BMW has signed a partnership with Italian chassis manufacturer Dallara for the development of its LMDh prototype.
Dallara is one of four chassis manufacturers for the LMDh prototypes, alongside Ligier, ORECA and Multimatic.
BMW M CEO Markus Flasch, along with Mike Krack, Head of BMW M Motorsport, and LMDh project boss Maurizio Leschiutta, signed the contract at Dallara’s base in Varano de Melegari.
“In Dallara, we are delighted to have found a partner for our LMDh project that shares our passion, professionalism and huge ambition in motorsport and, like us, is fully committed to the goal of writing a new success story in the history of BMW M Motorsport from 2023,” said Flasch.
“After speaking to all the possible chassis partners, the decisive factor in our decision was that Dallara, with all its expertise and experience, was enthusiastic about working together with BMW M Motorsport.
“The chemistry was there between us from the word go. We see our relationship as a real partnership in which we are fighting for a common goal of success at the racetrack.”
The BMW LMDh prototype will be developed in a joint effort between BMW M Motorsport engineers and a team of Dallara engineers assembled specifically for the project.
BMW states that the rollout for the yet unnamed prototype will take place at Varano in 2022.
“Dallara is perhaps the most successful race car manufacturer in the world and has already played a key role in virtually every relevant circuit racing series,” said Leschiutta. “As well as the desire to work with us, several other criteria were of great importance when making our decision.
“Dallara is a company that covers the full range of requirements. Its expertise extends to the fields of chassis manufacturing, engineering, development, wind tunnel tests, and simulations.
“They are very strong when it comes to aerodynamics, which will be a key factor in the IMSA series. In order to ensure that our cars are ideally prepared from the outset and to lay the foundations for success at the racetrack, we are already working closely with Dallara at a very early stage of development.”
BMW intends to enter a two-car factory effort in the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship, with no current word about potential involvement in the FIA World Endurance Championship.
“I’m honoured to have been selected by BMW M Motorsport and with great enthusiasm I’m looking forward to begin this new adventure”, said Giampaolo Dallara, President of Dallara.
“Back in 1977 I had the opportunity to work alongside BMW on designing the M1 as Lamborghini consulting. It was a great experience and a lot was learned. I hope to repeat the same adventure in LMDh. I firmly believe that we will do great things together.”
