RLR Tests New BMW M3 ALMS Aero Kit

The BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team (RLR) is currently testing a new bodywork package for their M3 racer, different from the original bodywork seen on the two M3 cars in the ALMS. The new Euro-spec aero kit is said to feature a newly designed front, rear and side sections as well as redesigned wheel arches.

According to SpeedTV, all these changes are aimed at increasing downforce and reducing drag and will reportedly be ready for the Northeast Grand Prix at Lime Rock Park next month.

"We needed to have [ACO] approval before we tested it,” BMW of North America’s motorsports manager Martin Birkmann was quoted as saying by SpeedTV. “Initially, the sanctioning for 2010 was that no changes were permitted as a means to control costs. It was aimed to help teams not develop themselves out of budget and out of reason. But since this aero kit was in development within the confines of the ACO requirements, I think it eventually swayed the approval process.”

The BMW M3 made its ALMS debut last year in the GT2 class, and since then BMW looked to further enhance the aerodynamic features of the two racers. A late change from IMSA’s outgoing GT2S regulations to GT2 resulted in the loss of front and rear downforce.

“One of the car’s weaknesses we had last year was the removal of the dive planes. It was OK on the GT2S, but not on the GT2 and the waiver was not granted to keep those,” said Birkmann. “So we struggled a little bit on getting the car aero balanced. We hope that the Le Mans aero package will improve that.”