BMW M Motorsport Welcomes Raffaele Marciello as New Works Driver

BMW M Motorsport has made a headline-worthy move by signing Raffaele Marciello as a new works driver for the 2024 season. This marks a significant career transition for Marciello, who has been a towering figure in GT racing, particularly under the Mercedes-AMG banner.

A Storied Journey with Mercedes-AMG

Marciello's tenure at Mercedes-AMG was marked by numerous victories and record-breaking performances. Since 2017, he has competed in 232 races on five continents with the Mercedes-AMG GT3, achieving an astounding 35 wins and 102 podium finishes, a testament to his consistency and skill. His journey with Mercedes-AMG began in 2017, stepping up from single-seater racing to GT racing, where he quickly made his mark by finishing on the podium in his first race with the Mercedes-AMG GT3 at the Blancpain Sprint Series in Misano​.

Marciello's Rapid Rise and Historic Achievements

Marciello's speed and team spirit led to his promotion to official Mercedes-AMG Performance Driver status in the same year he joined. He went on to win both the overall and Sprint Cup drivers' titles in the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe in 2018, followed by double title wins in both the overall and Endurance Cup in the 2022 and 2023 seasons. He achieved his maiden victory in the FIA GT World Cup in Macau in 2019, and in 2022, he secured a prestigious win at the Spa 24 Hours, among other notable successes​.

A Fond Farewell and a New Beginning

Marciello's successful stint with Mercedes-AMG culminated in a stylish victory at the FIA GT World Cup at Macau, his final race with the team. This win made him the first driver ever to have won the FIA GT World Cup twice (2019, 2023). Reflecting on his time with Mercedes-AMG, Marciello shared, "The race was even more emotional for me, after seven great years with the teams, the drivers, and all my colleagues. Macau has a special place in my heart"​.

From GT Success to BMW's Next Big Bet

Marciello's transition to BMW M Motorsport is a natural progression for a driver of his calibre, as he joins the esteemed team for the upcoming season. Andreas Roos, Head of BMW M Motorsport, expressed immense satisfaction with Marciello's joining, stating, "When you have the opportunity to sign a top-caliber driver like him, you must seize it."

Marciello's Reaction and Future Plans

Expressing his excitement about this new chapter, Marciello said, "I am very excited to be a BMW M works driver starting from the upcoming season. This is a significant step in my career." While specific details of Marciello's racing schedule with BMW M Motorsport are yet to be announced, the anticipation in the motorsport community is palpable.

A Strategic Move by BMW

This acquisition is a testament to BMW M Motorsport's strategic approach to diversifying its driver lineup and reinforcing its presence in various racing programmes. Marciello's extensive experience in GT racing and his proven track record in open-wheel racing align perfectly with BMW's vision for the future.

Stay Tuned

Details of Marciello's racing plans with BMW M Motorsport will be released in the coming weeks and months. Fans and enthusiasts can expect to see the Swiss maestro in action soon, wearing the BMW colours and competing at the highest levels of motorsport.