BMW signs new works driver for LMDh programme: Robin Frijns will help BMW enter World Endurance Championship (WEC)
BMW signs Robin Frijns as a new works driver for the LMDh programme: the Dutchman will be integrated with immediate effect into testing and development work with the BMW M Hybrid V8, with which the Munich-based company will compete in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) from 2024
The commitment comes as no surprise: Frijns has a good relationship with WRT, who are responsible for racing the LMDh car in the WEC. Frijns and WRT already worked closely together during his Audi days. The Dutchman is also competing for the Belgian racing team in the WEC’s LMP2 class this season.
“It’s great to return to BMW M Motorsport after so many years, where it all started back then in Formula BMW Europe,” said a delighted Frijns, who secured the Formula BMW Europe title in 2010, making him the last champion in this junior racing series.
Race entries in BMW’s GT programme?
“I am looking forward to the new challenges, which will include the test programme with the BMW M Hybrid V8 for the WEC entry in 2024,” said Frijns. It remains to be seen whether the Dutchman will also be involved in the Munich-based company’s GT programme, for example in the DTM. A decision on the first race entries will be made at a later date.
“Robin Frijns is a great addition to our factory driver line-up with his versatility and vast experience in prototype racing,” praises Andreas Roos, Head of BMW M Motorsport. “He will take part in the test programme with the BMW M Hybrid V8 for the WEC entry as a first step. “
“He knows the team and the racing series very well and can certainly make a valuable contribution to a successful preparation for the 2024 season,” Roos hopes. “Looking at his successes, it is clear that Robin Frijns is also an extremely strong driver in GT racing. “
BMW contract as “great motivation “
Frijns can look back on great successes: In 2021, the Dutchman was crowned champion in the LMP2 category of the WEC as well as class winner at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Added to this are victories in the 12-hour race at Bathurst (2018) and the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring (2022). Frijns also enjoyed overall victories in the Blancpain GT Series (now the GT World Challenge).
From 2018 to 2020, the 31-year-old competed for Audi in the DTM, where he celebrated three race wins. Most recently, Frijns competed for Abt-Cupra in Formula E. However, it is unclear how and where he will now continue. “However, we will only decide on possible racing assignments at a later date,” says Roos. “For now, we are very happy to have him with us in the BMW M Motorsport family.”
Frijns, meanwhile, can’t wait to chase the BMW M Hybrid V8 around the world’s race tracks. “The prospect of driving this car and being part of a new golden era of motorsport is a great motivation,” grins the new BMW works driver. Frijns is the 22nd works driver in the BMW M Motorsport line-up.
