Spengler to Depart BMW After 13 Years

Photo: BMW

Bruno Spengler will depart BMW M Motorsport at the end of the year, following a 13-year stint that was highlighted by a DTM championship and triumphs in GT racing competition.

The 41-year-old Canadian, who joined the German manufacturer at the end of 2011, has left BMW at his own request.

In addition to making 122 DTM starts for BMW between 2012-19, which included seven victories, 24 podiums and the 2012 title, Spengler was also active in GT racing, having won the 2023 Italian GT sprint championship driving a BMW M4 GT3, while also finishing on the podium at the Rolex 24 at Daytona and Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring.

Outside the cockpit, Spengler served, inter alia, as an ambassador for BMW M Motorsport Automotive Gaming.

“I would like to sincerely thank the entire BMW M Motorsport family, all the engineers, and all the mechanics for the past 13 years,” said Spengler. “I had the privilege of driving incredibly fantastic racing cars all over the world – it was a great time.

“My special thanks go to the former BMW Board Member, Dr. Klaus Draeger, who particularly supported me in my early years at BMW M Motorsport, as well as to Charly Lamm and the entire Schnitzer family, with whom I won the DTM title in 2012 and experienced many fantastic years together.

“It was not an easy decision for me to leave the BMW M Motorsport family, but I am at a point in my career where a new challenge with a long-term perspective was important to me. That’s why I decided to take this step.”

BMW M Motorsport boss Andreas Roos added: “In Bruno Spengler, a legend in the history of BMW M Motorsport is leaving us. I remember well competing against him in the DTM when I was with my previous employer, Audi.

“Since I’ve been at BMW M Motorsport, I’ve come to know him as an extremely pleasant and valuable member of the BMW M Motorsport family, far beyond just racing.

“His sporting achievements speak for themselves, but his positive nature has also made him a big fan favorite to this day. I wish Bruno all the best for his professional and private future and hope to still see him at the racetrack from time to time.”

Spengler is the second BMW driver to call time on their career at BMW this week, following Maxime Martin’s departure that was announced on Monday.

Kevin Magnussen was announced to be joining the German manufacturer’s LMDh effort earlier this month, while Kelvin van der Linde has been linked to joining the Bavarian brand as well for 2025.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John