BMW M Racing Academy boosts GT4 prospects with intensive 2025 programme

BMW M Racing Academy's "Class of 2025" gains deep experience through testing, mentoring, and factory race exposure. Insights into car development and teamwork.

Since the beginning of the year, four young drivers — Berkay Besler, Nerea Martí, Matt Million, and Niels Tröger — have been immersed in a rigorous mix of testing, training, and in-depth motorsport exposure. As members of the inaugural “Class of 2025” at the newly launched BMW M Racing Academy, they are not just gaining experience — they’re becoming an integral part of BMW M Motorsport’s development ecosystem.

The programme kicked off at Formula Medicine in Viareggio, Italy, under the guidance of Dr. Riccardo Ceccarelli. Here, the participants went beyond physical fitness, diving deep into mental resilience — a cornerstone for any driver aiming for the highest levels of competition. The training helped them identify personal strengths and weaknesses while adopting new, targeted approaches to improvement.

The on-track experience has been equally intense. Driving sessions with the new BMW M2 Racing — a car in development for private GT4 teams from 2026 onward — offered the young talents more than just track time. At Miramas and Varano, they worked closely with engineers, contributing real feedback essential to the car’s evolution. The process didn’t just build speed; it nurtured the ability to communicate effectively, a crucial trait for any future works driver.

Further immersion came at two major race weekends: the FIA WEC event in Imola and the IMSA round at Laguna Seca. From garage tours to strategic debriefs, the participants observed top-level operations across LMDh and GT3 categories, gaining first-hand insight into what it means to be a factory-affiliated driver. This close-up view was enhanced by the constant presence of four experienced mentors — BMW M works drivers Jens Klingmann, Max Hesse, and Robby Foley, alongside long-time youth programme leader Dirk Adorf.

Each participant emphasized how the programme reshaped their understanding of racing. From behavior off the track to technical reporting and teamwork, the Academy proved to be a holistic stepping stone into professional motorsport. As they themselves expressed, it’s not just about being fast — it’s about learning to think, communicate, and evolve.

The second half of the year promises further challenges and learning opportunities. If the first phase was about foundation-building, the next will be about application under pressure. Judging by the commitment shown so far, the “Class of 2025” is more than ready to rise to the occasion.

Source: bmwgroup.com