BMW is one of the biggest names in motorsport, and with that name comes a weight of expectation.
The V10 R-League, with its custom-built single-seater car, is a fearsome competition though, and reputation means little, as BMW discovered.
Can they mount a title challenge in Season 2?
Season 1
As one of the most recognisable brands in racing, BMW was expected to compete at the front, but a Round 1 matchup against Redline soon showed it would be a tough journey.
That 3-0 defeat immediately put them on the back foot, and while they were able to pick up points, further defeats to Williams and the Red Bull in the final week left BMW fourth in the standings.
A competitive side, the German outfit just couldn't maximise their opportunities throughout the season and knock off one of the teams above them.
Drivers
Coming into Season 2 BMW is making a few changes to their roster from Season 1.
Kevin Siggy returns as their lead driver, but neither Cem Bolukbasi nor Laurin Heinrich is back for Season 2.
Joining Siggy for Season 2 will be Michael Romanidis, who raced with Williams in Season 1, and Alen Terzic. Felix Quirmbach will act as a reserve.
A new lineup brings some risks, especially as so much of V10 R-League depends on communication and teamwork on the track. However, all three drivers carry serious pace, and with Siggy's experience from Season 1, it should be a lineup that gels quickly.
Season 2 expectations
The championship is the goal for BMW. The German outfit shouldn't have any problem making the playoffs after their fourth-place finish last season, but improving on that will be tough.
BMW was on the receiving end of a whitewash at both Monza and Yas Marina last season, which doesn't bode well for them should those circuits come up again in the playoffs.
They are certainly among the favourites to push Redline for the title though.
How to watch
V10 R-League Season 2 kicks off on Monday, 12 April.
Viewers in the UK can watch all the action from the best matchup of the week on BT Sport every Monday, with the remaining matches shown throughout the week!
Fans in the Middle East and North Africa can get all the action through StarzPlay.
ESPN will be showing the races to all those in the USA, Canada, the Caribbean, Latin America, and Oceania.
Make sure to check local listings and video-on-demand services for exact times!
