BMW M Motorsport Gears Up for 2026 GT World Challenge Europe with Reigning Champs
Munich, Germany – BMW M Motorsport is set to defend its titles in the 2026 GT World Challenge Europe with a powerful driver lineup and two strong teams: Team WRT and ROWE Racing. Reigning champions Kelvin van der Linde and Charles Weerts will return to Team WRT in the #32 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, aiming to repeat their success in both the overall championship and the Sprint Cup. Meanwhile, ROWE Racing will field six BMW M works drivers in the Endurance Cup, including motorsport star Valentino Rossi who will compete in all ten rounds alongside Max Hesse in the #46 BMW M4 GT3 EVO. Newcomer Jordan Pepper will join van der Linde and Weerts for the Endurance Cup races.
BMW M Motorsport Dominates GT World Challenge Europe with Star-Studded 2026 Lineup
Munich – BMW M Motorsport is poised for a title defense in the 2026 GT World Challenge Europe season, unveiling a formidable driver lineup and strategic team placements. The announcement confirms reigning champions Kelvin van der Linde and Charles Weerts will continue their partnership with Team WRT, aiming to replicate their success from 2025.
Champions Return to Defend Their Crown
Kelvin van der Linde and Charles Weerts, fresh off a sensational 2025 season where they secured both the Sprint Cup and overall GT World drivers’ titles, will once again pilot the #32 BMW M4 GT3 EVO for Team WRT. Their consistency and relentless pace established them as frontrunners throughout the previous championship and they are eager to continue their winning streak.
“I am highly happy to race again with Kelvin in the GT World Challenge Europe, and I am glad that Jordan is joining us,” stated Charles Weerts. “My anticipation to compete again in this championship, where the level rises year after year, is huge. We may not have the number one on the car, but we will definitely fight to defend our titles in the Sprint Cup and overall standings – and to attack the first Endurance Cup title with Kelvin and Jordan. We have a very strong line-up, and I hope People can achieve great things together.”
Valentino Rossi to Compete in All Ten Rounds
Adding a unique dimension to the BMW M Motorsport effort, Valentino Rossi will contest all ten rounds of the 2026 season for Team WRT. The Italian, who has impressed as a guest starter at Misano for the past three years, will share the #46 BMW M4 GT3 EVO with Max Hesse in both the Sprint and Endurance Cup. Dan Harper will join the duo for the five endurance rounds.
“I am really very happy to race in the GT World Challenge Europe this year,” said Rossi. “I really like this championship; there are lots of duels, which makes it a lot of fun. It was the first championship in which I competed in four-wheel motorsport in 2022. I can hardly wait for the season to start.”
ROWE Racing Targets Endurance Cup Glory
ROWE Racing will focus its efforts on the Endurance Cup, fielding six BMW M works drivers. Augusto Farfus, Raffaele Marciello, and Jake Dennis will form a potent Pro Cup lineup, while Jens Klingmann, Ugo de Wilde, and Tim Tramnitz – alongside newcomer Jordan Pepper – will compete in the Gold Cup.
Raffaele Marciello expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I am very happy to race again with ROWE Racing. Last year, we had a very strong season, won at the Nürburgring, stood on the Barcelona podium – and also triumphed together at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. So it’s very nice to compete again with ROWE Racing and Augusto and Jake in the GT World Challenge Europe. I am sure we have a strong package and will fight for the championship.”
Team Strategy and Driver Dynamics
Jordan Pepper, a newly appointed BMW factory driver, will provide crucial support to van der Linde and Weerts in the Endurance Cup races, driving the #32 car. In sprint races, Pepper will pilot the #31 BMW M4 GT3 EVO alongside Amaury Cordeel. This strategic deployment highlights BMW M Motorsport’s commitment to maximizing its driver talent across both Sprint and Endurance formats.
Hans-Peter Naundorf, Team Principal of ROWE Racing, emphasized the team’s evolving strategy. “This year, we are approaching the GT World Challenge Europe season with a different strategy and have set new goals. After further strengthening and restructuring our team, we are not only focusing mainly on the big season highlight at the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, but also aiming for the overall standings in the Endurance Cup.”
Expanding BMW Presence Across the Grid
Beyond Team WRT and ROWE Racing, BMW M Motorsport will have a broader presence in the GT World Challenge Europe. Century Motorsport and Team WRT will each field an additional BMW M4 GT3 EVO in the Endurance Cup, while Paradine Competition will enter two cars in the endurance races. In the sprint races, KPX Motorsport, Paradine Competition, and Team WRT will each enter a BMW M4 GT3 EVO, showcasing the brand’s widespread commitment to the series.
Andreas Roos on the 2026 Season
Andreas Roos, Head of BMW M Motorsport, expressed confidence in the team’s prospects. “In the GT World Challenge Europe, we have celebrated numerous successes in recent years. We approach the new 2026 season with great confidence and anticipation. With Team WRT and ROWE Racing, we have two outstanding teams that will field a total of twelve BMW M works drivers in the Pro and Gold Cup. This gives us an excellent line-up to fight for titles in the sprint races, the Endurance Cup, and the overall standings once again. We are very much looking forward to the season opener at Paul Ricard.”
Did you know? Team WRT secured both the team trophies in the Sprint Cup and overall standings in 2025, demonstrating their consistent performance and strategic prowess.
Pro Tip: Driver consistency is key in GT racing. The continued partnership of Van der Linde and Weerts provides a significant advantage in terms of car setup, communication, and overall race strategy.
FAQ
- Who are the reigning champions in the GT World Challenge Europe? Kelvin van der Linde and Charles Weerts are the reigning champions.
- Which teams will BMW M Motorsport be partnering with in 2026? BMW M Motorsport will be partnering with Team WRT and ROWE Racing.
- Will Valentino Rossi be competing in the Endurance Cup? Yes, Valentino Rossi will compete in both the Sprint and Endurance Cups.
- What is the focus for ROWE Racing in 2026? ROWE Racing will primarily focus on the Endurance Cup.
Stay tuned to 247sports.new for further updates and in-depth coverage of the 2026 GT World Challenge Europe season. Explore more motorsport news here, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive insights!