BMW Unveils first Evo Joker Upgrade for M Hybrid V8 Ahead of Rolex 24 at Daytona
BMW has officially confirmed the first use of an Evo joker on its M Hybrid V8 car, joining Porsche and Cadillac as the third LMDh manufacturer to publicly declare joker usage. The strategic upgrade focuses on the braking system of the Dallara-chassised car, marking a notable step in BMW’s motorsport progress.
Andreas Roos, BMW’s head of motorsport, revealed to Sportscar365 that the single Evo joker was allocated for brake enhancements. while Roos declined to provide specific details about the changes, he emphasized the importance of the upcoming Rolex 24 at Daytona as the first major test for the upgrades.
“We will see after the race,” Roos said. “For sure we did our development and worked on the topics, but at the end, the final check you get in race conditions.”
The brake upgrades were first rolled out during November’s Daytona test, where BMW also implemented drivability tweaks. At the time, the team was unsure whether the changes would qualify as a joker. The upgrades were further trialed during a post-FIA World Endurance Championship test in Bahrain, conducted by Team WRT.
BMW’s recent performance at the Roar Before the Rolex 24 has fueled optimism. Dries Vanthoor set the fastest outright time of the weekend in the No. 24 car, showcasing the potential of the updated M Hybrid V8.
“Definitely, when you just look on the numbers and the results, we can be super happy with the roar,” Roos noted. “But we also know that at the end, everybody is concentrating on his [own] program.”
As BMW prepares for the Rolex 24, all eyes will be on how the brake upgrades perform under race conditions. The event will serve as a critical benchmark for the team’s development efforts.
Key Highlights of BMW’s Evo Joker Upgrade
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| upgrade Focus | Braking system enhancements |
| First Test | November’s Daytona test |
| Additional Trials | Post-FIA WEC test in bahrain |
| Key Event | Rolex 24 at Daytona |
| Recent Performance | Fastest outright time at Roar Before the Rolex 24 |
BMW’s cautious yet optimistic approach reflects the high stakes of endurance racing.With the Rolex 24 just around the corner, the team is poised to demonstrate the effectiveness of its latest upgrades.
Stay tuned for live updates and in-depth analysis as BMW’s M Hybrid V8 takes on the iconic Daytona International Speedway.
Photo: Brandon Badraoui/IMSAPorsche Tops Timing Sheets in Pre-Race Testing, Focuses on Race Day Performance
Porsche emerged as the standout performer during pre-race testing, topping the timing sheets and building confidence ahead of the upcoming race. However,the team remains cautious,emphasizing that their primary focus was on gathering valuable data rather then chasing lap times.
“At the end, we focused on doing our test program to work on our topics,” said a Porsche representative.“We were happy with the trouble-free running more or less, and so this was, at the end, perfect to get a lot of data, a lot of mileage.”
The team’s strong performance during testing has undoubtedly boosted morale, but they are keeping their eyes firmly on the ultimate prize: race day success. “When you are then on top of the timing list,for sure it feels better,and it gives you confidence and makes life always easier,” the representative added. “But conversely, we will see on Sunday at the end of the race when the checkered flag is there.”
Porsche’s approach highlights the delicate balance between testing performance and race-day execution. While topping the timing sheets is a positive sign, the team is well aware that the real test comes when the lights go out on Sunday.
Key Takeaways from Porsche’s Testing Performance
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Focus | Gathering data and completing test program |
| Performance | Topped timing sheets, boosting team confidence |
| Outlook | Cautious optimism, with emphasis on race-day results |
| Quote | “We will see on Sunday at the end of the race when the checkered flag is there.” |
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Stay tuned as Porsche and its competitors gear up for what promises to be an exhilarating race weekend.
By Davey Euwema, european Editor at Sportscar365.
Headline:
Revealed: BMW’s Evo Joker Brake Upgrades for M Hybrid V8 Ahead of Rolex 24 at Daytona – An Interview with Motorsport Journalist, Davey Euwema
Introduction:
In the rapidly evolving world of motorsport, manufacturers are continually innovating and fine-tuning their cars to gain a competitive edge. lately, BMW has made headlines with its first use of an Evo joker on its M Hybrid V8, joining the likes of Porsche and Cadillac in the LMDh category. To discuss this exciting development and its implications,we’ve invited Davey Euwema,European Editor at Sportscar365,to share his expert insights. Davey, let’s dive right in!
BMW’s Evo Joker Upgrade: Braking the News
Senior Editor (SE): Davey, BMW has confirmed its first use of an Evo joker on the M Hybrid V8. Can you walk us through what this upgrade entails and its potential impact on the team’s performance?
Davey Euwema (DE): Thank you for having me. Yes, BMW has indeed allocated its single Evo joker for braking system enhancements on its Dallara-chassised car. While specific details aren’t public, the upgrade marks a notable step in BMW’s motorsport progress. Braking is a critical aspect in endurance racing, especially at a track like Daytona, so these enhancements could potentially provide BMW with a competitive edge.
SE: Andreas Roos, BMW’s head of motorsport, hinted that the final test for these upgrades would be the Rolex 24 at Daytona. How crucial is this race for BMW in assessing the success of their Evo joker upgrade?
DE: The Rolex 24 at Daytona is a major milestone for any endurance racing team. It’s the first real test under race conditions, and it provides invaluable data on how the upgrades perform under extreme pressure. BMW has been working on these developments for some time, so the upcoming race will be a critical benchmark for their evolution as an LMDh manufacturer.
Pre-Race Optimism: BMW’s Form at the Roar
SE:BMW’s recent performance at the Roar Before the Rolex 24 has given fans much to cheer about. How promising are these results, and what challenges might the team face during the actual race?
DE:BMW’s strong performance in the Roar is definitely a positive sign. Dries Vanthoor’s fastest outright time in the No. 24 car indicates that the updated M hybrid V8 has promise. However, it’s important to note that the Roar is a practice session, and the real race is a different beast. Teams are really honing their strategies and focus on their own programs at this stage, so while the results are encouraging, BMW will need to deliver under the intense pressure of a 24-hour race.
Looking Ahead: BMW and the Rolex 24 at Daytona
SE: Davey, as we gear up for the Rolex 24 at Daytona, what aspects of BMW’s strategy and performance will you be keeping a close eye on?
DE: First and foremost, I’ll be watching how the brake upgrades perform under race conditions. This will be the true litmus test for BMW’s Evo joker strategy.Additionally, I’ll be monitoring the team’s overall performance, pit stop strategies, and driver changes. The Rolex 24 is an endurance race, after all, and consistency and strategy are just as critically important as raw speed.
SE: Davey, thank you for sharing your expert insights on BMW’s Evo joker upgrade and the upcoming Rolex 24 at daytona. We’ll be sure to keep our readers updated on all the latest developments in the world of motorsport.
DE: My pleasure.I’m always excited to discuss the latest innovations and strategies in the thrilling world of endurance racing.