BMW confirms factory Bathurst 12 Hour team

Factory two-car BMW team confirmed for LIQUI MOLY Bathurst 12 hour

BMW M Motorsport will enter a two-car factory-backed team in the 2023 LIQUI MOLY Bathurst 12 Hour.

The German marque will field a pair of BMW M4 GT3 entries in the February 3-5 event.

BMW is aiming for its first 12 Hour win in the event’s GT3 era.

The cars will be run by BMW M Team WRT in their first year as a BMW squad.

Drivers will be announced in due course.

The brand has, however, secured a 20-strong squad of factory drivers for the 2023 season.

The 12 Hour will be the southern hemisphere debut of the brand-new BMW M4 GT3.

The car is a two-door coupe with fresh looks and a twin turbo six-cylinder engine.

BMW has also announced its commitment to a full Intercontinental GT Challenge powered by Pirelli.

Former Bathurst 12 Hour winner Dries Vanthoor and DTM champion Sheldon van der Linde are among the star talent.

Team WRT previously claimed victory in the 2018 12 Hour for Audi.

BMW previously clamed two victories in the Production Car era of the 12 Hour in 2007 and 2010.

Chaz Mostert scored pole aboard a BMW in 2018.

"It's incredibly exciting to have a brand like BMW commit to the LIQUI MOLY Bathurst 12 Hour," Event Director Shane Rudzis said.

"As the world returns to Mount Panorama in 2023, a two-car, factory BMW team is an awesome addition to what is shaping as a world-class field.

“BMW's driver roster is remarkably strong and they have something special planned for their 12-Hour squad.

"The BMW M4 GT3 making its Australian racing debut at Mount Panorama will draw a lot of attention and knowing BMW, we know they will give it everything to try and win."

Andreas Roos, Head of BMW M Motorsport, added: "After a successful 2022, including the title win in the DTM, we are shifting up another gear next year.

"We have improved what was already a very strong squad of works drivers with René Rast, Maxime Martin, Dries Vanthoor and Charles Weerts.

"We also welcome BMW M Team WRT as a new BMW M Motorsport team.

"We are facing some exciting sporting challenges in 2023 and the years to come, for which we need the best teams and drivers.

"After all, the goal is to add to the success story of the BMW brand in motor racing.”

Tickets for the 2023 LIQUI MOLY Bathurst 12 Hour are on sale now on Ticketek.com.

Camping for the 2023 event is also on sale.