Simola Hillclimb: Performance and precision in Knysna

Midrand. BMW Group South Africa is participating in the Simola Hillclimb in Knysna, one of South Africa’s leading motorsport events and a globally recognised platform for performance and engineering excellence.

Since its inception in 2009, the event has developed into a benchmark motorsport platform. A 1.9-kilometre public road is transformed into a competitive course that attracts leading manufacturers, professional drivers and international attention.

Events such as the Simola Hillclimb provide BMW Group South Africa with an opportunity to demonstrate its focus on performance, innovation and premium driving dynamics, while engaging with customers and enthusiasts in a high-performance environment.

BMW Group South Africa will field a four-driver line-up comprising Jens Klingmann, Cristiano Verolini, Leyton Fourie and Ronaldo Verolini.

The team will compete in a selection of high-performance BMW M models – the BMW M5 Sedan, BMW M4 Coupé and the BMW M2 Coupé RR Edition, which will enjoy its public debut at the event. Along with MINI’s JCW, each is engineered to deliver exceptional power, control and driving precision.

The vehicles will feature bespoke race liveries developed specifically for the 2026 Simola Hillclimb, reflecting BMW and MINI’s performance heritage and contemporary design language. Shell’s global partnership with BMW M is reflected in the branding on the BMW M5 Sedan, while DHL logos will be visible on the BMW M4 Coupé. For the second time running, bp and Castrol will sponsor the MINI JCW.

Peter van Binsbergen, BMW Group South Africa CEO, says:

"Events like the Simola Hillclimb are important to us because they reflect the same principles that guide us as a business, a commitment to performance, precision and continuous progress. Last year we came within reach of an overall win, and that experience has only sharpened our focus. This year, we're here to finish the job. Beyond the competition, this event creates a unique space to connect with customers and enthusiasts who share our passion for driving, and that energy is something we genuinely value."

The nature of Hillclimb racing demands precision, control and trust between driver and machine. These attributes align closely with BMW’s approach to engineering, where performance and innovation are continuously developed to deliver a premium driving experience.

The Simola Hillclimb also contributes to positioning South Africa as a competitive destination for international motorsport, highlighting local capability and industry expertise.

BMW Group South Africa remains committed to supporting platforms that showcase performance, innovation and the continued development of the automotive sector.