BMW M Motorsport Gears Up for 2026 GT World Challenge Europe with Star-Studded Lineup
BMW M Motorsport is setting its sights on continued success in the GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS, announcing a formidable driver lineup for the 2026 season. Reigning champions Kelvin van der Linde and Charles Weerts will return to defend their titles with Team WRT, piloting the #32 BMW M4 GT3 EVO.
Dominance Defended: Van der Linde and Weerts Aim for Back-to-Back Titles
Kelvin van der Linde and Charles Weerts enjoyed a stellar 2025, securing both the overall championship and the Sprint Cup title. Their continued partnership underscores BMW M Motorsport’s confidence in the duo’s ability to maintain their winning form. Jordan Pepper will join them for the Endurance Cup races in the #32 car, bolstering their strength for the longer-format competitions.
Valentino Rossi Continues GT Racing Journey with BMW
Adding a unique dimension to the team, Valentino Rossi will contest all ten rounds of the season for Team WRT. The Italian, who has been competing in GT racing since 2022, will share the #46 BMW M4 GT3 EVO with Max Hesse in both the Sprint and Endurance Cups. Dan Harper will join Rossi and Hesse for the five endurance rounds, creating a dynamic and experienced pairing.
ROWE Racing Strengthens Endurance Cup Challenge
ROWE Racing will field a strong two-car entry in the Endurance Cup, featuring six BMW M works drivers. Augusto Farfus, Raffaele Marciello, and Jake Dennis will form the Pro Cup driver lineup, whereas Jens Klingmann, Ugo de Wilde, and Tim Tramnitz – alongside newcomer Jordan Pepper – will compete in the Gold Cup. The #98 BMW M4 GT3 EVO will sport a striking new white, red, and black livery, as previewed at the 2025 FIA GT World Cup in Macau.
Expanding BMW Presence Across the Grid
Beyond Team WRT and ROWE Racing, BMW M Motorsport will have a broader presence in the GT World Challenge Europe. Century Motorsport and Team WRT will each field additional BMW M4 GT3 EVO cars in the Endurance Cup, while Paradine Competition will enter two cars in the endurance races. In the sprint races, KPX Motorsport, Paradine Competition, and Team WRT will each run a BMW M4 GT3 EVO.
Driver Perspectives: Confidence and Anticipation
Andreas Roos, Head of BMW M Motorsport, expressed confidence in the team’s prospects for the 2026 season, highlighting the strength of the driver lineup and the experience of Team WRT and ROWE Racing. Vincent Vosse, Team Principal of Team WRT, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the team’s successful history in the championship and welcoming the new drivers. Hans-Peter Naundorf, Team Principal of ROWE Racing, outlined a strategy focused on both the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps and the overall Endurance Cup standings.
Charles Weerts expressed his excitement about continuing his partnership with Kelvin van der Linde and welcoming Jordan Pepper to the team. Valentino Rossi shared his enthusiasm for competing in the GT World Challenge Europe, praising the championship’s competitive nature. Raffaele Marciello and Jens Klingmann both highlighted their positive experiences with ROWE Racing and their anticipation for the upcoming season.
2026 BMW M Works Driver Line-Ups
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Sprint Cup #31 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, Team WRT
#32 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, Team WRT
#46 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, Team WRT
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Endurance Cup #32 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, Team WRT
#46 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, Team WRT
#98 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, ROWE Racing
#998 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, ROWE Racing
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FAQ
Q: Who are the reigning champions in the GT World Challenge Europe?
A: Kelvin van der Linde and Charles Weerts are the reigning champions.
Q: Which teams will BMW M Motorsport be partnering with in 2026?
A: BMW M Motorsport will be partnering with Team WRT and ROWE Racing.
Q: Will Valentino Rossi be competing in both the Sprint and Endurance Cups?
A: Yes, Valentino Rossi will compete in all ten rounds of the season, including both the Sprint and Endurance Cups.
Q: What is new about the ROWE Racing livery for 2026?
A: The #98 BMW M4 GT3 EVO will feature a new white, red, and black livery.
Did you know? Kelvin van der Linde secured the Intercontinental GT Challenge title in 2025 after a dramatic Indianapolis 8 Hour race.
Pro Tip: Preserve an eye on the performance of the BMW M4 GT3 EVO, as it has proven to be a competitive machine in various GT racing series.
Stay tuned for more updates on the GT World Challenge Europe season and follow BMW M Motorsport’s journey as they strive for continued success!
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