FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) competitor BMW has confirmed that it will continue competing in the championship’s top-tier Hypercar class for the foreseeable future, including 2026, strengthening the rapidly expanding category.
The German manufacturer entered the series’ premier division in 2024 with two BMW M Hybrid V8 prototypes. The programme marked the return of BMW M Motorsport to the highest level of international endurance racing for the first time in 25 years.
BMW quickly demonstrated progress during its debut season and secured a podium finish at the 6 Hours of Fuji. That result helped the marque claim fifth place in the FIA Hypercar World Endurance Manufacturers’ Championship standings.
Improved results in 2025 sets up WEC extension into 2026 and beyond for BMW
The team has taken another step forward in 2025. WRT, operating as BMW’s factory squad in WEC, has regularly challenged at the front of the grid.
The team matched its best result so far with a second-place finish at the 6 Hours of Imola in April. Stronger pace and consistent performances have placed the programme firmly among the championship’s leading contenders.
Andreas Roos, Head of BMW M Motorsport, emphasised the importance of stability and development for the programme.
“I’m very pleased that we will continue our successful Hypercar programme long-term in FIA WEC and IMSA,” commented Andreas Roos, Head of BMW M Motorsport. “Over the past years, we’ve learned a great deal about our BMW M Hybrid V8, made significant progress and established ourselves among the front-runners. Accordingly, I look to the future with great anticipation and optimism, especially since the extended homologation period provides us with a high level of planning security.”
Stability from extended Hypercar regulations as category set to expand
Momentum around the Hypercar class has continued to grow as organisers recently extended the category’s regulations through to the end of 2032. The extension provides long-term stability for manufacturers competing in the championship.
Encouraged by this security and its improving results, BMW has now committed to continuing its Hypercar effort in both the WEC and North America’s leading endurance series. BMW’s programme also includes competition in the IMSA SportsCar Championship, where the BMW M Hybrid V8 competes under the same LMDh platform rules.
The Hypercar category will grow even further in the coming seasons as additional manufacturers prepare to enter the championship. Genesis will join the grid in 2026, while both Ford Motor Company and McLaren plan to launch programmes in 2027.
These arrivals will add to an already competitive field and reinforce the status of endurance racing’s top category ahead of future editions of the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans.
