IMSA’s plan for expanded series-sanctioned testing in 2027 has given Head of BMW M Motorsport’s Andreas Roos some issues.
On Thursday afternoon, IMSA revealed subsequent yr’s comparatively unchanged schedule for its WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. One of many notable gadgets that’s totally different, although, is a plan to have sanctioned testing in any respect 5 tracks that host endurance rounds.
IMSA already has an annual series-wide sanctioned check at Daytona with the Roar Earlier than the Rolex 24, which can happen January 22-24 subsequent season. The sequence has additionally sorted an offseason check at Daytona the previous few years, which has taken place in both November or December. Moreover, there was a sanctioned check at Sebring Worldwide Raceway in February of 2025. The ‘deliberate assessments’ are eligible to WeatherTech Championship groups solely, however not necessary.
With extra particulars over info and particular dates to be introduced later, there stays a degree of uncertainty.
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Contemplating there are a selection of complexities that modify from Stability of Efficiency (BoP), studying Michelin’s new Pilot Sport Endurance GTP tire, amongst different issues, Roos weighed in along with his ideas to Motorsport.com.
“This needs to be clearly checked out what is smart and what doesn’t,” Roos stated. “As a result of on the finish, we have now a really strict testing regulation by way of quantity of testing, and that is additionally to maintain the prices beneath management. The extra you go testing, the dearer it will get.
“There are subjects, which at all times the extra you run, the higher it’s, the extra information you create, the extra information you create.”
And despite the fact that BMW M Motorsport pivoted its IMSA program from Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing to Crew WRT over the offseason, Roos believes testing would nonetheless current minimal learnings because the BMW M Hybrid V8 has been a participant because the GTP class developed in 2023.
“However, we run now, roughly the identical automobile since 2023, so there are solely small issues that are adjusted left and proper, now with the brand new tire or issues like this,” Roos stated. “However this does not imply that the sphere is totally combined up.
“So we have now to obviously see what is required and what we have now to do, and the primary factor is to maintain the prices beneath management. As a result of if you look outdoors and skim the information daily, I feel it isn’t additionally the perfect time to spend more cash than what is required.”
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