BMW Group South Africa is gearing up for an electrifying return to the Simola Hillclimb, marking its fifth year competing at South Africa’s premier motorsport lifestyle event. Taking place from 30 April to 3 May in Knysna, the 16th edition promises high-octane action as BMW enters as a Tier 2 Manufacturer and brings a star-studded driver line-up that will thrill fans and ignite the competition.
Last year, BMW’s presence was hard to miss, with Cristiano Verolini impressively securing second overall in the M4 Competition and Leyton Fourie finishing fourth in the M2. This year, both cars and drivers will be back on the hill, but BMW has added a spectacular twist: German GT ace Jens Klingmann, one of BMW M’s most experienced works drivers, will pilot the new hybrid-powered M5 for the first time on the 1.9 km Simola course. Klingmann’s participation elevates the event, offering spectators a rare glimpse of a global racing star in action on South African tarmac.
The MINI brand is also returning with the latest John Cooper Works, eager to improve on its second-place finish in its class last year. Fans can look forward to thrilling demonstration runs by two BMW S 1000 RR superbikes on Saturday and Sunday, adding even more excitement to the weekend’s action.
“BMW Group South Africa is proud to present models from its BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad brands at the 16th running of the Simola Hillclimb,” says Thilosh Moodally, Director: Government Affairs and Communication at BMW Group South Africa. “The event allows us to showcase engineering excellence while celebrating South Africa’s unique motorsport culture.”
Ian Shrosbree, MD of the Knysna Speed Festival, praised BMW’s commitment: “Having entered four cars and bringing Jens Klingmann to compete reinforces the Simola Hillclimb’s premier status and generates even greater interest amongst local and international audiences.”
The 16th Simola Hillclimb promises thrilling races, cutting-edge vehicles, and a festival atmosphere that motorsport enthusiasts will not want to miss.
