Three defending champions, three BMW M4 GT3 EVOs: BMW M Motorsport fields top-class line-up at the 24h Nürburgring.

Munich. BMW M Motorsport will line up with three BMW M4 GT3 EVO cars in the top SP9 category at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring (GER) on 16th/17th May. Defending champions Kelvin van der Linde (RSA), Raffaele Marciello (SUI) and Augusto Farfus (BRA) return to the endurance classic at the Nordschleife. Together with Jordan Pepper (RSA), they will compete in the #1 BMW M4 GT3 EVO for ROWE Racing. In addition to this quartet, eight more works drivers with ROWE Racing and Schubert Motorsport will chase BMW M Motorsport’s 22nd overall victory in the “Green Hell,” where BMW remains the record winner.

The second ROWE Racing car, once again running on Michelin tyres like its sister entry, will be driven by Dan Harper (GBR), Max Hesse (GER), Sheldon van der Linde (RSA) and Dries Vanthoor (BEL). The quartet will compete in the #99 BMW M4 GT3 EVO. For Harper and Hesse, it marks a return to the circuit where they spent many years racing as part of their development in the BMW Junior Team programme.

Hesse achieved something historic in his most recent 24-hour appearance at the Nürburgring: at just 22 years old, the German secured pole position in 2024 for BMW M Team RMG and became the youngest driver in history to win the Glickenhaus Trophy. In the race, he finished third alongside Harper and Charles Weerts (BEL), securing a podium result.

Weerts will race this year in the third BMW M4 GT3 EVO for Schubert Motorsport. The Belgian will contest the endurance classic alongside Marco Wittmann (GER), Philipp Eng (AUT) and Robin Frijns (NED). Their #77 BMW M4 GT3 EVO will run on tyres from Japanese manufacturer Yokohama and feature a striking Yokohama livery.

BMW M Motorsport boasts a long and successful history at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring: last year’s victory for the #98 BMW M4 GT3 EVO marked BMW’s 21st overall win in the Nordschleife classic, making BMW the undisputed record champion in the “Green Hell.” ROWE Racing previously won the Eifel event in 2020 and finished runner-up in 2017, 2021 and 2023.

For van der Linde, last year’s triumph was his third after previous victories in 2017 and 2022. Farfus first won at the Nürburgring in 2010 in the BMW M3 GT2. Alongside Marciello, who celebrated his debut Eifel victory in 2025, Vanthoor (2019, 2022) and Frijns (2022) have also previously added their names to the winners’ list.

As preparation for the highlight event, ROWE Racing and Schubert Motorsport will compete in the opening two rounds of the Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS) on 14th and 21th March, as well as the 24h Qualifiers on 18th/19th April. In addition, Schubert Motorsport will compete in the third round on 11th April.

Statements on the driver line-ups:

Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “We are very much looking forward to the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. The race has always been a strong event for BMW M Motorsport, not least last year. Our three 2025 champions are highly motivated to defend their title. With ROWE Racing and Schubert Motorsport, we have not only two top teams but also twelve outstanding works drivers on the grid. That gives us the best possible foundation to secure BMW’s 22nd overall victory in the ‘Green Hell’ in front of this impressive backdrop. We are also delighted to see, in addition to our winning combination of ROWE Racing and Michelin, Team Schubert Motorsport competing on Yokohama tyres with a special livery. We want to put on a great show for our many fans at the Nordschleife - not only during the 24-hour race but already at the Nürburgring Endurance Series rounds. The private BMW M Motorsport teams and drivers also contribute to making racing on the Nordschleife truly unique.”

Hans-Peter Naundorf (Team Principal, ROWE Racing): “After last year’s overall victory at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, we return to the Nordschleife highly motivated - with the clear objective of successfully defending the title with car #1. The driver line-ups of our two cars underline that ambition impressively. In car #1, Augusto Farfus, Raffaele Marciello, Kelvin van der Linde and Jordan Pepper combine four winners of last year’s 24-hour races at Spa and the Nürburgring. Car #99 is equally strong: Dries Vanthoor, Sheldon van der Linde, Dan Harper and Max Hesse form an outstanding quartet determined to fight for a podium finish. With our newly developed and revised ‘Identity’ vehicle design, we are making a clear statement not only in sporting terms but visually as well. Our goal is to deliver a real highlight both on and off the track.”

Torsten Schubert (Team Principal, Schubert Motorsport): “Returning to the 24 Hours of Nürburgring is not entirely new territory for us, but it remains a very special challenge, and I am very pleased to be back. Together with Yokohama, we are advancing tyre development for the Nordschleife and hope to guide the BMW M4 GT3 EVO successfully through the Eifel once again. I am confident we can be successful. Since December, we have been preparing everything, building structures and completing numerous test sessions. We are very much looking forward to it and hope many fans will support us.”

Augusto Farfus (ROWE Racing, #1 BMW M4 GT3 EVO): “Returning to the Nürburgring as champion is something very special. The 24 Hours of Nürburgring is the biggest and toughest race on the planet. It’s great to have more cars on the grid than last year. We return with a very strong line-up, and I hope we can once again represent BMW M Motorsport in the best possible way.”

Max Hesse (ROWE Racing, #99 BMW M4 GT3 EVO): “I’m incredibly happy to be racing at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring this year - and for the first time with ROWE Racing. In 2024 I secured pole position, in 2025 ROWE Racing won. So our ambitions are pretty clear. Our line-up is very strong, I’m very happy, and we’ll work together extremely well. Preparation won’t be easy due to some scheduling overlaps, but we’ll manage it as best as possible. The 24 Hours of Nürburgring with BMW M Motorsport in front of so many fans is always the coolest event of the year. I’m really excited to get started with the team and the guys.”

Philipp Eng (Schubert Motorsport, #77 BMW M4 GT3 EVO): “I’m extremely happy to return to the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. The project with Schubert Motorsport and the new tyre partner Yokohama is fantastic, and I’m really proud to be part of it. I have three very fast team-mates who have proved what they are capable of - especially on the Nordschleife. The signs are promising, and I can hardly wait to complete the first laps on the best race track in the world.”

Driver line-ups overview:

#1 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, ROWE Racing:

• Kelvin van der Linde (RSA)
• Raffaele Marciello (SUI)
• Augusto Farfus (BRA)
• Jordan Pepper (RSA)

#99 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, ROWE Racing:

• Sheldon van der Linde (RSA)
• Dries Vanthoor (BEL)
• Max Hesse (GER)
• Dan Harper (GBR)

#77 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, Schubert Motorsport:

• Marco Wittmann (GER)
• Charles Weerts (BEL)
• Philipp Eng (AUT)
• Robin Frijns (NED)