Former ALMS champs BMW Team RLL return to ALMS competition this year armed with some new drivers, a new car and new tires.

The new BMW Z4 GTE will challenge for the championship with two new cars – one white – one black.

Dirk Müller returns aboard the white No.56 machine while Joey Hand again contests a season of both ALMS in the US and DTM touring car racing in Germany.

For the races where Hand has clashes, young American driver John Edwards will step into his position.

The black No.55 machine will be driven by Bill Auberlen – this year teamed with young Belgian star Maxime Martin.

In testing on Monday, the new Z4s – now equipped with Michelin tires – were 8th and 10th fastest in the highly competitive GT field which includes competition from Corvette, Porsche, Ferrari, SRT Viper and Aston Martin.

Müller spoke with Michelin Alley today about the development of the new Z4 BMW.