P1racenews AI automatic summary:
BMW M Team WRT Hypercar driver Sheldon van der Linde has outlined realistic goals for the Bavarian manufacturer’s maiden Hypercar
Johannes van der Linde, talking about the team’s expectations for their second year in IMSA, emphasized the importance of realistic goals and consistent car development. He highlighted the need to focus on building a reliable car first before pushing for speed improvements. With experienced drivers like himself, Robin Frijns, and Rene Rast, the team aims to advance their program steadily throughout the season. Van der Linde will be sharing the #20 BMW M Hybrid V8 with Frijns and Rast, who bring expertise from prototype sportscar racing and former GT racing programs with WRT. Despite initial challenges last year, the team managed to secure their first win at Watkins Glen, setting the stage for a competitive 2023 championship campaign. In preparation for the season-opener in Qatar, BMW must prioritize reliability in the fiercely contested field of 16 Hypercars. Van der Linde expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress and partnership with WRT and BMW, acknowledging the need for realistic goals while striving to deliver strong performances on the track.