colton Herta(USA) and Philip Eng(AUT). Bruno will be in great company as his three teammates are reigning Rolex 24 at Daytona GTLM champion having won the 2019 edition in treacherous weather conditions.
The fourth member of that 2019 winning team is Brazilian Augusto Farfus who will drive the no.24 BMW M8 GTE at Daytona with team regulars John Edwards(USA) and Jesse Krohn(FIN). Chaz Morstert(AUS) will join them for the Rolex 24.
For Spengler, it is a new chapter in his successful career and already feels comfortable with his new team.
“It’s great to be part of BMW Team RLL now,” commented Bruno. “I still know lots of the guys from the races that I contested for the team in Daytona and Sebring. Everyone has made me feel really welcome. I’m really looking forward to having a very experienced, strong GT driver as a team-mate at my side in Connor. I’m excited for the new challenge and can’t wait for the season to get started.”
“I’m pleased with the continuity we have with John Edwards, Connor De Phillippi and Jesse Krohn returning. It is always a good thing to be able to build on the foundation you have created when possible. Bruno Spengler is a really good team player and will be a great addition. I have a lot of respect for him and everything he has done in the DTM,” mentioned Bobby Rahal, (Team Principal, BMW Team RLL).
Jens Marquardt, BMW Group Motorsport Director: “I am looking forward to the 2020 IMSA season and am confident that, with our four regular drivers, we have everything in place to make it a successful year. We are entering our twelfth year together with BMW Team RLL. We are also largely going with continuity when it comes to the drivers. John Edwards and Connor De Phillippi have a lot of experience of the IMSA series, and Jesse Krohn also did a good job in his second IMSA season in 2019. All three know the BMW M8 GTE, the series and the circuits in North America very well.”
“Bruno Spengler has not only shown his class throughout his long DTM career, but also in his many GT outings on the endurance scene. I am sure that he will be a real asset to BMW Team RLL,” continued Marquardt.
The driver line-up completed at BMW Team RLL, sees the departure of Tom Blomqvist after five years driving under the BMW colours.
Jens Marquardt: “At this point, I would particularly like to thank Tom Blomqvist for the great collaboration over the past five years. Whether in the DTM, WEC, Formula E or the IMSA series, like last season, Tom has coped well on any terrain. We wish him all the best for the future.”
Roar before the Rolex 24 takes place January 3-5 and Canadian Racers News will be present at Daytona to update you on Bruno Spengler’s debut with BMW Team RLL.
Image: BMW Media
