Is BMW returning to Le Mans in 2023?
Le Mans 2023 is shaping up to be pretty-darn spectacular, with the likes of Ferrari, Peugeot, Toyota, Porsche, and Audi all signed up to race. And BMW could be next. Maybe. Possibly. Hopefully. Munich has just announced that, starting in 2023, it will compete in North Americas IMSA series with an LMDh-spec prototype. But so far its said nothing about the WEC or Le Mans. PHOTO BY TopGear.com  Continue reading below   Allow us to explain. Besides IMSA, LMDh-type cars are also eligible to race in the World Endurance Championship and Le Mans 24hrs alongside the techy Le Mans Hypercars (LMH). The reason Porsche and Audi are doing LMDh cars versus LMHlike Ferrari, Peugeot and Toyotais cost. LMH cars are limited to the WEC, whereas going down the LMDh route effectively grants you entry into multiple series with one car. Continue reading below  Recommended Videos  Its a very cost-effective way of going racing. A two-for-one deal, if you like. Especially as the cars themselves have to use one of four pre-approved LMP2 chassis and a spec hybrid system (married to a constructors own combustion engine), meaning development costs are relatively low. Indeed, BMW M boss Markus Flasch says the LMDh concept guarantees maximum cost control and offers a wide range of possible applications.  PHOTO BY TopGear.com  Continue reading below   But while Audi and Porsche have both confirmed theyll run both IMSA and WEC (including Le Mans) programs with their LMDh prototypes, BMW hasnt. Despite Flasch saying BMW is fulfilling the prerequisites to challenge for overall victory at the most iconic endurance races in the world from 2023, its still unclear whether the yet-to-be-seen prototype racer will ever venture outside North America. PHOTO BY TopGear.com  Continue reading below   BMW has only raced in GT categories at Le Mans for the last few years. Its won Le Mans outright just once, in 1999 with the short-lived but tremendous V12 LMR (pictured). Heres to hoping it sees the light, and books its place on the grid for Le Mans 23. NOTE: This article first appeared on TopGear.com. Minor edits have been made. See Also  Top Gear Philippines is now on Quento! Click to download the app and enjoy more articles and videos from Top Gear Philippines and your favorite websites.