BMW M Team WRT heads into the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship’s TotalEnergies 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps full of confidence after ending a lengthy victory drought with a dramatic LMGT3 triumph at Imola.
The German-Belgian outfit returned to the top step of the podium for the first time in 728 days after the #69 BMW M4 LMGT3 Evo of Parker Thompson, Dan Harper and Anthony McIntosh delivered a memorable victory during the 6 Hours of Imola. Significantly, the result marked the team’s first FIA WEC win since its dominant one-two finish at the same circuit back in 2024 with the #31 and #46 BMW M4 entries.
Moreover, BMW once again demonstrated exceptional competitiveness around the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari. For the third consecutive season, the Bavarian manufacturer emerged as one of the leading LMGT3 forces at Imola, with the #46 BMW M4 also securing second place in class during the 2026 event.
Consequently, the victory not only rewarded Team WRT’s persistence after two difficult years without a win, but also reinforced growing optimism surrounding BMW’s wider FIA WEC programme heading into the next phase of the season.
Imola continues to suit BMW’s characteristics
Although Team WRT and BMW have consistently performed strongly at Imola in recent years, Vincent Vosse admitted the organisation still cannot fully explain why the Italian venue suits the package so effectively.
Nevertheless, the combination of rapid direction changes, flowing corners and aggressive chicane sections once again allowed the BMW M4 LMGT3 Evo to maximise its strengths throughout the race weekend.
Speaking about the team’s impressive record at the circuit, Vosse highlighted the natural compatibility between the car and the demanding layout.
“We can’t pinpoint the exact reason why we perform so well at Imola, but the chicanes and fast sequences suit the BMW well,” Vosse told fiawec.com. “You could argue that Imola is a bit like our home circuit!”
That confidence became evident almost immediately once competitive running began. During Hyperpole, the #69 and #32 BMWs secured the fourth and fifth-fastest times respectively, giving Team WRT an ideal platform from which to challenge at a circuit where overtaking opportunities often remain scarce.
Importantly, the team then converted that Qualifying pace into race performance through aggressive driving, sharp strategy and disciplined execution across all six hours.
McIntosh’s stunning opening stint changes the race at Imola
The foundations for victory emerged during the opening stages when Anthony McIntosh produced one of the standout stints of the entire race.
Despite starting from the third row, the young Scot attacked confidently through the opening corners and immediately began carving his way through the LMGT3 field. His decisive overtaking manoeuvres allowed the #69 BMW to seize control of the category early and completely changed the complexion of the race.
Vosse reserved particular praise for McIntosh’s bravery and racecraft during those critical opening laps, describing his opening stint as “a spectacular start with some magnificent overtaking manœuvres”
As a result, Team WRT gained valuable track position before Parker Thompson climbed aboard to continue the charge at the front of the class.
From there, the team executed the race with remarkable consistency. Clean pit stops, effective tyre management and calm communication on the pit wall ensured the #69 BMW remained firmly in contention as the race entered its decisive final phase.
Harper produces defensive masterclass at Imola to seize LMGT3 victory
With victory within reach during the closing stages, Dan Harper faced enormous pressure from the pursuing #33 TF Sport Corvette Z06 driven by Nicky Catsburg.
However, the Northern Irishman delivered a composed and intelligent defensive performance under relentless pressure. Despite Catsburg repeatedly threatening to attack, Harper maintained his focus and refused to leave any opportunity open.
Eventually, the BMW crossed the finish line just 0.265 seconds ahead after one of the closest and most dramatic finishes of the FIA WEC season so far.
The result represented a major breakthrough for the driver trio, particularly because the partnership remains relatively new within the championship.
Harper admitted afterwards that the speed at which the line-up achieved victory surprised even him.
“I already had a good feeling that with this crew we could achieve podium finishes and eventually a victory”, said the Northern Irishman, “but for it to happen in the very first race was incredible.”
Furthermore, the victory immediately established the #69 crew as serious contenders within the LMGT3 title fight. Rather than spending the opening rounds gradually building momentum, the team delivered a statement result at the first major opportunity.
Teamwork delivers a ‘complete team win’
While the drivers executed superbly behind the wheel, Vosse emphasised that the triumph reflected the strength of the entire Team WRT operation.
From strategy calls to pit stop execution and technical preparation, every aspect of the programme operated smoothly throughout the event. According to Vosse, that collective effort proved crucial in securing such an important victory after a prolonged wait.
“The team’s experience in terms of strategy allowed us to be at the front for almost the entire race. It was a complete team win, gained by the drivers who put in a flawless performance, and by BMW, who provided us with a competitive car.”
Equally significant, the Imola success also represented a strong beginning for Rahel Frey in her new position as Sporting Director of Team WRT’s GT programmes.
The experienced Swiss racer joined the organisation during the winter after building an impressive reputation within endurance racing. Frey already holds an important place in FIA WEC history after becoming part of the first all-female crew to win a championship race alongside Michelle Gatting and Sarah Bovy in Bahrain in 2023.
Now, she oversees sporting operations across Team WRT’s GT efforts and ensures compliance with FIA WEC regulations throughout race weekends.
Vosse explained that Frey’s professionalism and attention to detail made her an ideal addition to the team’s structure.
“I’ve known Rahel for about 15 years,” revealed Vosse, who pointed out that Frey had already driven for Team WRT in GT races back in 2013.
He added, “I knew how professional she was behind the wheel. I had this idea last winter. I got in touch with her, we talked about it, and she gave it some careful thought. As she always is in everything she does, she is 100 per cent committed.”
Hypercar progress adds further encouragement
Beyond the LMGT3 victory, BMW also left Imola encouraged by the progress shown within its Hypercar programme.
The #20 and #15 BMW M Hybrid V8 entries finished fifth and seventh overall respectively, marking the manufacturer’s strongest collective Hypercar result in almost a year. In particular, the #20 machine of René Rast and Robin Frijns displayed podium-level pace before a costly drive-through penalty ultimately compromised its final result.
Although pleased with the overall competitiveness, Vosse admitted the outcome still carried a degree of frustration because the team narrowly missed out on an even bigger points haul.
“This is the first time in three years that we haven’t made it onto the podium at Imola,” notes Team WRT’s co-founder. “So the result was a bit bittersweet. There were positives, of course – we had a solid weekend – but there were extra points to be won.”
Nevertheless, the revised aerodynamic package introduced through BMW’s EVO Joker developments appears to have moved the M Hybrid V8 programme in a promising direction.
While Vosse acknowledged that work remains ongoing in several areas, he believes the latest upgrades have already delivered visible improvements.
“There are still aspects of the car we need to improve and understand, but we’ve made progress in certain areas. We’re on the right path.”
Spa-Francorchamps presents emotional home challenge
Attention now shifts towards the TotalEnergies 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, where Team WRT will effectively compete on home soil in front of Belgian supporters.
Although Spa remains one of the most iconic circuits in endurance racing, the venue has delivered several painful moments for the organisation in recent seasons. Since securing victory in the LMP2 category there in 2023, Team WRT has endured accidents, retirements and missed opportunities across both its GT and Hypercar programmes.
Most notably, the 2024 race featured the dramatic high-speed collision on the Kemmel Straight between Sean Gelael’s #31 BMW and Earl Bamber’s #2 Cadillac V-Series R. Meanwhile, both the #31 BMW M4 and #20 BMW M Hybrid V8 retired from the 2025 edition.
Even so, Vosse remains optimistic that the characteristics of Spa-Francorchamps could suit BMW’s current package just as effectively as Imola.
“We’ve had some difficult weekends with several accidents,” admits Vosse. “It’s always been tricky, but it’s always nice to race at home. We’re looking forward to it, and I think Spa could suit us well.”
BMW eyes bigger FIA WEC goals
Another strong weekend in Belgium would strengthen BMW’s hold on third place in the Hypercar Manufacturers’ Championship while also reinforcing confidence within the wider programme.
After several seasons spent building foundations, Team WRT and BMW now appear increasingly capable of fighting consistently near the front of endurance racing’s premier category. The progress shown at Imola suggested the project has entered a more competitive phase at precisely the right moment.
Importantly, Vosse believes the close relationship between manufacturer and team remains one of the programme’s greatest strengths as both organisations continue chasing their first Hypercar victory together.
“The relationship between BMW and WRT is excellent,” concludes Vosse. “We have a responsibility to fight for our first victory and a top three finish in the championship. I think our objectives are entirely realistic. For now, we’re on-track!”
