Midrand. BMW Group South Africa has concluded its participation in the Simola Hillclimb in Knysna for 2026, one of South Africa’s leading motorsport events and a globally recognised platform for performance and engineering excellence.

Since its inception in 2009, the Simola Hillclimb has established itself as a benchmark motorsport event. The 1.9-kilometre course continues to test the limits of driver skill and vehicle capability, attracting leading manufacturers, professional drivers and international attention.

BMW Group South Africa fielded a four-driver line-up comprising BMW Motorsport Works driver Jens Klingmann (BMW M5 Sedan), Cristiano Verolini (BMW M4 Coupé), Leyton Fourie (BMW M2 Coupé) and Ronaldo Verolini (MINI JCW). Fourie and Verolini claimed class honours in the A3 and A4 categories of the King of the Hill competition, respectively, with times of 45.931 seconds and 44.505 seconds.

The selection of high-performance BMW M models and a MINI JCW delivered strong performances across the weekend, demonstrating the precision, control and engineering excellence synonymous with the brands.

BMW Group South Africa CEO, Peter van Binsbergen says: “The Simola Hillclimb continues to be an important platform for BMW Group South Africa. It allows us to demonstrate what our vehicles are capable of in a highly competitive environment, while connecting with a passionate motorsport community.

“To secure two class wins this year is another strong result for the team. It reflects the capability of our performance vehicles, as well as the focus, discipline and collaboration behind the scenes to deliver performance at this level.”

The nature of Hillclimbing demands precision, control and trust between driver and machine. These attributes remain central to BMW’s engineering philosophy, where performance and innovation are continuously developed to deliver a premium driving experience.

Alongside BMW, MINI continues to contribute to this performance-driven ethos through its own unique expression of driving excitement and brand character.

Beyond competition, the Simola Hillclimb continues to play a role in positioning South Africa as a competitive destination for international motorsport, showcasing local capability and industry expertise.

BMW Group South Africa remains committed to supporting platforms that showcase performance, innovation and the continued development of the automotive sector.

+++ Mexico prevails over India and China at the highlight of the biggest international tournament series for amateur golfers +++ 102 Eagles for EAGLES FOR EDUCATION and UNICEF* +++ Individual titles at Fancourt Resort go to India, Moldova and Singapore +++ Guest of honour Gary Player presents trophies +++

George. A unique week of golf at the Fancourt Resort (George, South Africa) and the victory of Team Mexico in the National Team Category ranking saw the 2025 season of the BMW Golf Cup end on a high note. At the World Final of the biggest international tournament series for amateur golfers, which BMW has been hosting since 1987, the national winners from 33 countries experienced a tournament that eclipses the standards of regular amateur events. Competitors and their guests enjoyed an international pro-standard tournament on breathtaking golf courses, captivating evening and supporting events, as well as warm exchanges with golfing enthusiasts from around the world.

At a tournament of this calibre, one of the most successful and influential figures in golf had to be in attendance in his home country. 18-time Major winner Gary Player eagerly embraced the opportunity to attend the World Final, host a golf clinic, and present the trophies at the closing gala dinner. And the 90-year-old was not the only guest of honour; Sweden’s Fanny Sunesson attended the World Final from day one to the close of play and not only wowed those taking part and their guests with her charms but also shared her inexhaustible wealth of experience as a former caddie to some of the world’s best golfers – such as Sir Nick Faldo (ENG) and Adam Scott (AUS).

EAGLES FOR EDUCATION: World finalists support UNICEF with 102 eagles.

With its EAGLES FOR EDUCATION initiative, the BMW Group once again supported the United Nations children’s charity UNICEF at the World Final. For each net eagle, 1,000 euros are being donated to the BMW Group’s collaboration with UNICEF, called “BRIDGE. Educating young people for tomorrow, today”. Over the three rounds of the tournament, the world finalists scored 102 net eagles. The focus of the collaboration is to bridge learning gaps within society and create learning and education opportunities in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

The list of countries where the BMW Group and UNICEF are working together includes South Africa, Brazil, India, Mexico and Thailand – all countries which have BMW Group presence.

Quotes on BMW Golf Cup World Final.

Ilka Horstmeier (GER), Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, People and Places: “Culture and sport inspire people around the world and strengthen social cohesion. The BMW Golf Cup is an integral part of BMW's extensive commitment to golf, which ranges from top-class sport to the promotion of young talent. The World Final in South Africa has brought people from all regions of the world together, friendships have been forged and, thanks to their outstanding performances, the participants have made a contribution to education and thus to the self-determined future of young people. In cooperation with UNICEF, the BMW Group is committed to STEM education in South Africa and four other countries. Thank you to the participants of the World Final for this great contribution.”

Peter van Binsbergen (RSA), CEO BMW Group South Africa: “The BMW Group and South Africa share more than 50 years of history. In 1973, the BMW Group plant became the first production site to be opened outside Germany. As a multi-faceted country with a passion for golf, it was a real honour and pleasure for us to host the World Final again and to play our part in this once-in-a-lifetime experience for our guests with the beauty and warmheartedness of South Africa. I am certain that they will return home with a wealth of unforgettable memories.“

Gary Player (RSA), 18-time Major winner: “The BMW Golf Cup celebrates the very best of our beautiful game: ambition and high-class competition, combined with mutual respect and a spirit of friendly collaboration. Which is why I was really looking forward to attending the World Final in my home country and meeting people from all over the world who love golf. With its strong commitment to equality in education, EAGLES FOR EDUCATION helps ensure that the weakest are not forgotten – the children. Helping them in every sense has always been something that meant a great deal to both me and my late wife Vivienne.”

Results.

As with the approximately 800 qualifying tournaments around the world, the World Final also featured three individual categories: Men 1 (up to HCP 12), Men 2 (HCP 13–28), and Women (HCP up to 28), each playing three rounds (Stableford, net). In addition, a national team ranking is created based on the combined net individual scores. In National Team Catergory, the team from Mexico prevailed with 298 net points, ahead of the teams from India (290) and China (289). In theWomen’s category, the title went to Singapore: Mei Zhen Wang (107) won ahead of Xiao Wang (CHN, 107) and Montserrat Bayardo (MEX, 101). In Men’s Category 1, India’s Vignesh Rangarao won with 104 net points, ahead of Yu Hsiang Chang (104) and Lei Pin Huang (101, both TPE). In Men’s Category 2, Veaceslav Secrieru (MOL, 107) took the win. Second place went to Kevin Huo (NZL, 106), and third place to Jose Abimael Hernández (MEX, 106).

See here for the full results: 
Leaderboard

The BMW Golfsport Engagement.

For almost four decades, BMW has played a leading role as a reliable partner of global golf – both at the amateur and professional levels. As title partner of prestigious golf events, BMW is active on four continents. Since 1989, the premium automobile manufacturer has hosted the iconic BMW International Open (DP World Tour) in its hometown of Munich, Germany. The BMW PGA Championship in London, UK – the flagship event of the DP World Tour – has, with BMW’s support since 2005, developed into a “Festival of Golf” and a highlight of the British sporting calendar. With the BMW Australian PGA Championship, held in Brisbane, Australia, the company supports another prestigious tournament, which is rich in tradition. In the USA, BMW has been the title partner of the BMW Championship since 2007. First played in 1899 as the Western Open, this tournament is now the penultimate playoff event of the PGA TOUR Playoffs and one of the most competitive golf tournaments worldwide. It has been named PGA TOUR Tournament of the Year six times.

On the world’s most important women’s tour, BMW has hosted the BMW Ladies Championship – the only LPGA Tour event in South Korea – since 2019. BMW has also been organizing the BMW Golf Cup since 1987, the largest international tournament series for amateur players, who can qualify for the international World Final at more than 800 qualifying tournaments worldwide. Since 2006, BMW has also been involved in the Ryder Cup, and most recently, the company has been a Worldwide Partner at the legendary team competition and the world’s most high-profile golf event for the third time.

EAGLES FOR EDUCATION – BMW Group’s social commitment in golf.

The BMW Group makes use of its international BMW title tournaments to fulfill its responsibility as a corporate citizen and to participate in solutions to social challenges. The focus is on the education and empowerment of children and young people. The BMW Group is convinced that education and equal opportunities for everyone are the key to a self-determined future for young people and an important pillar for the cohesion of our society. Through its EAGLES FOR EDUCATION initiative, the BMW Group actively supports this cause at numerous BMW title tournaments. True to its mission statement “Think globally, act locally”, the BMW Group works with strong local partners and supports their educational efforts with a donation for every eagle played.

At the BMW International Open (Germany), the BMW Group cooperates with the Philipp Lahm Foundation for Sport and Education; at the BMW PGA Championship (UK), the partner is the Golf Foundation. As part of the global amateur tournament series BMW Golf Cup, the BMW Group works with JOBLINGE in Germany and with UNICEF at the World Final. All tournament proceeds from the BMW Championship (USA) benefit the Evans Scholars Foundation.

www.philipp-lahm-stiftung.de
www.golf-foundation.org
www.joblinge.de
www.unicef.com
www.wgaesf.org

* UNICEF does not endorse any company brand, product or service.

Munich. The BMW M Motorsport family is gaining reinforcement for the 2026 season. Jordan Pepper (RSA) will become a BMW M works driver and will compete in races next year in the BMW M4 GT3 EVO. The 29-year-old is the third South African driver in the line-up, following Sheldon and Kelvin van der Linde. Details about his racing programme will be announced at a later date.

Pepper boasts numerous successes in GT racing. In 2025, he triumphed at the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps (BEL) and fought for the DTM title until the final race in his first full season. In the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup, he finished second in the drivers’ standings, just behind the Team WRT duo of Kelvin van der Linde and Charles Weerts (BEL). He achieved the same result in the Endurance Cup in 2024. Further big successes to date include winning the GTD-PRO class at the IMSA finale Petit Le Mans in 2024, victory at the Bathurst 12 Hour in 2020, and becoming the GT World Challenge America champion in 2021. In 2014, he won the overall title in the Volkswagen Scirocco R Cup Germany.

Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “In the coming season, we will once again undertake a very extensive racing programme with our BMW M4 GT3 EVO. Our goal is always to compete at the highest level in the best GT racing series in the world and fight for victories and titles. To achieve this, we need a driver line-up that is both large and of the highest quality. Jordan Pepper fits our requirements perfectly. Over the years, he has established himself as one of the top GT3 drivers. His performances, especially in the past two seasons, have been impressive. I am very pleased to welcome him to the BMW M Motorsport family and look forward to many shared successes in the future.”

Jordan Pepper: “It’s very exciting to begin a new chapter of my career with BMW M Motorsport. In South Africa, BMW is a very prestigious brand that I grew up with and always admired. My path into professional racing in Europe, however, took me through other manufacturers. Now I have the opportunity to drive for BMW M Motorsport, and I’m extremely excited about it. Over the years, I’ve seen how strong they are as competitors, and now I’m looking forward to driving the BMW M4 GT3 EVO for the first time. I know that adapting to a new car is always a challenge, and I’ll need to get used to the car over the winter but I generally like this type of car, as I’ve spent much of my career in similar cars. I can’t wait to work with all the great drivers at BMW M Motorsport – including, of course, Sheldon and Kelvin van der Linde. We’ve known each other since we were kids and are good friends. We’ve always dreamed of winning races together. Now we’re with the same manufacturer, and hopefully, we’ll get the chance to make that dream come true someday.”

The 15^th running of the Simola Hillclimb was sadly overshadowed by the passing of stalwart Pieter Joubert on Sunday’s first run. In the event’s shortened format, the BMW M4 Competition Coupé, driven by Cristiano Verolini secured a podium position among the road and supercar participants in the King of the Hill competition.

Leading up to the final run of the King of the Hill’s Top 10 Shootout, Verolini in the BMW M4 Competition Coupé and Leyton Fourie, racing a BMW M2, placed in the Top 10 Shootout in the A4 and A3 classes, respectively. The MINI JCW, driven by Bradleigh Boshoff, placed second in the A1 Class Finals, but ultimately could not secure a slot in the Top 10 shootout.

Despite the power difference between the ultimate winner in the King of the Hill’s Top 10 Shootout and the BMW M4 Competition Coupé, Verolini completed his final run with a time of 41.872 to secure second spot on the podium.

Leyton Fourie and his BMW M2 was the fastest finisher in the A3 Class for standard production vehicles, just missing out on the final Top 10 shootout podium position with a final run of 45.932 seconds.

BMW Group South Africa extends its heartfelt condolences to Pieter Joubert’s family and the Simola Hillclimb community.

BMW Group South Africa will take a trio of motorsport-honed performance models to Knysna to compete in the 15^th edition of the popular Simola Hillclimb from 1 – 4 May, 2025.

The annual event remains a key component of the South African motorsport calendar, attracting competitors and enthusiasts from around the world. This year, BMW Group South Africa will field entrants in Saturday’s King of the Hill competition for standard production and road-going cars. They are:

1. BMW M4 Competition, sponsored by BMW Group South Africa's ZA Hub. Driver Cristiano Verolini will compete in the A4 Category.
2. BMW M2, sponsored by MUA and Compass Insure. Driver Leyton Fourie was the 2023 BMW M2 Cup Champion and currently competes in the German ADAC GT Masters series with FK Performance, driving a BMW M4 GT3 EVO. Leyton will compete in the A3 Category.
3. MINI JCW, sponsored by BP Ultimate and Castrol. Driven by Bradleigh Boshoff, it will compete in the A1 category. Despite its storied motorsport history, this is MINI's first time in Simola Hillclimb’s King of the Hill.

Additional sponsors include Sparco for racing suits and the team gear, and Akrapovič for its performance exhaust systems.

Munich. Familiar names and a strong new addition as the rider lineup for the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team for the 2025 FIM Endurance World Championship (FIM EWC) is set. South African Steven Odendaal will join the regular riders Markus Reiterberger (GER) and Sylvain Guintoli (FRA). Estonian Hannes Soomer will also be ready again as the fourth rider for the 2025 season.

31-year-old Odendaal has been a permanent fixture in the FIM EWC paddock since 2022, making him a true endurance expert. Previously, he was the overall runner-up in the 2021 FIM Supersport World Championship, competed for eight years in the Moto2 World Championship, and won the Moto2 European Championship in 2016.

Reiterberger has been deeply rooted in BMW Motorrad Motorsport’s FIM EWC project from the beginning and will enter his sixth season with the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team in 2025. Guintoli, the 2014 Superbike World Champion and 2021 FIM EWC World Champion, joined team manager Werner Daemen’s squad for the 2024 season. For Soomer, it will also be his second year in the team and on the #37 BMW M 1000 RR.

Sven Blusch, Head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport: “With this strong rider lineup, we have assembled an important part of our overall package for the FIM EWC 2025. Our clear goal is to become world champions in endurance racing after winning the title in the FIM World Superbike Championship. With our quartet of riders, we are well-prepared for this. Markus Reiterberger has been a key part of the success story of the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team from the very beginning. Sylvain Guintoli has been a very important part of the project since last season with all his skill and experience. Newcomer Steven Odendaal has also already made a successful name for himself in the FIM EWC. Additionally, we have a strong fourth rider in Hannes Soomer, who has settled in excellently in his first year on the BMW M 1000 RR and at BMW Motorrad Motorsport. At the same time, we would like to thank Ilya Mikhalchik for his long-standing commitment to the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team. He has also been instrumental in shaping the team from the beginning and setting it on the path to success.”

Werner Daemen, Team Manager BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team: “With our rider lineup, we are well-prepared to enter the title fight in 2025. Markus is our stalwart, and we are excited to enter our sixth FIM EWC season together with him. Sylvain was a great addition to our team in 2024, and it’s fantastic that our collaboration with him continues. Our new addition Steven has already been testing with us, and he has quickly settled into the team. In Hannes, we have a strong fourth rider who made a great contribution to the team last year. However, in an endurance team, it’s not just about speed and skill, but also team spirit – and that’s an aspect that distinguishes our quartet. Unfortunately, Ilya will no longer be with us. I thank him for the many years together and wish him success in the future.”

Midrand. BMW South Africa has revealed its BMW Racing Academy (South Africa) to address transformation in motorsport to identify and develop young racers. Announced ahead of the 2024 BMW M FEST that runs from Friday, 25 October to Sunday, 27 October, the company’s decision to play a nurturing role in local motorsport given its storied racing heritage is an apt tribute to the high-performance M division, which will be celebrated by car enthusiasts throughout the event.

From late 2024 through 2025, BMW South Africa will implement a driver development programme to scout and develop drivers keen on a career in motorsport.

NGK Pablo Clark Racing (PCR) will contribute its racing car engineering expertise in support of BMW South Africa’s driver objectives.

Potential talent will be scouted through a Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and Motor Sports Association (MSA)-approved sim racing programme, followed by a karting programme, and progress into specially-prepared BMW models. The proposed BMW Racing Academy (South Africa) will scout for – and develop – young talent from previously disadvantaged backgrounds for a potential future in circuit racing.

Top female racing driver Fabienne Lanz will put the first of the academy’s BMW 3 Series’ (E46) through its paces during the BMW M Performance Parts Race Series round at the Kyalami race circuit on Saturday, 26 October.

BMW Group South Africa CEO Peter van Binsbergen said: “At the last M Fest, Sheldon van der Linde was our star guest. Fresh from his DTM championship, one thought-provoking discussion during our M Talks was how to develop promising young racing drivers.’’

“We gave it some thought and together with NGK Pablo Clark Racing we are developing an approach to help bring racing dreams to life!”

ENDS

Should you have any questions related to this media release, kindly contact:

Hailey Philander

Manager: Group Automotive Communications

Phone: +27 71 666 2070

Email: hailey.philander@bmw.co.za

https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

BMW M5 powers into a new era.

With 40 years of history under its belt, the legendary high-performance sedan enters its seventh model generation. The executive model from BMW M GmbH now has an electrified drive system for the first time. A model-specific version of the M HYBRID system gives the new BMW M5 (energy consumption, weighted, combined: 1,7 – 1,6 l/100 km and 25,5 – 25,0 kWh/100 km according to WLTP; CO2 emissions, weighted, combined: 39 – 37 g/km according to WLTP; fuel consumption with discharged battery: 10,3 – 10,2 l/100 km according to WLTP) maximum output of 535 kW and peak system torque of 1,000 Nm. The combination of a high-revving V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology and an electric motor, plus power transfer courtesy of an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and M xDrive all-wheel drive, enables acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds.

Click here to read more about the new BMW M5 Sedan.

The recommended retail price of the BMW M5, including VAT and Motorplan, is: R2,690,000.00.

BMW M3 Touring bolsters BMW’s midsize portfolio in South Africa.

And now the multi-faceted premium midsize portfolio for BMW has been bolstered with the addition of the BMW M3 Touring to the company’s local portfolio. The BMW M3 Touring Competition with M xDrive uses the most powerful version of the six-cylinder in-line engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology to produce 390 kW/650Nm. New design and equipment features, and further advances in the area of digitalisation pave the way for another new chapter in the M3/M4 models’ ongoing success story. This latest stage on their development curve takes the race-car character and long-distance poise and composure of the high-performance premium midsize models to a new level of space and versatility in the BMW M3 Touring.

Click here to read more about the BMW M3 Touring.

The recommended retail price of the BMW M3 Touring, including VAT, Motorplan and CO₂ tax, is: R2,218,841.80.

Midrand. BMW Group South Africa is poised for another thrilling showcase at the 2024 Simola Hillclimb, taking place in Knysna from May 2 - 5.  The company will showcase its revolutionary BMW iX5 Hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, making history as the first hydrogen-powered entrant to compete in this motorsport event.

 The three-day event attracts global competitors, enthusiasts, and professional racing drivers for its Classic Car Friday and King of the Hill events. This year, BMW Group South Africa will premiere the BMW iX5 Hydrogen vehicle in its portfolio of innovative entrants for the King of the Hill showdown.

Competitive innovation.

While competitors and the spectacular array of vehicles primed to conquer the 1.9km hill are the main attraction, the Simola Hillclimb has seen a growing number of full-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles being entered in recent years, with the BMW i4 M50, BMW iX3, and BMW XM as past entrants. BMW Group South Africa will demonstrate its commitment to its technology open approach, as the BMW iX5 becomes the first hydrogen vehicle to participate in the Simola Hillclimb event.

The 295kW BMW iX5 Hydrogen vehicle, an innovative hydrogen fuel cell-powered electric vehicle (EV), delivers the driving dynamics for which the BMW brand is renowned. Its highly efficient fuel cell system, two hydrogen tanks, electric motor, and power battery all work with the central vehicle control unit to exhibit exceptional performance.

‘Sheer Driving Pleasure’ is King. 

Additionally, BMW Group South Africa will showcase its newly launched 442kW i5 M60 xDrive vehicle with racing legend Deon Joubert behind the wheel, who aims to set a new Simola Hillclimb EV record. The BMW M4 Competition xDrive is another noteworthy entrant and will be driven by Cristiano Verolini of BMW’s Driving Experience. Motorcycles from BMW Motorrad – the M 1000 R, R 1300 GS, R 18 Roctane and the CE 04 – will participate in demonstration runs up the hill.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit the Simola Hillclimb website: simolahillclimb.com

Munich/George. Located on the wonderful Garden Route in South Africa, roughly halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, is Fancourt Golf Resort – venue this week for the 33^rd BMW Golf Cup World Final. In keeping with the motto for the largest international tournament series for amateur golfers – ‘once in a lifetime’ – Fancourt provides the perfect conditions for a unique sporting and social experience. Golfers have qualified for the World Final through roughly 1,000 tournaments around the world. Together with their guests, they will now enjoy breathtaking golf courses, an exclusive resort, a tournament held in professional conditions, and a thrilling programme away from the golf course.

Through their sporting efforts, the world finalists will also do their bit for a good cause, as BMW Group is supporting UNICEF* in its work in crisis regions with €1,000 for each net eagle carded over the course of the tournament.

BMW Group’s educational involvement on the golf scene comes under the tagline ‘Eagles for Education’ and was launched last year at the company’s headquarters in Munich during the BMW International Open on the DP World Tour. South Africa is also a country with which the BMW Group has been closely associated on the golf scene and beyond for more than 50 years.

The premium automobile manufacturer opened its first plant outside of Germany in Rosslyn, near Johannesburg, from which 1.6 million cars have since been delivered to more than 40 countries. Right from the word go, BMW Group has also been committed to work in the community in South Africa, focussing on the subject of STEM education (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

For this reason, South Africa was last year selected as the starting point for a long-term partnership between BMW Group and UNICEF*. This comes under the slogan ‘BRIDGE. Educating young people for tomorrow, today’ and also focusses on educational projects in STEM. Over the course of 2024, the collaboration will be expanded to Brazil, India, Mexico and Thailand – all of which have programme needs and have BMW Group presence. The partnership will contribute to UNICEF’s global aim to reach 10 million children and young people each year through education.

BMW Group also has the opportunity to raise funds to support UNICEF’s work in emergencies and protracted crises. The United Nation’s International Children’s Fund uses these resources to support children to develop skills to cope with trauma and to provide them with a safe environment in which to continue their learning.

Over the course of nine rounds of golf, the competitors can raise money by taking fantastic golf shots and hitting as many net eagles as possible. The World Final is played across three rounds in three categories: Men’s A (up to HCP 12), Men’s B (HCP 13-28) and Ladies (HCP up to 28). As well as in these individual categories, a title is also up for grabs in a national team competition.

In keeping with tradition, the World Final kicks off on Monday evening with a welcome evening and the parading of flags from all the nationalities present. The event draws to a worthy close on Friday evening with the Gala Dinner and a very special guest of honour. South African golf legend Gary Player, who has no fewer than 18 major titles to his name, including nine on the Seniors tour, will present the trophies after first entertaining the BMW guests with his famous charisma and legendary fitness during a unique golf clinic. The 88-year-old is the perfect guest of honour for the BMW Golf Cup World Final – not only due to his status as one of the greatest golfers of all time, but also because he designed the three spectacular golf courses at Fancourt.

*UNICEF does not endorse any company, brand, product or service.

Austin. Before he rides for the Bonovo action BMW Racing Team in the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) at Assen (NED) this weekend, BMW Motorrad works rider Garrett Gerloff (USA) spent a few exciting days in his home of Texas. Gerloff was in Austin (USA) to visit the Grand Prix of the Americas in MotoGP™ – and took the opportunity to take the new BMW M 1000 RR MotoGP™ Safety Bike onto the track for a spin. The new safety bike, provided by BMW Motorrad Motorsport and BMW M, was officially presented during the Grand Prix weekend in Austin.

2023 is BMW M’s 25th season as Official Car of MotoGP™. As part of the partnership with MotoGP™ rights holder Dorna Sports, BMW M has provided the official safety car fleet since 1999. For many years, a BMW Safety Bike has been a permanent fixture in this fleet – first the HP4, then the BMW S 1000 RR and, since 2021, the BMW M 1000 RR. This season, the new BMW M 1000 RR takes on important roles as a safety vehicle.

During a MotoGP™ weekend, the safety bike takes on various tasks that are important to ensure that practices, qualifying sessions and races run smoothly. “A few minutes before the start of the races, for example the MotoGP sprint race on the Saturday or the regular race on the Sunday, the safety bike completes so-called inspection laps,” explained Axel Mittler, Marketing Manager MotoGP™ at BMW M GmbH. “The purpose of this is to check, shortly before the race start, that the track is in good condition, or whether there may be dirt, oil or something similar on the track.”

From Thursday to Sunday, the safety bike also takes to the track for the technical test laps several times a day, in order to check the onboard and data acquisition systems. “Our safety bikes – we have one on site at overseas races and two in Europe – are equipped with the same sensor technology as the race bikes in MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3,” said Mittler. “During the technical test laps, the safety bike is used to check that the timing is still correct in the sectors, and that all other data is recorded correctly.”

Television viewers regularly take their place on the seat of the BMW M MotoGP™ Safety Bikes: on the Friday, TV stations use the bikes to record onboard footage during the ‘Media Laps’. This is then shown during programmes on Grand Prix weekends.

During the presentation in Austin, Gerloff took the new safety bike for a few laps of the Circuit of The Americas (COTA) – and he was impressed. “The bike was incredibly impressive,” he said. “I was also very impressed by the power on the back straight and the brakes when you come from the straight at 320 km/h and are then straight into the super tight first-gear corner. It does not feel much different to being on the race bike, and that is excellent. Plus, it looks fantastic. It was fun taking it out for a spin. MotoGP can consider itself lucky to have such a high quality safety bike in the BMW M fleet.”

The new BMW M 1000 RR MotoGP™ Safety Bike is therefore ideally equipped for its outings on the racetrack.

A video clip of Gerloff’s laps on the new BMW M 1000 RR MotoGP™ Safety Bike can be seen here on the MotoGP™ YouTube channel:

http://b.mw/Gerloff_COTA_MotoGP

Gerloff now switches back to the seat of his WorldSBK race version of the BMW M 1000 RR with the Bonovo action BMW Racing Team. Meanwhile, the new BMW M 1000 RR MotoGP™ Safety Bike travels from Austin to Jerez de la Frontera (ESP), where it will next be in MotoGP™ action on the last weekend in April.

Assen. BMW Motorrad Motorsport experienced a weekend of mixed emotions at the opening round of the European leg of this season’s FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) in Assen, the Netherlands. Scott Redding (GBR) from the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team claimed his best results of the season so far in the Superpole and the races. Meanwhile, his team-mate and local favourite Michael van der Mark (NED) suffered a big crash in race two. He suffered a leg injury and has been taken to an Assen hospital for further examinations after being checked in the Medical Centre. In the Bonovo action BMW Racing Team, Garrett Gerloff (USA) ended both main races in twelfth place. Loris Baz (FRA) showed his fighting spirit on his return to the saddle just a few weeks after injuring his leg.

Scott Redding produced an impressive lap on his BMW M 1000 RR in Saturday morning’s Superpole qualifying to secure fifth place on the grid. Baz qualified 13th, while van der Mark and Gerloff ended qualifying in 15th and 17th place. Redding made a good start in race one on Saturday afternoon and was running in the top five until lap 17 of 21. At one point he had climbed into fourth place. However, his front tyre then started to wear dramatically, and Redding eventually crossed the finish line in 10th place. Gerloff lost a position on lap one, but then consistently worked his way through the field to finish 12th. He was followed over the line by van der Mark in 13th. The Dutchman was lacking the confidence in the front of his bike to be able to attack. Baz overcame the pain in his injured leg to finish 17th after 21 laps of racing.

A technical issue encountered during the warm-up lap meant Baz was unable to line up in the Superpole Race. The start was delayed, and the sprint reduced to eight laps. Redding came home eighth. Van der Mark gained five positions to finish 10th, while Gerloff crossed the finish line 17th.

In race two on Sunday afternoon, Redding immediately climbed from eighth to seventh at the start. As the race progressed, he spent eight laps in sixth place before dropping a position in the closing stages. Seventh place represents Redding’s best race result of the season so far. Gerloff dropped back to 20th place at the start, but then fought back to match the 12th place he claimed on Saturday. Van der Mark attempted to make progress from 15th on the grid but suffered a big crash on lap two and injured his leg. Baz was on course for a fine points finish until lap nine, when he too crashed out. The Frenchman was unhurt.

Round four of the 2023 WorldSBK takes place in Barcelona (ESP) in two weeks, from 5th to 7th May.

Quotes after the Assen races.

Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director: “Michael’s crash was a sad end to a weekend, at which we witnessed a few rays of hope. We made a relatively good start to the weekend and, after the test in Barcelona, lined up with some improvements. The first free practice sessions went as expected and were satisfactory. Scott secured a fine fifth place in qualifying, and a good grid position is important in this extremely well-matched field. The others had difficulties. Scott produced a very strong performance in race one and was in P4 for a long time. We took a bit of a risk with the front tyre, which unfortunately did not pay off. We learned from that for the Superpole Race and race two. The performance was good again in race two. The fact is that we are not yet among the front-runners, but Scott was still able to hold on for seventh place. He also gave us some good input, as to how we need to progress. However, it was a great shame that Michael had that big crash so early in the race. We must await the diagnosis, but definitely wish him all the best. The main thing is that he recovers quickly. Respect to Loris. It was good to see him back on the bike and, despite being in pain, he performed well. Garrett struggled all weekend to find his rhythm on the opening laps of the race. That is reflected in his results. In the final race, he set very similar lap times to Scott after lap five – sometimes even faster. However, if you are not on it from the start, then you cannot make progress later. We will soon do some testing in Misano, where we will make more changes to the bike, in order to take the next step.”

Scott Redding, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team (SP: 5 / R01: 10 / SP Race: 10 / R02: 7): “I was quite happy that I could be up in the race and even more as I was able to push the bike a little bit, which was nice. But still, we are struggling in some areas and it’s difficult because you cannot get much time back on the others. But I feel like I was riding well. I enjoyed riding the bike this week which was nice for me, and I was fighting in positions where I felt we should be. Yesterday I struggled with the front tyre and today I struggled with rear grip over the entire race. But it was a better weekend, we got some good information. And now we will see if we can bring something to further improve.”

Garrett Gerloff, Bonovo action BMW Racing Team (SP: 17 / R01: 12 / SP Race: 17 / R02: 12): “I feel like we had some good pace, just starting from so far back after having such a tricky qualifying was making it difficult. It was my own fault really for being so far back and that’s the most frustrating thing. Also, it was so close, as it was so tight between everybody. It would have been nice to start a few rows forward and I could have changed some things. In the Superpole Race I just didn’t have anything to make up any ground, with only eight laps it was super difficult. In race two I had a good start, but in the first corner, I got bottlenecked and had to brake and check where the guys were around me. I just had to fight to come back. It was a long day. I’m looking forward to the next round, I like Barcelona. I’ll go back there and try to have some good results.”

Loris Baz, Bonovo action BMW Racing Team (SP: 13 / R01: 17 / SP Race: DNS / R02: DNF): “I’m ok, but my first thought was for Michael (van der Mark), because I was right behind him when he crashed, and it was really a big one. I know what he has been through and it’s really tough seeing him in this kind of situation again. I wish him a quick recovery and hope he can come back soon. I had a good start, and I was feeling better with the leg compared to yesterday. In the Superpole Race we had a technical issue, so I didn’t do a lap. We had to change the engine between the Superpole and the main race and the new engine didn’t feel the same, so I lost some time during the first laps. Then Öttl overtook me, as he was a bit faster in the parts where I was struggling. But I was catching him in some other fast places. Coming into that last fast left, it was three or four laps in a row that I gone wide there, and I was worried about crashing, so on that lap, I really rolled early to stay on the line and I crashed there. For sure, I released the brake earlier, maybe I went too inside, it’s just strange. I feel sorry for the team because the bike is destroyed. I was feeling better, but when you don’t feel at 100% all weekend, you obviously force it a bit in some places because I couldn’t move. I was trying to get some points; I was pretty fast considering the shape I’m in. It was a rough weekend, really hard, but we keep moving forward. Scott (Redding) has shown that the bike has something more than we did this weekend. For sure, I will feel better in Barcelona. I hope I’ll be able to come back to my normal pace.”

Nürburgring. Three races, three wins for the BMW M4 GT3: the BMW Junior Team has completed the hat-trick for BMW M Motorsport in the Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS). On Saturday, BMW M works drivers Neil Verhagen (USA), Dan Harper (GBR) and Max Hesse (GER) won the third race of the season on the Nürburgring Nordschleife (GER) in the #44 BMW M4 GT3 from the BMW M Team RMG. In the two preceding races, ROWE Racing and Walkenhorst Motorsport had already secured overall victory with the BMW M4 GT3. NLS3 was also the stage for the first one-two result of the season as BMW M works drivers Marco Wittmann (GER) and Maxime Martin (BEL) rounded off the successful performance, finishing second in the #99 BMW M4 GT3 from ROWE Racing.

The BMW M works drivers Sheldon van der Linde (RSA) and Dries Vanthoor (BEL) crossed the line in fourth place, just missing out on the podium in the #98 ROWE Racing BMW M4 GT3. Van der Linde had recorded the best time in qualifying on Saturday morning, celebrating his first pole position on the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

The BMW Junior Team had started the four-hour race from second place on the grid. The trio was on the chase from the word go and a strong performance and perfect strategy saw Verhagen, Harper and Hesse move into the lead. After four hours in dry conditions (rain only made an appearance in the final minutes of the race), they crossed the finish line around 17 seconds ahead of Wittmann and Martin.

Wittmann had started the race from seventh place, but was quickly on course for the podium after an outstanding start in the #99 BMW M4 GT3. Martin then battled his way to second spot on the rostrum. Van der Linde and Vanthoor also fought at the front from pole position, only to fall back a little as the race progressed. The #35 BMW M4 GT3 from Walkenhorst Motorsport, driven by the BMW M works drivers Jens Klingmann (GER) and Jake Dennis (GBR) alongside Thomas Neubauer (FRA), was in seventh position during the closing stages but then retired due a technical defect on the final lap.

Next weekend, the Nürburgring Nordschleife will be the location for the qualifiers for the 24-hour race. BMW M works drivers Connor De Phillippi (USA) and Erik Johansson (SWE) will be competing there in the BMW M4 GT3 for the BMW M Team RMG. The 24-hour race itself will be held on 20th/21st May.

Reactions to the race:

Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “Three wins in three races – perfect results on the Nordschleife for the BMW M4 GT3 this season! A big thank you to our successful BMW M Motorsport teams and all colleagues at BMW M Motorsport for these excellent preparations for the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring, which we have essentially completed now. Unfortunately, we will not be able to take part in the qualifiers with our regular driver line-ups next weekend, as they clash with the season-opener in the GT World Challenge Europe. So, it was all the more important for us to have completed the three NLS races without major problems and collected a lot of valuable data. The fact that the BMW M Team RMG has now followed in the footsteps of ROWE Racing and Walkenhorst Motorsport by celebrating a victory shows just how strong all of our teams are. Congratulations to BMW M Team RMG, Neil, Max and Dan on this strong performance, as well as to ROWE Racing, Marco and Maxime on their strong second place. We have completed the preparations for the 24-hour race very well with three wins in a row. But we all know that the Eifel classic on the Nordschleife is a very tough race where anything can happen. We are now trying to prepare as best we can in the remaining time.”

Max Hesse (#44 BMW M4 GT3, BMW M Team RMG): “It was definitely a good race. Our pace was already good this morning and we set up well in qualifying. All three of us were very pleased with the car. The team and BMW M Motorsport did a good job. The race went really well. We struggled a bit early on but then were able to make progress again. The conditions were a bit tricky on the final two laps, but we are all really happy to finish with a one-two result for BMW M Motorsport.”

Marco Wittmann (#99 BMW M4 GT3, ROWE Racing): “The highlight for me was clearly taking only two corners to move up from seventh to third place from the start. My reaction was really good and I was able to get into a good position through the first corners. It’s always nice to be the starting driver and it's even better to move up by a few places. In the first stint, we did struggle a bit with the balance of the car and with tyre wear. We then made a few minor adjustments for the second and third stints, which made the car significantly more consistent. It was also good preparation for the 24-hour race and allowed us to see how the car behaves. That’s what we’re here for, and it’s even better when we manage to reach the podium.”

Sheldon van der Linde (#98 BMW M4 GT3, ROWE Racing): “I’m very happy with my first pole on the Nordschleife. It took me quite long obviously, four years. I’m very happy because it shows that the team has done a lot of work in the three preparation races to take the car to a very good level. So, I’m very happy where we are before the 24-hour race. Obviously the main target is to be fully prepared for the 24 hours which I think we are. Today in the race we had a good showing running constantly in the top five. The BMWs in general look very strong. It’s very promising for us as a brand. I’m very much look forward to the most important one which is at the end of next month with my team-mates Dries, Maxime and Marco where we finally drive together and not against each other.”

Nürburgring. The BMW M4 GT3 was again the benchmark in the second race of the Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS) season. After ROWE Racing won the opening event two weeks ago, first place this time around went to Walkenhorst Motorsport. BMW M works driver Jesse Krohn (FIN) and his team-mate Jakub Giermaziak (POL) in the #34 car overcame difficult conditions to claim victory as the track dried out. The BMW Junior Team gave a strong chase in the #44 BMW M4 GT3 from BMW M Team RMG to secure the third spot on the podium.

Having claimed pole position at the first race of the season in the #34 BMW M4 GT3, Giermaziak this time started from fourth place, working his way into the lead during an opening double stint on a damp surface. Krohn was able to defend that during the latter half of the race, crossing the line to secure victory with a lead of 22 seconds. Dan Harper (GBR), Max Hesse (GER) and Neil Verhagen (USA) lost a few positions during the opening stage before applying great speed and a smart strategy to battle back and put the #44 on the podium.

ROWE Racing endured an unfortunate race after their opening-day victory. Starting from second place, BMW M works driver Philipp Eng (AUT) quickly moved into the lead in the #99 car, only to spin on the damp surface and hit the crash barriers on the section of track known as Flugplatz. That put paid to the race for him and his team-mates Augusto Farfus (BRA) and Nick Yelloly (GBR). In the #98 BMW M4 GT3, Marco Wittmann (GER), Sheldon van der Linde (RSA) and Connor De Phillippi (USA) fell back just after the start after Wittmann was forced to avoid a spinning car. Just like BMW Junior Team, the #98 car also battled back to finish the race in sixth place. The #35 BMW M4 GT3 from Walkenhorst Motorsport with BMW M works driver Jens Klingmann (GER) and Thomas Neubauer (FRA) in the cockpit secured twelfth place. 

Reactions to the race:

Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “The BMW M4 GT3 once again made a very good impression at the second race of the season on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. I am particularly pleased that all our teams are clearly coming to terms really well with the car. Congratulations to Walkenhorst Motorsport on the win! With pole position at the season-opener and first place in this race, the team is illustrating that the BMW M4 GT3 is competitive under all circumstances – which was precisely our objective during development. We are very satisfied with the performance of our GT flagship thus far. Congrats to BMW Junior Team and BMW M Team RMG on the podium finish as well. It’s a shame that the #99 BMW M4 GT3 from ROWE Racing had an accident but things like that can happen. What’s important is that Philipp Eng is fine.”

Jesse Krohn (#34 BMW M4 GT3, Walkenhorst Motorsport): “I simply can’t remember when I last won here on the Nordschleife. It’s a brilliant feeling. A big thank you is due to the team, BMW M Motorsport and our tyre partner Yokohama, who have provided us with a fantastic package. We were competitive on our tyres in all conditions. I always had total confidence in the car and it was a pleasure to be out on the circuit. We couldn’t have wished for a better start to the preparations for the 24-hour race.”

Neil Verhagen (#44 BMW M4 GT3, BMW M Team RMG): “The conditions were tricky. We took a risk at the start and went with slicks. I overdid it a bit at the start and lost a few places after some wheelspin. However, our strategy did pay off in the end. We changed our pit stop rhythm to get out of the procession of GT3 cars, where it is very difficult to overtake. With a clear track, our speed was great and we caught up so much time that we reached the podium. We weren’t even thinking about that after the first lap.”

Philipp Eng (#99 BMW M4 GT3, ROWE Racing): “That was my mistake and I feel extremely sorry for the whole team and my driving team-mates. The conditions were difficult. There was a dry line through the Flugplatz section and unfortunately my left rear tyre went into the wet area. I spun halfway round and nearly caught it, but then I just wasn’t able to stop it from spinning completely into the crash barriers. Of course, it’s really annoying that we had to retire, but if there’s a team and a manufacturer that can come back from that, it’s ROWE Racing and BMW M Motorsport.“

Phillip Island. After a short but busy winter break, BMW Motorrad Motorsport kicked off the 2023 FIM Superbike World Championship with the new BMW M 1000 RR at Phillip Island, Australia. The ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team and the Bonovo action BMW Racing Team claimed top-ten finishes, but on the whole it was a challenging weekend for both teams and the four BMW factory riders Scott Redding (GBR), Garrett Gerloff (USA), Michael van der Mark (NED) and Loris Baz (FRA). The best race result was a ninth place for Redding in the opening race on Saturday.

After the first two practice sessions were held in sunshine and high temperatures on Friday, the weather changed on Saturday. Light rain started to fall in the third free practice session, but it was dry again by Superpole. Van der Mark in twelfth place was the best of the BMW riders in an extremely tight field. Redding, Gerloff and Baz finished 13th, 16th and 18th.

The rain returned for the start of the Saturday race. Van der Mark soon climbed to ninth place, but crashed on lap two and was forced out of the race. Redding worked his way through the field and into sixth place, but dropped back to ninth in the closing stages as his rear tyre fell off a cliff. Gerloff struggled with poor visibility in the spray at the start, but then launched a fightback from 19th place that took him as high as tenth. Problems with the rear tyre forced Baz into the pits after 13 laps. He rejoined the race after a tyre change and eventually came home 18th.

It rained again on Sunday morning, but the Superpole race took place in bright sunshine. Van der Mark was again the best-placed BMW rider in tenth. Baz, Redding and Gerloff crossed the finish line 13th, 14th and 15th at the end of the ten-lap sprint. In race two on Sunday afternoon, the BMW racers failed to make it into the top ten. Van der Mark was twelfth again, with Redding, Gerloff and Baz picking up points in 13th, 14th and 15th place.

The WorldSBK caravan now heads straight to Indonesia, where the second round of the season will take place this weekend (3rd to 5th March) at Mandalika.

Quotes after the Phillip Island races.

Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director: “It was not an easy weekend for the two BMW teams. We already saw signs in the test on Monday and Tuesday that we would not be able to compete at the very front here. We then faced additional challenges on the race weekend itself. Firstly, the conditions were really unsettled. Secondly, we only had a limited tyre selection at our disposal. However, there were also positives. Thanks to the aerodynamic updates on the new BMW M 1000 RR, we were consistently among the best when it came to top speed. That is one area in which we have improved significantly. However, top speed alone is obviously not enough to produce good lap times. Another positive were the clear signs that Michael van der Mark is back after his injury. Plus, newcomer Garrett Gerloff is handling the bike as well as the other riders. We have seen that we have a strong quartet of riders, but also that we have a lot of work ahead of us to get the BMW M 1000 RR to the front of the field. We will now analyse what was missing here, and prepare for the next races in Indonesia.”

Scott Redding, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team (SP: 13 / R01: 9 / SP Race: 14 / R02: 13): “It has been a difficult weekend. Mickey got off to a good start in race two, he had a clear lap. I was boxed in in the first two corners and kind of missed the run with them guys. Then it was just about getting in the rhythm and I ended up with the other two BMWs. It was just a battle between us. I was trying to push but in the end I could not get away so I just sat with them and raced, trying to maybe see what is different or what the bike is doing. Then in the end I made a pass on the two guys to finish 13th. We have a lot of work to do because we are suffering a lot. Mandalika maybe is different. We have to see. The track can make a big difference.”

Garrett Gerloff, Bonovo action BMW Racing Team (SP: 16 / R01: 10 / SP Race: 15 / R02: 14): “Overall, we had some good moments for sure, but to put it in one word, probably ‘humbling’ is the word of the weekend. Today it was dry at least, so we had some more consistent weather. I was struggling with the wind a bit. In the Superpole race I wasn’t able to make as much ground as I was hoping. The bike has so much power and it’s awesome on the straight. I mean, the top speed we are able to hit is unbelievable. I just kind of need to manage the power a little bit better, I think and work on turning a little bit. I feel like the bike has so much potential, we really need to get our heads together and figure out what we need to do to make better around. I was happy to be with the other BMWs in our own little battle. That was nice, but we have some work to do.”

Michael van der Mark, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team (SP: 12 / R01: DNF / SP Race: 10 / R02: 12): “This morning’s Superpole race was nice. I got a little bit tangled up on the first lap and lost some positions which was a shame as I lost some time, but then I was feeling okay. P10 was not quite where I wanted to be but I was quite happy with the feeling of the bike. In race two, I had a good start and I was feeling quite comfortable on the first laps. I struggled a bit in the last two sectors of the circuit but I tried to stay calm, and for a long time I was just behind a nice group. We were catching the big group ahead of us but unfortunately I then had a massive drop in the tyre. It was a shame but we learn. I think it was really important for us to be with the other guys for the first part of the race. Now the pace is there we just need to find a way to manage the tyres better, but Phillip Island is always difficult for tyre management. Now I am looking forward to Mandalika. We are still not where we want to be but I have a quite good feeling from Phillip Island’s race two.”

Loris Baz, Bonovo action BMW Racing Team (SP: 18 / R01: 18 / SP Race: 13 / R02: 15): “Today was a better day than yesterday, first of all because we found the reason for our struggles on Saturday. I had an ok warm up, the Superpole race was kind of fun. I had a good start, but I made a big mistake in turn four, I went straight and regrouped last. I managed to come back though and I was feeling good. I was able to push the bike a lot within what we have, so it was quite good coming back up to P13. At this track, I knew that I had to save the tyre at the beginning, so my plan was to have a good start and then not to destroy the tyre in the first laps and that’s exactly what I did. I didn’t have a perfect feeling with the front and the balance of the bike in general from the beginning. With about 10 laps to the end, the battle with Scott and Garrett started, which was funny. Although fighting for 13 is not what the three of us wish for. All four BMWs have had the same pace more or less. It’s just a bit sad to be so far back, but there is nobody to blame within the team. I think we all do more work than anyone in paddock, so we go back to work. Hopefully Indonesia will be a bit better. We have to make a step there.”

Munich. The successful collaboration between BMW M Motorsport and the leading simulation platform iRacing enters the next round in 2023. BMW M Motorsport is set to become the first manufacturer in the world to make its new LMDh car, the BMW M Hybrid V8, available to the sim racing community. As with the BMW M4 GT3, real and virtual development of the car run synchronously. The collaboration was officially announced at the BMW SIM Live event on Saturday.

“When it comes to introducing real BMW M race cars to the virtual world, BMW M Motorsport and iRacing have been close and perfectly attuned partners for many years,” said Maurizio Leschiutta, LMDh project leader at BMW M Motorsport. “As the head of such an important project, confidentiality is my number one priority; it would be fatal if the competition discovered the technical details of our car that we want to keep secret. In that respect, I came away really impressed by iRacing’s professionalism. We are making CAD data and findings from our simulator and racetrack tests available to iRacing. They are used as the basis on which to create a realistic virtual version. This gives every sim racer the opportunity to experience the performance of a state-of-the-art prototype and the appeal of BMW M Motorsport.”

“We’re incredibly excited to confirm that the BMW M Hybrid V8 will be coming to iRacing in the coming months,” said iRacing executive vice president Steve Myers. “We’ve been eagerly anticipating the LMDh class for a few years now, and BMW M Motorsport’s support has been indispensable in helping us to bring both their entry and the new class to iRacing. Building this car in the sim has been a joy for our team, and we can’t wait to see the community’s response upon release."

BMW M Motorsport and iRacing have already worked hand in hand on multiple car projects. The BMW M8 GTE was also transferred from reality to the virtual world, as were the BMW M4 GT4 and the BMW M4 GT3 later. The LMDh project now offers the next opportunity to bring a car on the racetrack in two worlds.

The race premiere of the BMW M Hybrid V8 at the 24 Hours of Daytona (USA) in January 2023 moves closer. The car is currently undergoing intensive testing in the USA. While the car has a special camouflage livery for the tests, the BMW M Hybrid V8 will have a works design in the iconic BMW M Motorsport colours from the start of next year. It was revealed in Los Angeles (USA) in September 2022, and can now also be seen on the virtual version of the car.

Assen. The second round of the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) season will take place this weekend at Assen in the Netherlands. This is a very special event for BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director Marc Bongers. Assen is the home race for the Dutchman and the circuit played an important role during his childhood. In a wide-ranging interview, Bongers talks about his early enthusiasm for motor racing, his own active involvement in the Netherlands, his career, the development of BMW Motorrad Motorsport – as well as providing some special insights into Dutch cuisine.

An interview with Marc Bongers.

Marc, Assen is your home race. What does motor racing in Assen mean for you as a Dutchman?

Marc Bongers: “Assen is always special for me, and not just because I am from the Netherlands. It is also because the atmosphere there is always superb. There are always loads of fans, as it’s a popular track and you can feel the enthusiasm. And I always take the time to pick up a few specialities from the chippy. These include Pommes Oorlog, which is made with fries, mayonnaise, peanut sauce and onions. And I normally also get a Broodje Frikadel.”

How old were you when you first noticed the motor racing at Assen?

Bongers: “I think that was when I was about ten years old. Bennie Streuer is now part of the sidecar team for Bonovo action, and I can clearly remember seeing his father racing at Assen when I was there with my father. I always loved motor racing, whether it was on two, three or four wheels. I was always out on Mofas or mopeds as an adolescent, and when I was 17 or 18 I competed in four-hour races in the Dutch 50cc championship - sometimes at Assen. I don’t know my exact lap times any more, but if they’d been good then I might have a different job now (laughs). We did a lot ourselves. Together with a friend of mine, I worked on moped tuning and setup in the garage. I had already started my technical studies back then, which stirred my passion for engineering. We tried to think of ways to improve the motorbike. We were already hitting 160 km/h on the straights even then. That’s not bad for 50cc.”

When did you realise that you wanted to make a career out of motor racing?

Bongers: “I’d say that was when I was 15 years old. I had realised that before my vocational training but that doesn't come from my family. My family and my environment had nothing to do with motor racing. Of course, my job now means that there is a level of interest there, but I realised it early on and friends of mine shared this passion, some of whom are involved in motor racing too.”

Where has your career taken you thus far?

Bongers: “I studied at the technical university for automotive technology in the Netherlands. I then spent some time at Hartge BMW, a BMW tuning company in the Saarland region. Then I moved to England to work for Ascari for two years. My next stop was Lotus, where I worked for several years. I really liked it there but I wasn’t involved in motor racing. Then I got a call from a former trainee in Switzerland, to let me know that Sauber were looking for people to work in their Formula 1 team, which was then Sauber-Ferrari. I had always dreamed of getting into Formula 1, so I upped sticks at Lotus and said to myself that this was a chance I had to take. That was in 2000. Since then, I have remained involved in motor racing and haven’t left. At Sauber, I also made my first experiences with professional motorcycle racing as the development of the first 4-stroke GP engines of the new era has been partly done there. In 2005, I made the move to BMW Williams in Munich. One year later, that team became the BMW Sauber F1 Team – meaning that I was working with my old Swiss colleagues once more. When BMW withdrew from Formula 1 at the end of 2009, I realised that I really liked working at BMW and living in Bavaria, and from a personal point of view, I was happy there with my then girlfriend – who is now my wife – and the family. Bavaria really has become my new home. I then had the opportunity to move to BMW Motorrad, jumping right into what was then the World Superbike project.”

You also had some different roles at BMW Motorrad...

Bongers: “That's right. I was initially working as an engineer in the Superbike World Championship. I was then in charge of customer racing in 2012 and 2013. In 2016, I became Technical Director of BMW Motorrad Motorsport. When Dr. Markus Schramm arrived to become the new Head of BMW Motorrad and made the decision to bring back the works involvement in the Superbike World Championship with BMW M, I then assumed overall responsibility for BMW Motorrad Motorsport. It really is a dream job. I love doing it, except for when we endure some difficult race weekends of course. But that is part of the job and I believe that is what makes motor racing so attractive. The emotions, these ups and downs, and that it takes no time at all to see the results of your work.”

Recently, BMW Motorrad Motorsport has experienced extensive growth. The focus was on customer racing between 2014 and 2018. There are now four works motorbikes competing for two teams in the Superbike World Championship WorldSBK, and the works team is one of the real top teams in the FIM EWC Endurance Championship. There are also customer teams racing successfully around the world. What is your assessment of the development of BMW Motorrad Motorsport in recent years?

Bongers: “My assessment is entirely positive. The field of activity has got much bigger. It is lovely to see how much more awareness there is for the public image with BMW M. Of course, the road to success is a long one and the Superbike World Championship field is very tough, but it also was a great experience to get the endurance project up and running. BMW Motorrad Motorsport is growing and the results in these areas of involvement also mean that customer racing is growing. You can also see the high level of interest in our product, the BMW M 1000 RR, which has the project lead in our motorsport department. Personally, I take a lot of pride in that. It is fantastic to see it grow as time passes. I firmly believe that this growth will continue.”

How important is the customer racing that accompanies the works involvement?

Bongers: “Of course, works involvement is the pinnacle and there are also many people observing the successes chalked up in customer racing. These successes form the basis for customers deciding whether or not to participate with BMW. That is a classic pyramid and, of course, customer racing is extremely important for the domestic markets. For some time, we did lose grid share. However, since we started to operate on a works basis and provide the relevant products, you can see rapid growth for our grid share in national championships and in amateur racing. These privateer riders and teams are all brand ambassadors for us - which is what keeps it all running. At BMW Motorrad Motorsport, we support the private teams with a wide range of support services in many areas.”

Your career has introduced you to many circuits around the world – which ones are your favourite racetracks?

Bongers: “The involvement on four wheels and on two have taken me to many circuits. I am delighted that Phillip Island is back on the WorldSBK calendar. It’s always a brilliant event with a superb atmosphere. However – and not just because I am from the Netherlands – Assen is definitely right up there in the list.”

Assen is coming up next weekend, meaning that we have come full circle. You started off by mentioning Pommes Oorlog and Broodje Frikadel. What other Dutch specialities get you excited?

Bongers: “We don’t necessarily have what you could term classic Dutch cuisine, but there are a few specialities that my mother always makes. These include an oven dish with layers of bacon, mince, sauerkraut, bananas and mashed potatoes. That is a piece of home for me.”

Munich. The BMW Motorrad Motorsport family has moved into its new home in the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) paddock. Markus Schramm, Head of BMW Motorrad, officially opened the new BMW Hospitality in the WorldSBK paddock at the fifth round of the season at Assen (NED). This will function as a meeting place and focal point for BMW teams, partners, guests and – as soon as this is possible again – fans. The new BMW Hospitality will be operated for BMW Motorrad Motorsport by the BMW works team Shaun Muir Racing.

“I am really proud to see how our WorldSBK project is developing and how it has grown since our comeback,” said Schramm, before cutting the symbolic tape to officially open the hospitality area. “And it is great that our large BMW family now has a new home in the paddock: our brand-new BMW Hospitality. Special thanks are due to Shaun Muir and the whole SMR team for making this possible. Now we are looking forward to celebrating some great moments together in our new hospitality area.”

Shaun Muir Racing has been a partner of BMW Motorrad Motorsport in WorldSBK since the works re-entry and this collaboration has now been extended.

“We are delighted to present our new hospitality unit,” explained Shaun Muir. “This runs alongside to our new agreement with BMW Motorrad Motorsport and shows our investment to the project and the level we want to achieve in line with our championship winning expectations. We value the involvement of our VIPs and sponsors and I think this addition to our assets compliments the level we want to achieve. More than that, it is a great opportunity for fans and partners to meet and come into direct contact with the team.”

The new BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Hospitality was owned previously by a Formula 1 team and was adjusted to meet its new requirements during months of painstaking alterations. The result is a prestigious structure with space for more than 100 guests each day. The two-storey building contains three dining areas. The 132 m² main deck on the upper floor has room for up to 50 seats and a lounge corner. The race events will unfold on two large 70-inch screens, which can also be used for Esports activities. In addition to the food buffet, there is a coffee bar in this area and a self-service corner with a large selection of drinks. The upper area is connected to the large kitchen on the ground floor via a service elevator. Depending on the type of use envisaged, the 72 m² ground floor can seat at least 25 guests and is a multi-functional space that can be a showroom for motorbikes or for one car. The exterior of the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Hospitality is clad in the recognisable BMW M Motorsport colours. The overall appearance includes a 36 m² sun terrace with 30 seats, where guests can relax under two broad canopies. Food can be prepared for 100 guests each day in the modern catering kitchen that is integrated into one of the trucks. This can provide breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as preparing snacks throughout the day for guests and the BMW teams.

As soon as the Coronavirus situation permits, SMR and BMW Motorrad Motorsport will once again be offering weekend packages including hospitality access for interested guests and fans. The BMW Hospitality unit can also be reserved for external events.  

The two BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team riders, Tom Sykes (GBR) and Michael van der Mark (NED), present the new BMW Hospitality in more detail in a YouTube video:  b.mw/WorldSBK_Hospitality

Phillip Island. The 2020 FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) gets underway on Phillip Island, Australia, this weekend. For the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, this will be their second season in the elite class of near-production motorcycle racing. The team’s BMW S 1000 RRs will be ridden by Tom Sykes (GBR) and his new team-mate Eugene Laverty (IRL) this year. Packed full of information, the 2020 BMW Motorrad Motorsport WorldSBK Media Guide sets the tone for the season. 

In videos, interviews and statements, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director Marc Bongers, team principal Shaun Muir and the two riders Sykes and Laverty look ahead to the season. Among other things, the technical section explains how the BMW S 1000 RR was modified for the WorldSBK 2020. The Media Guide also provides information on the other racing activities in which BMW Motorrad are involved, such as the works entry in the FIM Endurance World Championship (FIM EWC) and the successful international customer racing programme.

Note to editors:

Studio photos of the modified BMW S 1000 RR for the WorldSBK, of Tom Sykes, Eugene Laverty, Marc Bongers and Shaun Muir, as well as the video statements on the upcoming season are available to download for free here in the BMW Group PressClub.

Munich. The legendary BMW Junior Team celebrates its comeback after more than 40 years. Eddie Cheever (USA), Manfred Winkelhock (GER) and Marc Surer (SUI) caused a stir in the world of motorsport in 1977, and 2020 will see a new generation of promising talents contest races under the name BMW Junior Team. Dan Harper (GBR), Max Hesse (GER) and Neil Verhagen (USA) will complete a holistic, first-class, intensive training programme designed to cover two seasons that will set new standards in the promotion of young talented drivers. One of their mentors will be the man who founded the first BMW Junior Team in 1977: Jochen Neerpasch.

The objective of the totally new training concept is to further develop the Juniors jointly in many different areas, stimulate them individually and holistically, and thereby make them better and above all more mature racing drivers. The BMW Junior Team will start its training programme on 9 January when they move into a shared flat close to Formula Medicine in Viareggio (ITA), where a training camp spanning several weeks awaits them. Here, the focus will be on fitness and mental training as fundamental elements of preparing for the race season. Another pillar of the programme is the team concept. To strengthen this, once the training camp comes to an end, the Juniors will move into a shared flat near the Nürburgring (GER), which will become the focal point of their racing driver training. At the wheel of various BMW racing cars – from the new BMW M2 CS Racing through the BMW M4 GT4 to the BMW M6 GT3 – the BMW Junior Team will complete the entire season of the Nürburgring endurance series, as well as the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. On top of the racing commitments come numerous additional training elements. Sim racing will play a major role, as will learning about operations away from pure racing, for example, at BMW M GmbH and in various other areas within the BMW Group.

“I would like to extend a warm welcome to the BMW family to Dan Harper, Max Hesse and Neil Verhagen as members of the new generation of the BMW Junior Team,” said BMW Group Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt. “The rebirth of the legendary BMW Junior Team after more than 40 years is something very special to us here at BMW Motorsport, all the more since we were able to secure the founder of the then BMW Junior Team and of BMW Motorsport GmbH, Jochen Neerpasch, as one of the mentors for the new generation. This sees tradition and future meet in what is a perfect configuration from our perspective. The new Juniors will be a real team and learn a great deal as part of our holistic, first-class, intensive programme both on and off the track. Our new concept is based on multiple pillars: racing at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife, sim racing as a new, future-oriented area, mental and fitness training at Formula Medicine, training content within the BMW Group, and team building through living together in shared accommodation. With this comprehensive concept, we are raising our junior development to another new level.”

Jochen Neerpasch said: “When I founded the first BMW Junior Team in 1977, we at BMW Motorsport were pioneers in junior development. We made training young racing drivers a professional undertaking for the first time. Now, being involved in the advancement of a BMW Junior Team again after more than 40 years is a real joy. I know from experience that young drivers learn a lot more quickly when they act as a team rather than just battling for themselves. It was on this basis that, in collaboration with those in charge at BMW Motorsport, the idea of reviving the BMW Junior Team came into being. I’m fascinated by the thought that these three Juniors will learn together on the most difficult racetrack in the world and will also receive training in many other areas. I’m confident that the three of them will make their way into professional racing. We will do our best to give them the ideal basis for this.”

The trio making up the new BMW Junior Team has already gained experience and their first successes in racing. 19-year-old Dan Harper won the title in the British Carrera Cup in 2019 and his achievements saw him nominated for the prestigious Autosport Awards. 18-year-old Max Hesse celebrated winning the title in the rapidly growing touring car series TCR Germany in 2019. He was also ADAC’s sponsored candidate. Also 18 years old, Neil Verhagen finished in sixth place overall in the star-studded British F3 Championship in 2019 and was part of the Red Bull Junior programme.

During their training, the trio will receive support from other mentors in addition to Neerpasch. Aside from BMW works driver Philipp Eng (AUT) and Dr. Riccardo Ceccarelli (ITA) of Formula Medicine, BMW works driver Dirk Adorf (GER), who has been acting as a mentor for the BMW Motorsport Juniors since 2011, will have primary responsibility for looking after the interests of the talented youngsters. “I’m really looking forward to going through the two-year programme alongside our Juniors,” said Adorf. “The lads are already very strong and will be trained by us in all areas offered by the BMW Motorsport and BMW Group environment. On top of this, they will be learning on the best racetrack in the world. If they are quick there, they will no doubt do well everywhere. I am very familiar with the Nürburgring and am always available there for the Juniors as a primary advisor -- with my track knowledge, but also with my knowledge of the region. When they are living in a flat there they will also need someone to answer standard everyday questions. I think that I will be able to help them get to know lots of people and to feel at home.”

An overview of the 2020 BMW Junior Team:

Dan Harper (GBR).

Date of birth: 8th December 2000

Place of birth: Belfast (GBR)

Career:

2019               1st place British Carrera Cup

                       BRDC John Surtees Rising Stars Award

2018               ‘Rookie of the Year’ British Carrera Cup

Dan Harper: “I feel honoured to be allowed to be part of this exciting programme and am really looking forward to the next two years. I hope to be able to build on the successful period that I have enjoyed in recent years. The fact that Neil, Max and I will be working together as a team is not standard for us as racing drivers, but we have already got to know each other and get on really well. I think that we will have a lot of fun and will hopefully be a very strong BMW Junior Team.”

Max Hesse (GER).

Date of birth: 23rd July 2001

Place of birth: Wernau (GER)

Career:

2019               1st place TCR Germany

                       ADAC sponsored candidate

2018               ‘Rookie of the Year’ TCR Germany

Max Hesse: “I think we will have a really cool time together. Since there are three of us, we can push each other and learn from each other. I think that’s great, and to be able to represent the colours of a major manufacturer like BMW in the process and drive all these fantastic racing cars on the Nordschleife will be totally amazing. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Neil Verhagen (USA).

Date of birth: 18th February 2001

Place of birth: Mt. Kisco (USA)

Career:

2019               6th place British Formula 3 Championship

2017               Red Bull Junior Team

2016               1st place F1600 Championship Series         

Neil Verhagen: “It will be the first time that I have driven GT and touring cars. It’s going to be a really exciting challenge for me. I’m sure that I will learn a great deal in the team with Dan and Max. I’m looking forward to the Nordschleife in particular, because I’ve only been in action there as a co-driver so far. The track has so much prestige and history – I would really love to be able to say that I have driven on it myself and maybe after my training even say that I do well on that track. I’m also really looking forward to the sim racing since I’m already active in that area.”

Munich. BMW Motorrad Motorsport expands its international works engagement with the new BMW S 1000 RR to include the FIM Endurance World Championship (FIM EWC). As of the upcoming 2019/20 season, which gets underway on 21^st/22^nd September with the Bol d’Or in Le Castellet (FRA), the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team will contest the FIM EWC with the new RR. The commitment is in collaboration with the team MRP of Team Manager Werner Daemen (BEL). The riders will be announced at a later date.

“The FIM Endurance World Championship is an attractive platform for us for many reasons,” said Dr. Markus Schramm, Head of BMW Motorrad. “Endurance races like the Bol d’Or or Le Mans are real tests of stamina for both man and machine during which we can showcase the performance of our BMW S 1000 RR on the international stage. The FIM EWC is becoming increasingly popular around the world and gives us the opportunity to be present also in the Asian markets. That’s why it is a logical step for us to expand our works commitment with the new RR, which is already making waves in the FIM Superbike World Championship this season. I’m looking forward to gripping endurance races with the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team.”

“As part of our customer racing programme, we have had a presence in the FIM EWC for several years and we are looking forward to taking the next step with the new BMW S 1000 RR and having a works involvement there now,” added BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director Marc Bongers. “Werner Daemen’s MRP team is a competent partner with a wealth of racing experience, who is also already very familiar with the new RR. We’re also excited to have Dunlop on board and part of this project as tyre partner. Dunlop will also provide strong support with their expertise. The objective is clear: The first season in this top-level world championship will be a year of learning in which we want to become more and more competitive step by step. In the longer term our aim is to be up there among the leading pack and battling for the title.”

“We’re really looking forward to this fantastic new project and being able to enter the Endurance World Championship with the support of BMW Motorrad Motorsport and a works team,” said Werner Daemen. “I believe that we have the necessary experience and we are eagerly awaiting the 2019/20 season. I would like to thank BMW Motorrad Motorsport for their continuous confidence in our work. I was an active rider in the Endurance World Championship myself and recorded a few successes, for example, second place in the 24-hour race in Francorchamps in 2000. I hope to be celebrating similar successes with the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team sometime in the near future.”

In preparation for the start of the season, the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team is currently developing an endurance version based on the RR Superbike used in the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK). Among other things, the Superbikes in the endurance world championship have bigger tanks, a fast refuelling system and other modifications that target longevity and ergonomics.

FIM Endurance World Championship 2019/20*.

21^st/22^nd September 2019: Bol d’Or (24-hour race) – Le Castellet (FRA)

14^th December 2019: 8 Hours of Sepang – Sepang (MAS)

18^th/19^th April 2020: 24 Heures Moto – Le Mans (FRA)

6^th June 2020: 8 Hours Oschersleben – Oschersleben (GER)

19^th July 2020: Suzuka 8 Hours – Suzuka (JPN)

* provisional calendar

Phillip Island. The 2019 FIM Superbike World Championship 2019 (WorldSBK) gets underway on Phillip Island, Australia this weekend. Part of the action: the new BMW S 1000 RR and BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, with the two riders Tom Sykes (GBR) and Markus Reiterberger (GER). The 2019 BMW Motorrad Motorsport Media Guide provides comprehensive information on the WorldSBK with the new RR. 

The Media Guide explains details of the race and production version of the new BMW S 1000 RR. In interviews, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director Marc Bongers and Team Principal Shaun Muir look ahead at the season. And the two riders Tom Sykes and Markus Reiterberger outline their impressions of the RR and their expectations for the first races. The successful BMW Motorrad Motorsport customer racing programme is also presented in more details. As in previous years, 2019 sees BMW racing customers contest international and national championships around the world with support from Munich once again.

As part of the season opener on Phillip Island, the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK team was presented on Friday evening, when Dr. Markus Schramm, head of BMW Motorrad, Marc Bongers, Shaun Muir and the two riders joined together to usher in the new season.

Daytona. BMW Team RLL took victory at the 24 Hours of Daytona (USA) . When the opening round of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship was suspended due to heavy rain for the second time, the #25 BMW M8 GTE and drivers Connor De Phillippi (USA), Augusto Farfus (BRA), Philipp Eng (AUT) and Colton Herta (USA) were leading the GTLM class. The race did not resume, leaving the BMW drivers to celebrate victory. The appearance by Alessandro Zanardi (ITA) meant the team’s #24 car was the centre of much attention at the endurance classic in Florida. It proved to be a difficult race for the Italian and his fellow drivers John Edwards (USA), Jesse Krohn (FIN) and Chaz Mostert (AUS). The quartet eventually came home in ninth place.

This latest success was the third GTLM victory in the IMSA series for the BMW M8 GTE. BMW celebrated its first win at Daytona back in 1976 with the BMW 3.0 CSL. This was followed in 1997 and 1998 by two class victories with the BMW M3 GTR. Overall victory went to Daytona prototypes with BMW Power in 2011 and 2013. BMW Team RLL finished on the top step of the podium at Daytona for the first time.

De Phillippi, Farfus, Eng and IMSA debutant Herta enjoyed a largely trouble-free race. Herta set the fastest GTLM lap time of 1:42.908 minutes on lap 64. Heavy rain started to fall during the night, causing the track conditions to deteriorate from lap to lap. With seven hours remaining, race control decided to suspend the 24 Hours of Daytona for safety reasons for the first time. The race resumed under yellow flags roughly two hours later. In total, the 24 Hours was interrupted by yellow flags 17 times. When the cars were free to race again, the BMW drivers held their nerve, avoided making any mistakes and established themselves in the leading group. One lap before the race was suspended for the second time, Farfus, at the wheel of the #25 car, took the lead in the GTLM class. This ultimately proved to be the decisive moment in the race, as the race never resumed and the BMW drivers were left to celebrate a momentous victory.

By the first race-suspension, Zanardi and his team-mates were already several laps behind the GTLM leaders, following a number of stops for repairs on the #24 car. At the end of a pit-stop in the early stages of the race, the car was dropped off the air jacks at the very moment that Alex Zanardi, who lost both his legs in a crash in 2001, was pushing his specially adapted steering wheel into place on the column. As a result of the jolt, the column was damaged and Zanardi couldn't engage the steering wheel correctly. This coinciding of the two actions had never occurred in testing. The necessary repair work cost the #25 crew a lot of time. As the race continued, the BMW M8 GTE dropped further back, as a result of several smaller incidents. However, quitting was no option for Zanardi and his fellow drivers. Despite having little luck in the race, the appearance of the former ChampCar champion proved very popular at Daytona – with drivers, teams and fans alike.

Turner Motorsport raced with the #96 BMW M6 GT3 in the GTD class. After 560 laps, the team and drivers Jens Klingmann (GER), Bill Auberlen (USA), Dillon Machavern (USA) and Robby Foley (USA) finished tenth.

The race weekend was overshadowed by the news of the sudden death of long-term Schnitzer team principal Charly Lamm. In memory of Charly, BMW Team RLL competed with the words “Godspeed, Charly” on the rear of both BMW M8 GTEs at Daytona.

Jens Marquardt (BMW Motorsport Director): “What a race, and what an emotional win – and during such difficult days for the entire BMW Motorsport family. To stand on the top step of the podium here at Daytona after such an eventful and unpredictable 24 Hours is absolutely fantastic. Congratulations to Connor De Phillippi, Augusto Farfus, Philipp Eng, Colton Herta and everyone at BMW Team RLL. Congratulations also to our team in Munich, who have moulded the BMW M8 GTE into a real winner. We can be very proud of this success. Although the drivers of the #24 car had to settle for ninth place, after enduring a lot of misfortune during the race, they made BMW Motorsport history together. Alessandro Zanardi’s appearance sent a buzz through the racing community at Daytona and beyond. Together with Jesse Krohn, John Edwards and Chaz Mostert, Alex battled like a lion and refused to be disheartened by the set-backs in the race. That is precisely what makes him so special, and why the fans love him. Alex and his fellow drivers can also feel like winners after this race. We would like to dedicate this success to Charly Lamm. His loss is just as painful today as it was on Thursday, when we received news of his death. He would have wanted us to fight to the final lap here. We did that – and won it for him.”

Bobby Rahal (Team Principal BMW Team RLL): “What a great fight! Winning at Daytona is very special. When you consider where we finished here last year, then you cannot rate the effort of the entire team highly enough. Congratulations to the complete crew of the #25 car. But compliments also go to the #24 team, which unfortunately had a few issues in the race.”

Connor De Phillippi (#25 BMW M8 GTE, winner):  “That was a really crazy race, with dry conditions, rain and cold. My team-mates did a fantastic job. The car still looks new, even after 24 hours. Augusto, in particular, did an incredible job in the rain. We were able to show that our BMW M8 GTE is very reliable and competitive in all conditions. The whole team did a perfect job. We are Daytona winners. Incredible!”

Augusto Farfus (#25 BMW M8 GTE, winner): “This win is magical and of special significance to me. A few days ago, I lost a very important person in my life. I am sure that Charly was with me on the way to this success, so the win is for him. Now it is time to celebrate!” 

Philipp Eng (#25 BMW M8 GTE, winner): “The tension in the final few hours was almost unbearable. We did not make any mistakes for 24 hours – and this is the result. We were able to match the pace of the others in the dry. But it is impossible to describe what Augusto then did in the rain. It was a joy to watch him and I am proud to have a team-mate like that. This victory is for Charly.”

Colton Herta (#25 BMW M8 GTE, winner): “That was spectacular! Strictly speaking, it was my first GT race ever – and with such a fantastic outcome. The best thing about it was my stint in the night, when the top five of the GTLM class were bunched closely together and we were battling for position. Then Augusto was simply incredible in the rain. He led us to the head of the field. I just cannot believe it all.”

Alessandro Zanardi (#24 BMW M8 GTE, 9^th place): “We have an incredibly intense race behind us – won by BMW. I am delighted. After all, I am part of the team, so I also feel a bit like a winner. Congratulations to the guys. Augusto, in particular, did an incredible job. From a sporting point of view, we did not achieve our goals with the #24 car. I feel incredibly sorry for everyone who worked so hard on this project, both in Munich and here in the USA. We really tested countless possible scenarios in the run-up to the race, and then something happens in the first pit-stop which has never happened before. But that is motorsport for you. We just have to accept it. That aside, my appearance here at Daytona, with all the fantastic reactions from the fans, colleagues and opponents has been like a fairy tale. I would like to say a big thank you to BMW Motorsport and BMW Team RLL for one of the best experiences of my life.”

John Edwards (#24 BMW M8 GTE, 9^th place): “The past few months, with all the testing I did with Alex Zanardi and the other guys, were a very special experience. It was an honour to work with such a fantastic character as Alex, both on and off the track. Unfortunately, the race was disappointing for us, as we had a few incidents too many in order to achieve a positive result. However, as a team we are obviously very pleased with the victory for the #25.”

Jesse Krohn (#24 BMW M8 GTE, 9^th place): “That was a tough race, in which we simply did not have any luck. The heavy rain did not make it any easier. It was impressive to see how Alex was able to keep the car on the track at all in those conditions, with the extreme aquaplaning. I am delighted that it worked out so well for the #25 car. The team really deserved it after all the hard work they did preparing for the race.”

Chaz Mostert (#24 BMW M8 GTE, 9^th place): “A number of factors were behind us not achieving the result we had hoped for in this race. However, all in all, competing in this race and working with a special person like Alex Zanardi, not forgetting John Edwards and Jesse Krohn, has been fantastic for me. I will never forget this amazing experience.”

Munich. BMW works driver Alessandro Zanardi (ITA) returns to the cockpit of a race car: at the DTM races at Misano, Italy (25^th/26^th August), the 51-year-old will make a guest appearance in a BMW M4 DTM. The DTM umbrella organisation, the ITR, as well as the two other manufacturers involved in the DTM, Audi and Mercedes-Benz, have given the green-light for this guest start. The BMW M Motorsport engineers, who have worked with Zanardi in the past, are currently collaborating with him on the development of a system to modify the BMW M4 DTM to suit his needs. The DTM race appearance at Misano is another step on the way to Daytona (USA), where the Italian will contest the legendary 24-hour race in January 2019.

The BMW works driver and brand ambassador has already visited numerous DTM events and has also been behind the wheel of a BMW DTM race car many times. In recognition of winning two gold medals at the Paralympic Games in London (GBR), Zanardi completed a sensational test in a modified BMW M3 DTM at the Nürburgring (GER) in 2012. At the 2015 DTM season finale at Hockenheim (GER), he was at the wheel of the BMW M4 DTM race taxi. However, starting a DTM race is a first for Zanardi.

Zanardi has enjoyed success in BMW racing cars for many years. In 2003, just two years after his accident in the CART race at the Lausitzring (GER) in which he lost both legs, he contested the European Touring Car Championship (ETCC) season finale at Monza (ITA) in a BMW 320i adapted to his needs to the delight of fans. 2004 saw Zanardi contest the entire ETCC season, and between 2005 and 2009, he competed in the FIA World Touring Car Championship (FIA WTCC) with BMW Team Italy-Spain – ROAL Motorsport. On 28^th August 2005, Zanardi caused a sensation in Oschersleben (GER) when he became the first physically impaired driver to win a world championship race. He celebrated a total of four wins in the FIA WTCC. Since 2010, Zanardi has focussed on his second passion, para-cycling. He began a successful career in this discipline, in which he has won a total of four Paralympic gold medals and ten world championship titles to date.

2014 saw Zanardi return to the race cockpit and contest the entire season of the Blancpain GT Sprint Series in a modified BMW Z4 GT3. The next highlight came in 2015 when, with Timo Glock (GER) and Bruno Spengler (CAN), he participated in the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps (BEL) in a BMW Z4 GT3. The trio battled for a top five position down to the wire, but a technical defect forced them to retire in the final hour of racing. Zanardi’s last official race outing was on 16^th October 2016 as a guest starter at the season finale of the Italian GT Championship at Mugello (ITA), where he made his debut in the BMW M6 GT3 – and celebrated a sensational win in the Sunday race.

Quotes on Alessandro Zanardi’s guest start.

Jens Marquardt (BMW Motorsport Director):

“Alex Zanardi as a guest starter in Misano – that will be a real sensation in an already spectacular DTM season. The fans can look forward to a fantastic race weekend in Misano: the DTM’s first guest appearance at this track, the first ever night race in the DTM and Alex Zanardi, who as the ‘local hero’ will play his part in making this event a special experience for everyone. Our thanks go to the ITR and our colleagues from Audi and Mercedes-Benz for giving the green-light for this guest start. Our engineers are currently using all their expertise and ideas to work on modifying the BMW M4 DTM to suit Alex’s requirements. We are looking forward to having Alex in our BMW DTM family.”

Alessandro Zanardi:

“I am incredibly excited about racing the BMW M4 DTM at Misano because I always dreamt of adding the DTM experience into my ‘book of best moments’ in my motorsport career. DTM has for many years been one of the motorsport disciplines that are the pinnacles of racing regarding technology, the speed of the car and the level of the competition, which these days is higher than ever. The skills of the drivers competing in DTM and the preparation of the teams are, in my view, as good as in Formula One. They are top of the game and you can’t get any better than that. And on the other hand that is what concerns me and will make me to approach this challenge with a lot of respect, knowing that it will be one of toughest things I have ever done in my racing career. I am really grateful that BMW offered to start this project and to all the engineers in Munich who are already preparing the car. I will do my very best to represent them in such a competitive field.”

Gerhard Berger (ITR Chairman):

“We are delighted to welcome such a well-known guest starter to the DTM for our debut at Misano. Alex Zanardi is very popular, not only in his home country of Italy. His extraordinarily impressive performances as an athlete, as well as his unwavering optimism and his humanity go way beyond sport and have already inspired an audience of millions around the world. Alex doesn't approach any task half-heartedly – quite the opposite is true. So, we know he will be preparing for his DTM guest appearance extremely professionally and full of ambition, so as to deliver a top performance in front of his home crowd. Welcome to the DTM dear Alex!”

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises 31 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2017, the BMW Group sold over 2,463,500 passenger vehicles and more than 164,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2016 was approximately € 9.67 billion on revenues amounting to € 94.16 billion. As of 31 December 2016, the BMW Group had a workforce of 124,729 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

BMW Group websites:

www.bmwgroup.com

www.bmw.co.za

www.mini.co.za

www.bmwmotorrad.co.za

www.bmwdrivertraining.co.za

Social Media Pages:

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Munich. The 2017 racing season is getting into full swing for the BMW S 1000 RR riders and the BMW Motorrad Motorsport experts. At the weekend, championships on four continents held their first races of the year: in Europe, South America, North America and Asia. The Spanish Championship (CEV) kicked off with several podium finishes for the RR. In addition, the 2017 season has begun in the Italian Superbike Championship (CIV), the SuperBike Series Brasil (BRSBK), the MFJ Superbike All Japan Road Race Championship (MFJ) and the MotoAmerica FIM/AMA North American Road Racing Championship (AMA). In all championships, the BMW riders collected points for the 2017 BMW Motorrad Race Trophy.

Spanish Championship in Valencia, Spain.

The 2017 curtain raiser in the Spanish Championship (CEV) was held in Valencia (ESP) at the weekend – and the season started with successful for the BMW S 1000 RR racers. At the first round, two races were competed in the Superstock 1000/Open 1000 category, and on both occasions there were podium honours for the BMW Motorrad Motorsport family. The two classes take to the track together.

Carmelo Morales (ESP) finished both races on the overall podium on his Graphbikes easyRace SBK Team BMW S 1000 RR. He was second overall and second of the Superstock class on both occasions. Pedro Rodriguez (ESP / Castromaroto Racing) ended the races in seventh and fourth positions (both overall and of the STK class) on his RR. Morales’ team-mate Vicente Kruger (CHI) was classified 12^th and 14^th overall and in the STK class.

Carmelo Morales: “I am satisfied with how the weekend went. The only problem was that I had a scary moment during practice and that cost me some confidence, especially in the first two laps of race one. Overall, we had a good pace and I could not be more pleased with the result of the first race. For the second heat, we made some modifications, trying to further improve and to close the gap to the front. Overall I am happy because I still have to adapt to the new bike and the tyres. What matters is that I feel very good with the BMW S 1000 RR and the team, and the work we have done with the electronics has positive results.”

Vicente Kruger: “The weekend did not go too well, although we were able to ride fast and to do good lap times in both races. It is clear that I need to improve in qualifying as starting from so far behind forces me to really push over the entire race distance, and at the end of the race, the tyre loses performance. The level of this championship is very high, but I think I am able to keep up with the leading riders and I will fight for it. Now it is time to prepare for the next race and to do our best.”

There were also podium honours for the BMW S 1000 RR racers in the Open class. Roberto Blazquez (ESP) celebrated one second and one first place in the class on his RR (17^th and 16^th overall). In race one, Guillermo Llano (ESP / Graphbikes easyRace SBK Team) was third (18^th overall). In the second heat, Sergji Grygorovych (UKR / MDR Cossacks Flygroup) took third place in class (19^th overall). Llano was also fighting for another top position in the Open class but crashed when he was hit from behind.

Italian Superbike Championship in Imola, Italy.

Imola (ITA) was the venue for the 2017 season opener of the Italian Superbike Championship (CIV). In both of the two races held, four BMW S 1000 RR riders finished within the points. In the first heat, Matteo Ferrari (ITA / DMR Racing) was the highest placed RR racer in seventh. His team-mates Ivan Goi (ITA) and Denni Schiavoni (ITA) crossed the line in ninth and tenth respectively. Lorenzo Lanzi (ITA / Tutapista Corse) came home in 12^th. In the second race, Goi claimed sixth place. Ferrari was eighth on that occasion, while Schiavoni and Lanzi finished tenth and 14^th respectively.

SuperBike Series Brasil in São Paulo, Brazil.

Wheels are also turning again in South America: at the weekend, the SuperBike Series Brasil (BRSBK) held its first race of the 2017 season in São Paulo (BRA). BMW S 1000 RR rider Marco Solorza (ARG / JC Racing Team) missed the podium by only one position, crossing the line in fourth. His team-mate Davi Lara Costa (BRA) came home in eighth. Diego Viveiros (BRA / Tecfil Racing Team) completed the top 10. Fellow Tecfil Racing Team rider Danilo Lewis (BRA), 2016 championship runner-up position, had to retire.

MFJ Superbike All Japan Road Race Championship in Suzuka, Japan.

The BMW S 1000 RR racers in the MFJ Superbike All Japan Road Race Championship (MFJ) also kicked off their 2017 season at the weekend. The venue of the first race of the year was Suzuka (JPN). As the event was used for preparation for the prestigious 8 Hours of Suzuka, the Japanese manufacturers were on site with several strong factory squads. In the highly competitive field, BMW rider Daisaku Sakai (JPN) claimed a top ten result: he crossed the line in 8^th on his Team BMW Motorrad 39 RR. Yuta Kodama and Shinya Takeishi (both JPN) shared duties on the RR of team Tone RT Syncedge 4113. They were classified 19^th, followed by Koji Teramoto (JPN / Motorrad Rennsport) in 20^th and Sano Masato / Noriyuki Tsujimoto (both JPN / Team Vital Spirit) in 21^st.

MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship in Austin, USA.

The MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship (AMA) held its 2017 season opener as a support series at the Grand Prix of the Americas in Austin (USA). In the Superbike class, two BMW S 1000 RR racers competed. Sylvain Barrier (FRA), new signing in the Scheibe Racing/Hayes Brake team, finished the two races in 11^th and 12^th position. Mathew Orange (USA / Maximum Effort Racing) retired in race one and was 19^th in the second race.

With five new collection lines ranging from Motorsport Heritage, Motorsport BMW, Golfsport and Yachtsport to Active, BMW Lifestyle has unveiled the perfect accompaniments for a sporty, active lifestyle brimming with energy and action.

Urban athleisure with BMW Active.

No longer will the head-turning impact of the camouflage worn by BMW pre-production vehicles be confined to the road. Their distinctive camo pattern brings a special design highlight to all of the items in the sporty and urban BMW Active. Blue and Olive shades, plus yellow design elements and reflectors, bring a modern flavour to the colour palette.

As well as an urban athleisure look, the Active collection also stands out with its lightweight, quick-drying and breathable materials – ideal for sporting excursions and outdoor activities. Handy features, including the jersey-lined drawstring hood and raised scarf collar of the BMW Active Sweatshirt, ensure the wearer enjoys unbeatable comfort and maximum freedom of movement.

In another neat twist, the collection contains not only useful outdoor accessories like the BMW Active Functional Towel and a hard-wearing luggage range, but also well-chosen canine accessories such as the BMW Active Dog Leash. So our four-legged friends can also embark on new adventures equipped with the right kit for the job at hand.

From history books to present day – the BMW Motorsport Heritage and BMW Motorsport Collection.

Inspired by the zeitgeist of the 1970s, the BMW Motorsport Heritage Collection stylishly reflects BMW’s long tradition in motor sport. The BMW Motorsport Leather Jacket in high-quality lamb’s leather is a genuine cult item and channels the spirit of the racing original.

The other items in the Heritage Collection likewise boast the original seventies BMW Motorsport logo, striking graphic lines and an eye-catching colour scheme. And they, too, exude a must-have appeal both for BMW Motorsport fans who have been there since the beginning and those with a soft spot for seventies culture and BMW classics.

Motor sport enthusiasts of the present day will be keen to explore the newly released BMW Motorsport Collection, which offers numerous styles – think striking BMW Motorsport stripes, dynamic styles and high-quality materials – designed to recreate that time-honoured BMW race feeling. A highlight of the collection is the BMW Motorsport Paper Jacket. Made from innovative, paper-like Tyvekâ material, this jacket can be written on with waterproof markers. Which makes it an essential wardrobe addition for trackside autograph hunters.

BMW Golfsport Collection – on the green in Navy and Fire.

For those who prefer to wind down by hitting a golf ball or two, the BMW Golfsport Collection offers an exclusive selection of sporty, elegant outfits such as the BMW Golfsport Polo Shirt or the BMW Golf Functional Jacket and functionally adept equipment replete with clever features.

For example, the ultra-lightweight BMW Golfsport Carry Bag doesn’t just impress with its intelligently structured outer and inner pockets and seven club compartments, it also has lightweight aluminium legs (with a manual activator mechanism) that provide optimal ground contact. Aqua technology from OGIO, a removable, shape-retaining rain cover and waterproof zips and stitching team up to keep all of your golf gear dry, whatever the weather.

The smart Navy/Fire colour scheme of the collection will bring extra stylistic potency to any player’s swing, regardless of handicap.

The BMW Golfsport Gift Set will be equally well received by golf pros and fledgling members of the handicap ranks alike. Flip open the large, golf-ball-style gift box and you will find two high-qualify Pro V1 golf balls from expert partner Titleist, a pitch fork and a BMW Golfsport Cap. The cap has a handy magnet holder on its peak so you can keep the two ball markers with BMW logo (also included in the set) within easy reach at all times.

BMW Yachtsport Collection

BMW Lifestyle continues to blow a refreshing breeze into the world of yachting as well. The successful BMW Yachtsport Collection contains items of baggage, accessories and apparel which impress with a sporty, elegant design and high quality. While wind- and water-repellent materials respond to the specific demands of yachting, casual styles and sophisticated details provide unbeatable comfort. The collection’s accessories also combine expertly functional materials and chic maritime design elements.

The BMW Sport Collections can be ordered from BMW Dealerships Nationwide.

The BMW Group

With its three brands BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 31 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2016, the BMW Group sold approximately 2.367 million cars and 145,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax was approximately € 9.67 billion on revenues amounting to € 94.16 billion. As of 31 December 2016, the BMW Group had a workforce of 124,729 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

BMW Group websites:

www.bmwgroup.com

www.bmw.co.za

www.mini.co.za

www.bmwmotorrad.co.za

www.bmwdrivertraining.co.za

Social Media Pages:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup (BMW South Africa, BMW Motorrad SA, MINISouthAfrica)

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup (@BMW_SA, @BMWMotorradSA and @MINISouthAfrica)

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BMWGroupview (BMW South Africa and BMW Motorrad SA

Munich. Two years after winning his first championship title, BMW Motorsport Works Driver Marco Wittmann (DE) has once again secured the DTM driver’s title in the 2016 season finale at the Hockenheimring. To honour this success, BMW M is launching the BMW M4 DTM Champion Edition (combined fuel consumption: 8.5 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 199 g/km)*. Compared to the series production BMW M4, the edition model, which is limited worldwide to 200 units, delivers a power output that has been increased by 51 kW to 368 kW and a maximum torque of 600 Nm, an increase of 50 Nm. Top-class motor racing technology for drive and suspension as well as a specific design following that of DTM racing cars built by BMW Motorsport render the BMW M4 DTM Champion Edition a high-performance coupe with a focus on racetrack deployment and an exceptional collector’s item.

“Congratulations to Marco Wittmann, his team RMG and the entire crew from BMW Motorsport,” says Frank van Meel, President of BMW M GmbH. “We have the pleasure of honouring Marco’s performance by producing a BMW M4 DTM Champion Edition in 2016 to mark his winning the DTM driver’s title. Never before has one of our edition models been so closely linked to motor racing.”

In terms of driving performance, the BMW M4 DTM Champion Edition impresses with outstanding figures. It completes the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds, for example; top speed is limited to 305 km/h. This remarkable performance is not least possible through innovative water injection technology featured in the straight six-cylinder power unit already known from the BMW M4 GTS. Cooling of the combustion chambers made possible by this technology significantly raises the engine’s thermally-related performance limits, as the 16 percent increase in power output vs. the production model proves.

Distinctive exterior design inspired by DTM racing cars.

The BMW M4 DTM Champion Edition 2016 is exclusively available in Alpine White. Design and shaping of the additional foiling is reminiscent of the look of DTM racing cars produced by BMW Motorsport, thus making the edition model’s close ties with the brand’s successes in probably the world’s most popular international touring car series evident at first glance. Moreover, various aerodynamics components finished in visible carbon give the car that distinctive racing car look. These include the front splitter, the aero flicks positioned in front of the front wheel arches, exterior mirror caps, side skirt attachments, a rear diffuser as well as the large rear wing firmly mounted on the boot lid.

Pure motor sports atmosphere in a classy, reduced interior.

Inside the two-seater BMW M4 DTM Champion Edition 2016, both driver and co-driver sit in M Carbon bucket seats covered in exclusive Alcantara/Leather Merino. Furthermore, the entire interior is lined with exceptionally high-quality covering material Alcantara, also used on the M Sports steering wheel sporting a grey “12 o’clock” marker. Behind the front bucket seats of the BMW M4 DTM Champion Edition, a white rollover bar replaces the rear seat system.

In terms of comfort and safety, the edition model is by no means sparsely equipped. Features include the BMW navigation system Professional, air conditioning, adaptive LED headlights with BMW Selective Beam (glare-free high beam assistant), OLED taillights, Park Distance Control (PDC) at the front and rear as well as automatically dimming interior and exterior mirrors.

Extensive measures to enhance driving dynamics.

Compared to the production version of the BMW M4, the DTM Champion Edition impresses not only with enhanced performance, but also with further optimized dynamic handling qualities. This is also the result of even more consistent implementation of the lightweight construction concept. In addition to other components, the bonnet, roof, instrument panel support and rear diffuser are made from carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). The end silencer of the double-flow sports exhaust system featuring two pairs of tailpipes is made of exceptionally lightweight titanium.

Optimal contact with the road is ensured by Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 high-performance tyres size 265/35 R19 at the front and 285/30 R20 at the rear designed specifically for use on the racetrack and mounted on light alloys boasting a star spoke design 666 M in Orbit Grey matt. M carbon-ceramic brakes guarantee fade-free braking even in tough racing conditions. The individually adjustable 3-way coilover suspension is mechanically adjustable both for rebound and damping, thus allowing the car’s handling characteristics to be adapted according to personal taste.

The BMW M4 DTM Champion Edition 2016 is limited to 200 worldwide and available with immediate effect at a price of 148,500 Euros (Germany). The car is currently under consideration for the South African market. Further details will be communicated in due course.

* Fuel consumption figures based on the EU test cycle, may vary depending on the tyre format specified.

Munich (DE), 21st September 2016. The BMW racers and the experts of BMW Motorrad Motorsport can look back at a brilliant weekend – with two title wins and successful outings in several championships. In the FIM Sidecar World Championship (SWC), Pekka Päivärinta/Kirsi Kainulainen (FI) celebrated an historic title win, Kainulainen being the first ever female world champion in road racing. Another BMW Motorrad Motorsport racer was also crowned champion at the weekend: Taylor Mackenzie (GB) won the title in the Superstock class of the British Superbike Championship (BSB STK) – in a race that saw a top-3-lockout for the BMW S 1000 RR. There were podium finishes also for Christian Iddon (GB) in the Superbike class of the BSB (BSB SBK) as well as for Pepijn Bijsterbosch (NL) and Lucy Glöckner (DE) in the Superstock class of the Superbike IDM / International German Championship (IDM STK). It was a very busy weekend for the BMW riders and the specialists from Munich, with races in three different world championships and further international and national series. The successful result also led to changes in the top positions of the 2016 BMW Motorrad Race Trophy: Mackenzie improved to third places, Päivärinta/Kainulainen climbed to fifth position (see full standings below).

FIM Sidecar World Championship in Donington, Great Britain.

The ninth and final race of the 2016 FIM Sidecar World Championship (SWC) was held in Donington (GB) at the weekend – and it ended with the historic world championship title for Finnish BMW racers Pekka Päivärinta and Kirsi Kainulainen. In the last encounter of the year, they finished second on the podium with their 44-Racing sidecar powered by a BMW S 1000 RR engine. They claimed the world championship title with an advantage of 18 points over their closest rival. German duo Mike Roscher/Anna Burkard (Roscher-Burkard Penz13 Racing) finished the Donington race in sixth position.

British Superbike Championship in Donington, Great Britain.

The second title win of the weekend came in the Superstock class of the British Superbike Championship (BSB STK), also in Donington (GB). Claiming his sixth win of the season, Buildbase BMW Motorrad rider Taylor Mackenzie (GB) was crowned champion with one more race to go. He showed an impressive comeback from eighth on the grid to finish on the top step of the podium again. The race was once more dominated by the BMW S 1000 RR riders, with a top-3 lockout and a total of nine RRs within the top 10. Winner and champion Mackenzie was joined on the podium by Michael Rutter (GB / Bathams SMT) in second and Ian Hutchinson (GB / Tyco BMW) in third. Places five to ten went to Alex Olsen (GB / Power Projects Racing), Adam Jenkinson (GB / NEI Motorsport), Chrissy Rouse (GB / CECS / Mission Racing), Ashley Beech (GB / Jones-Dorling Racing), Leon Jeacock (GB / Geo E Davies Racing) and Barry Teasdale (GB / Green Chem / Bob Henderson Racing).

There was also a podium finish in the Superbike class (BSB SBK). Christian Iddon (GB) finished third on the rostrum with his Tyco BMW S 1000 RR in race two. In the first race, Richard Cooper (GB / Buildbase BMW Motorrad) was the highest placed BMW rider, finishing sixth.

FIM Endurance World Championship in Le Castellet, France.

The 2016/17 season in the FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) kicked off with the legendary 24-hour race “Bol d’Or” at Le Castellet (FR) last weekend. Team Völpker NRT48 by Schubert-Motors claimed a strong tenth place overall and took fourth position in the Superstock class. Christof Höfer (DE), Christopher Kemmer (AT) and Florian Galotte (FR) shared duties on the #48 BMW S 1000 RR. The Lukoil BMW Motorrad CSEU team with riders Julian Mayer (AT), Roland Resch (AT) and Marin Ivanov (HR) also finished the race: the #52 crossed the line in 29th position. After finishing third on the podium at the “Oschersleben 8 Hours” only three weeks ago, the Penz13. - BMW Motorrad Team experienced bad luck at Le Castellet. The team with riders Kenny Foray (FR), Matthieu Lussiana (FR) and Alex Cudlin (AU) had to retire early in the race due to a technical issue.

MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship at the Lausitzring, Germany.

After the long summer break of over two months, the 2016 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) resumed at the Lausitzring (DE) last weekend. In Saturday’s race, Althea BMW Racing rider Jordi Torres (ES) missed out the podium by less than a second. He claimed fourth place for the third time this season. Milwaukee BMW rider Joshua Brookes (AU) was 14th. Markus Reiterberger (DE / Althea BMW Racing Team) and Karel Abraham (CZ / Milwaukee BMW) retired due to technical issues. Sunday’s race was held in extremely tricky wet conditions. Numerous riders crashed on the slippery surface including Torres and Reiterberger. Brookes mastered the conditions and crossed the line in seventh, securing his best ever result in WorldSBK to date. Abraham scored one point by finishing 15th.

FIM Superstock 1000 Cup at the Lausitzring, Germany.

The FIM Superstock 1000 Cup (STK1000) also was back in action last weekend after a long break. The sixth race of the season at Lausitzring (DE) was held in rainy and tricky conditions. Luca Vitali (IT / Team 2R Racing) was the highest placed BMW rider, finishing eighth. Raffaele De Rosa (IT / Althea BMW Racing Team) crossed the line in tenth.

Superbike IDM / International German Championship at the Lausitzring, Germany.

The BMW racers in the Superbike IDM / International German Championship (IDM) also were in action at the Lausitzring (DE) last weekend. They claimed to podium finishes in the Superstock class (IDM STK). In race one, Pepijn Bijsterbosch (NL / Van Zon-Remeha-BMW) was third of the class (sixth overall), followed by his team-mate Jan Bühn (DE) in fourth (seventh overall). Lucy Glöckner (DE / MCA) finished seventh of the class (tenth overall). In race two, it was Glöckner’s turn to step onto the podium in third place (fifth overall). Bijsterbosch and Bühn crossed the line in fourth and fifth of the class (sixth and seventh overall).

Malaysia Superbike Championship in Sepang, Malaysia .

The third round of the 2016 Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSC) was held at Sepang (MY) at the weekend. In the Superbike class (MSC SBK), Colin Butler (CA / AP Racing) finished the races in tenth and fifth position. In the Superstock class (MSC STK), the best BMW result was achieved by Nasarudin Mat Yusop (MY / BMW Malaysia), finishing fifth in race two.

2016 BMW Motorrad Race Trophy – Current Standings.

Status: 21st September 2016

16. Joshua Elliott (GB/BSB STK/225.36), 17. Michael Rutter (GB/BSB STK/212.18), 18. Ben Young (GB/CSBK/211.71), 19. Danilo Lewis (BR/BRSBK/211.11), 20. Pepijn Bijsterbosch (NL/IDM STK/210.00), 21. Raffaele De Rosa (IT/STK1000/209.07), 22. Michel Amalric (FR/FR EU/189.04), 23. Michael Leon (CA/CSBK/185.00), 24. Stefan Kerschbaumer (AT/EWC STK/180.62), 24. Bastien Mackels (BE/EWC STK/180.62), 24. Dominik Vincon (DE/EWC STK/180.62), 27. Lance Isaacs (ZA/RSA SBK/175.43), 28. Richard Cooper (GB/BSB SBK/172.40), 28. Michael Laverty (GB/BSB SBK/172.40), 30. Mike Roscher/Anna Burkard (DE/SWC/167.26), 31. Matteo Ferrari (IT/CIV/165.40), 32. Jordi Torres (ES/WorldSBK/164.40), 33. Cyril Brunet-Lugardon (FR/FR EU/163.08), 34. Martin Choy (BG/AARR SBK/158.80), 35. Christian Iddon (GB/BSB SBK/155.40), 36. Mathieu Gines (FR/IDM SBK/155.11), 37. Colin Butler (CA/MSC SBK/143.20), 38. Miloš Cihak (CZ/AARR SBK/132.80), 39. Hernani Teixeira (FR/FR EU/117.85), 40. Denni Schiavoni (IT/CIV/113.60), 41. Martin Tritscher (AT/AARR STK/108.80), 42. Madjid Idres (FR/FR EU/107.69), 43. Adam Jenkinson (GB/BSB STK/105.18), 44. Lee Jackson (GB/BSB SBK/104.40), 45. Petr Bičiště (CZ/IRRC/104.00), 46. Nasarudin Mat Yusop (MY/MSC STK/99.60), 47. Marc Neumann (DE/IDM STK/99.54), 48. Santiago Barragán (ES/CEV/99.49), 49. Marek Hartl (CZ/AARR STK/98.80), 50. Marco Nekvasil (AT/IDM STK/94.00), 51. Luca Vitali (IT/STK1000/89.00), 52. Hudson Kennaugh (ZA/BSB STK/88.00), 53. Garrick Vlok (ZA/RSA SBK/87.71), 54. Chrissy Rouse (GB/BSB STK/87.45), 55. Joshua Brookes (AU/WorldSBK/85.00), 56. Arnaud Friedrich (DE/IDM STK/85.69), 57. David Datzer (DE/IRRC/84.00), 58. Steve Rapp (US/AMA SBK/83.20), 59. Markus Reiterberger (DE/WorldSBK/83.00), 60. Léon Benichou (FR/FR EU/77.85), 61. Leon Jeacock (GB/BSB STK/75.45), 62. Roberto Blazquez (ES/CEV/73.60), 63. Alex Olsen (GB/BSB STK/71.27), 64. Lee Johnston (GB/BMW RRC/71.00), 65. Julien Brun (FR/FR EU/69.38), 66. David Bouvier (FR/FR EU/69.19), 67. Camille Hedelin (FR/EWC SBK/67.35), 68. Bertrand Boyer (FR/FR EU/64.00), 69. Karel Abraham (CZ/WorldSBK/55.70), 70. Clive Rambure (FR/EWC SBK/54.53), 71. Alastair Seeley (GB/BSB SBK/53.20), 72. Jeremy Cook (US/AMA STK/52.53), 73. Daisaku Sakai (JP/MFJ/49.67), 74. Rob McNealy (GB/BSB STK/49.27), 75. Dominic Chang (SG/MSC STK/48.80), 76. Björn Stuppi (DE/IDM STK/48.46), 77. Ronald Slamet (ZA/RSA SBK/48.00), 77. Sam West (GB/BMW RRC/48.00), 79. Manu Dagault (FR/FR EU/45.23), 80. Barry Teasdale (GB/BSB STK/42.18), 81. Maxime Bonnot (FR/FSBK SBK/39.08), 82. Dominique Platet (FR/EWC SBK/37.59), 83. Rene Skalicky (CZ/AARR STK/35.80), 84. Michal Bidas (CZ/AARR STK/35.20), 85. Ben Godfrey (GB/BSB STK/34.18), 86. Ricky Lee Weare (ZA/RSA SBK/33.71), 87. Yuta Kodama (JP/MFJ/33.67), 88. Martin Jessopp (GB/BMW RRC/31.50), 89. Michal Šembera (CZ/AARR SBK/31.20), 90. Davo Johnson (AU/BMW RRC/29.80), 91. Nicolas Senechal (FR/EWC SBK/29.77), 92. Jakub Smrz (CZ/BSB SBK/29.60), 93. Eric Vionnet (CH/STK1000/28.75), 94. Dominic Herbertson (GB/BMW RRC/28.00), 95. Michal Fojtik (CZ/AARR STK/27.60), 96. Lim Ho Gon (KR/MFJ/23.00), 96. Shinya Takeishi (JP/MFJ/23.00), 98. Derek McGee (IE/BMW RRC/22.40), 99. Evert Stoffberg (ZA/RSA SBK/20.86), 100. Etienne Nelson (ZA/RSA SBK/20.00), 101. Adrián Bonastre (ES/CEV/19.00), 102. Justin Gillesen (ZA/RSA SBK/18.86), 103. John Krieger (ZA/RSA SBK/17.71), 104. Gauthier Duwelz (BE/STK1000/17.25), 105. Daniel Cooper (GB/BMW RRC/15.00), 106. Janez Prosenik (SI/EWC SBK/15.65), 107. Michal Filla (CZ/IDM STK/15.54), 108. Federico D’Annunzio (IT/STK1000/13.25), 109. Pedro Rodriguez (ES/CEV/12.60), 110. Matthieu Lussiana (FR/WorldSBK/12.20), 111. Heinrich Rheeder (ZA/RSA SBK/11.86), 112. Sabine Holbrook (DE/AARR SBK/7.60), 113. Pierre Bezuidenhout (ZA/RSA SBK/5.57), 114. Thomas Toffel (CH/STK1000/5.75), 115. Jacques van Wyngaardt (ZA/RSA SBK/5.71), 116. Eric Dagault (FR/FR EU/4.92), 116. Pascal Meslet (FR/FR EU/4.92), 118. Valter Patronen (FI/CEV/4.80), 119. Matej Smrz (BSB SBK/ 4.60), 120. Elwyn Steenkamp (ZA/RSA SBK/1.14), 121. Christophe Costes (FR/FR EU/0.00), 121. Stefan Dolipski (DE/AMA STK/0.00), 121. Ryan Farquhar (GB/BMW RRC/0.00), 121. Marcel Irnie (CA/CSBK/0.00), 121. Aaron League (US/BSB STK/0.00), 121. Joan Sardanyons (ES/CEV/0.00), 121. Tomas Svitok (SK/AARR STK/0.00)

Munich (DE), 11th May 2016. The winning streak of the BMW S 1000 RR continues: last weekend, Mathieu Gines (FR) was again victorious in the Superbike IDM / International German Championship (IDM) and is now the sole leader in the championship classification. His Van Zon-Remeha-BMW team-mate Jan Bühn (DE) celebrated his first podium finish in the Superstock class of the series. The number of participants in the 2016 BMW Motorrad Race Trophy continues to increase and has already now exceeded last year’s number.

2016 BMW Motorrad Race Trophy.

The interest in the 2016 BMW Motorrad Race Trophy is unbroken: so far, 108 BMW racers from 21 different nations have registered. Thus, last year’s number of participants of 104 has already now been exceeded. The BMW riders compete for 56 teams in 23 different championship classes. Registration for this year’s BMW Motorrad Race Trophy is open until 30th June 2016.

The top three of the Race Trophy standings remain unchanged this week. The classification is led by Raffaele De Rosa (IT / STK1000) with 125.25 Race Trophy points. Benjamin Colliaux (FR / FR EU) is second with 101.54 Race Trophy points. Third place is shared by EWC riders Dominik Vincon (DE) and Stefan Kerschbaumer (AT) with 100.95 points each (see full standings below).

Superbike IDM / International German Championship at the Nürburgring, Germany.

Just one week after the 2016 curtain raiser at the Lausitzring (DE), the Superbike IDM / International German Championship (IDM) held its second round of the season at the Nürburgring (DE) last weekend. The fastest man on track was again Mathieu Gines (FR) on his Van Zon-Remeha-BMW S 1000 RR.

After dominating the practice sessions, Gines claimed pole-position with an advantage of 0.8 seconds. On Sunday, he took the win in race two, celebrating his second victory of the season. In race one, he had to settle for 13th overall and sixth in the Superbike class (IDM SBK), after the race stewards had spotted a jump-start and handed him a ride-through penalty. As a result, Gines had dropped down to 29th, before he started a catch-up. In both races, the Frenchman also set the fastest race lap. In the championship classification, he is now the sole leader with 80 points from four races. In the 2016 BMW Motorrad Race Trophy, Gines climbed from 21st to fifth position.

There was also reason for joy for his team-mate Jan Bühn (DE), who secured his first podium finish in the Superstock class (IDM STK). Bühn was fifth overall and third in his class in race one. In race two he finished seventh overall and fourth in the class. Marco Nekvasil (AT), also a part of the Van Zon-Remeha-BMW quartet, crossed the line in sixth and ninth respectively. Pepijn Bijsterbosch (NL) also rode into the top ten on his Van Zon-Remeha-BMW RR, finishing the second race in tenth. In race one, Bijsterbosch retired after a crash. A top ten finish was also claimed by Bastien Mackels (BE / Wilbers-BMW-Racing), who was tenth in race one.

2016 BMW Motorrad Race Trophy – Current Standings.

Status: 11th May 2016

16. Hernani Teixeira (FR/FR/FR EU/60.92), 17. Sébastien Le Grelle (BE/IRRC/53.45), 18. Markus Reiterberger (DE/WorldSBK/53.40), 19. David Bouvier (FR/FR EU/52.96), 20. Didier Grams (DE/IRRC/52.00), 20. Ian Hutchinson (GB/BSB STK/52.00), 22. Michael Laverty (GB/BSB SBK/50.80), 23. Joshua Elliott (GB/BSB STK/50.55), 24. Danilo Lewis (BR/BRSBK/50.00), 25. Luca Vitali (IT/STK1000/45.50), 26. Nicolas Grobler (ZA/RSA SBK/44.00), 27. Hudson Kennaugh (ZA/BSB STK/43.27), 28. Maximilian Scheib (CI/CEV/43.00), 29. Madjid Idres (FR/FR EU/42.46), 30. Joshua Brookes (AU/WorldSBK/39.80), 31. Bertrand Boyer (FR/FR EU/39.38), 32. Richard Cooper (GB/BSB SBK/38.80), 33. Florian Brunet-Lugardon (FR/FR EU/38.77), 34. Cyril Brunet-Lugardon (FR/FR EU/36.31), 35. Michael Rutter (GB/BSB STK/36.00), 36. Pekka Päivärinta/Kirsi Kainulainen (FI/SWC/35.36), 37. Santiago Barragán (ES/CEV/32.89), 38. Pepijn Bijsterbosch (NL/IDM STK/32.86), 39. Manu Dagault (FR/FR EU/32.00), 40. Garrick Vlok (ZA/RSA SBK/29.14), 41. Steve Rapp (US/AMA STK/28.80), 42. Karel Abraham (CZ/WorldSBK/27.00), 43. Camille Hedelin (FR/EWC SBK/26.26), 43. Clive Rambure (FR/EWC SBK/26.26), 43. Nicolas Senechal (FR/EWC SBK/26.26), 46. Lee Jackson (GB/BSB SBK/23.60), 47. Julien Brun (FR/FR EU/20.92), 48. Adrián Bonastre (ES/CEV/19.00), 49. Petr Biciste (CZ/IRRC/18.91), 50. Justin Gillesen (ZA/RSA SBK/18.86), 50. Ronald Slamet (ZA/RSA SBK/18.86), 52. Eric Vionnet (CH/STK1000/17.25), 53. Alastair Seeley (GB/BSB SBK/16.40), 54. Matteo Ferrari (IT/CIV/15.75), 55. Ricky Lee Weare (ZA/RSA SBK/14.57), 56. Janez Prosenik (SI/EWC SBK/13.62), 57. Léon Benichou (FR/FR EU/13.54), 58. Etienne Nelson (ZA/RSA SBK/13.14), 50. Evert Stoffberg (ZA/RSA SBK/13.14), 60. Maxime Bonnot (FR/FSBK SBK/12.92), 61. Pedro Rodriguez (ES/CEV/12.60), 62. David Datzer (DE/IRRC/11.27), 63. Jeremy Cook (US/AMA STK/10.67), 64. Lukáš Pešek (CZ/EWC SBK/10.29), 65. Matthieu Lussiana (FR/WorldSBK/9.20), 66. Björn Stuppi (DE/IDM STK/7.71), 67. Federico D’Annunzio (IT/STK1000/7.50), 68. Pierre Bezuidenhout (ZA/RSA SBK/6.57), 69. Gauthier Duwelz (BE/STK1000/5.75), 69. Thomas Toffel (CH/STK1000/5.75), 71. Howie Mainwaring Smart (GB/BSB SBK/5.60), 72. Pascal Meslet (FR/FR EU/4.92), 73. Roberto Blazquez (ES/CEV/4.60), 74. Jakub Smrz (CZ/BSB SBK/3.20), 75. Sam West (GB/BSB STK/2.91), 76. John Krieger (ZA/RSA SBK/2.29), 77. Eric Dagault (FR/FR EU/1.23), 78. Elwyn Steenkamp (ZA/RSA SBK/1.14), 79. Michal Bidas (CZ/AARR STK/0.00), 79. Jacques Brits (ZA/RSA SBK/0.00), 79. Colin Butler (CA/MSC SBK/0.00), 79. Dominic Chang (SG/MSC STK/0.00), 79. Daniel Cooper (GB/BMW RRC/0.00), 79. Stefan Dolipski (DE/AMA STK/0.00), 79. Michael Dunlop (GB/BMW RRC/0.00), 79. Ryan Farquhar (GB/BMW RRC/0.00), 79. Michal Fojtik (CZ/AARR STK/0.00), 79. Dominic Herbertson (GB/BMW RRC/0.00), 79. Sabine Holbrook (DE/AARR SBK/0.00), 79. Davo Johnson (AU/BSB STK/0.00), 79. Lee Johnston (GB/BMW RRC/0.00), 79. Nasarudin Mat Yusop (MY/MSC STK/0.00), 79. Valter Patronen (FI/CEV/0.00), 79. Dominique Platet (FR/EWC SBK/0.00), 79. Michal Prášek (CZ/AARR STK/0.00), 79. Heinrich Rheeder (ZA/RSA SBK/0.00), 79. Mike Roscher/Anna Burkard (DE/SWC/0.00), 79. Joan Sardanyons (ES/CEV/0.00), 79. Denni Schiavoni (IT/CIV/0.00), 79. Michal Šembera (CZ/AARR SBK/0.00), 79. Paul Shoesmith (GB/BMW RRC/0.00), 79. Rene Skalicky (CZ/AARR STK/0.00), 79. Tomas Svitok (SK/AARR STK/0.00), 79. Jordan Szoke (CA/CSBK/0.00), 79. Martin Tritscher (AT/AARR STK/0.00), 79. Jacques van Wyngaardt (ZA/RSASBK/0.00), 79. Ben Young (GB/CSBK/0.00)

Munich (DE), 4th May 2016. Ahead of the opening race weekend of the 2016 DTM season in Hockenheim (DE), BMW Motorsport is shifting up a gear. As well as the DTM races in Spielberg (AT), the programme for the coming weeks also features the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring (DE) – closely followed by the joint DTM and ADAC GT Masters weekend at the Lausitzring (DE) where, as well as the BMW M4 DTM, the new BMW M6 GT3 and BMW Motorsport Juniors will also be in action.

The BMW M6 GTLM and BMW M6 GT3 have already been racing since January in North America, in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IWSC). Private teams also field BMW racing cars in high-quality racing series around the world.

In order to offer you an overview of all of this season’s activities, we have prepared a press kit in PDF format for each commitment. In a year that marks the centenary of the BMW Group and the BMW brand, we have also taken the opportunity to take a look back at BMW’s successful motorsport history.

You can find the press kits for the DTM, IWSC, GT Racing, BMW Sports Trophy, BMW Motorsport Junior Programme, and 100 years of BMW attached to this press release, and at https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en.

Munich (DE), 13th April 2016. It was a busy weekend for the international BMW racers and the experts from BMW Motorrad Motorsport. At Le Mans (FR), the famous 24-hour race marked the curtain raiser for the 2016 FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC). The FIM Sidecar World Championship (SWC) also held its first race of the year at Le Mans. The British Superbike Championship 2016 (BSB) kicked off at Silverstone. The BMW S 1000 RR was also in action in America: in the Superbike Series Brasil (BRSBK) at Sao Paulo (BR) and the Motoamerica FIM/AMA North American Road Racing Series (AMA) at Austin (US). It was also another successful weekend, with wins and podiums for the BMW racers in five different championship classes.

FIM Endurance World Championship at Le Mans, France.

Last weekend saw the first endurance race of the year for the BMW S 1000 RR: the FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) kicked off its 2016 season with the prestigious 24 hours of Le Mans (FR). Seven BMW teams tackled this classic race in the Superbike (EWC SBK) and Superstock classes (EWC STK).

When the lights went out on Saturday afternoon, it was a BMW S 1000 RR starting from the front of the grid. The Penz13.com BMW Motorrad Team, which is contesting its second season in the highest category, the EWC SBK, had secured pole position in Friday’s qualifying. During the first seven and a half race hours, riders Kenny Foray (FR), Mathieu Gines (FR) and Lukáš Pešek (CZ) were constantly fighting at the front with their number 13 RR. Unfortunately, the team had to retire during the night for safety reasons as damage led to the risk of dropping oil on the track.

The number 48 BMW S 1000 RR of Völpker NRT48 by Schubert Motors finished the race in a strong seventh overall. In addition, riders Bastien Mackels (BE), Dominik Vincon (DE) and Stefan Kerschbaumer (AT) secured third on the podium in the Superstock class EWC STK. Also the remaining BMW teams successfully completed the 24-hour distance: the Tecmas Racing Team – BMW (18th overall), GERT56 HMT by RS Speedbikes (31st overall), 24Racing – Piste Libre – Epsilon (36th overall), LRP Poland (43rd) and the IVR BMW Motorrad CSEU team (45th). On the IVR BMW Motorrad CSEU BMW S 1000 RR, Roland Resch (AT) and Martin Choy (BG) shared duties between them, after their teammate Janez Prosenik (SI) was seriously injured in a crash at the beginning of the race. The whole BMW Motorrad Motorsport community wishes Janez a speedy recovery.

British Superbike Championship at Silverstone, Great Britain.

It was a great season opener in the British Superbike Championship (BSB) for the BMW S 1000 RR, with a win and two further podium finishes in the Superbike class (BSB SBK) and a 1-2-3-4-5 in the Superstock class (BSB STK).

The first of the two Superbike races held at Silverstone (GB) was dominated by Tyco BMW rider Michael Laverty (GB). He took an early lead and stayed up at the front until the finish line. Winner Laverty was joined on the podium by his Tyco BMW teammate Christian Iddon (GB) in third place. In race two, Iddon again crossed the line in third, celebrating his first ever double podium in the series. Laverty came home sixth. In the championship classification, Laverty and Iddon are ranked second and third respectively after the first round.

Four other BMW S 1000 RR racers also collected championship points at Silverstone. Lee Jackson (GB / Buildbase BMW Motorrad) claimed two top-eight finishes, crossing the line in eighth and seventh respectively. His teammate Richard Cooper (GB) ended the races in 12th and 11th. Former WorldSBK racer Jakub Smrz (CZ) is competing in the BSB this year on a Smiths Racing BMW team RR. He finished both races in 15th. Alastair Seeley (GB / Royal Air Force Regular & Reserves) was 14th in race two, but retired in race one.

The race for the Superstock class (BSB STK) saw a brilliant 1-2-3-4-5 for the BMW S 1000 RR. Victory went to Taylor MacKenzie (GB / Buildbase BMW Motorrad), who was joined on the podium by the Tyco BMW pairing of Josh Elliott (GB) and Ian Hutchinson (GB). Hudson Kennaugh (ZA / Trikmoto Bahnstormer BMW) crossed the line in fourth, while Michael Rutter (GB / Bathams SMT) was fifth on his RR. Points were also collected by BMW riders Leon Jeacock (GB / GEO E Davies Racing) in 12th, Chrissy Rouse (GB / CECS Mission Racing) in 13th and Rob McNealy (GB / McNealy Brown Ltd) in 14th.

FIM Sidecar World Championship at Le Mans, France.

The FIM Sidecar World Championship (SWC) also met at Le Mans (FR) for its season opener. However, the first race of the year was held in the most tricky conditions due to heavy rain. It even had to be red-flagged and re-started when too much water on the track made it too risky to continue. The Finnish BMW duo of Pekka Päivärinta / Kirsi Kainulainen finished second on the podium. Mike Roscher / Anna Burkard (DE) decided to return to the pits prematurely due to the dangerous conditions.

Superbike Series Brasil at Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The Superbike Series Brasil (BRSBK) is a new addition to the 2016 BMW Motorrad Race Trophy. The season kicked off last weekend at Interlagos in Sao Paulo (BR) – with a win and a podium for the BMW S 1000 RR. In total, three BMW racers crossed the line within the top-four. Victory went to Danilo Lewis (BR) on the Tecfil Racing Team’s RR. As a new member of the BMW Motorrad Alex Barros Racing team, Sebastiano Zerbo (BR) raced to third on the podium. The top-four were completed by BMW rider Diego Petrel (BR).

Motoamerica FIM/AMA North American Road Racing Series at Austin, US.

Curtain raiser also for the 2016 Motoamerica FIM/AMA North American Road Racing Series (AMA): The first two races of the year were held during the MotoGP weekend at Austin (US). BMW Motorrad Motorsport was once more represented by Steve Rapp (US). He finished the races in 11th and 13th overall. With these results, he claimed seventh and eighth in the Superstock class (AMA STK).

Munich (DE), 30th March 2016. Wheels are turning again in France: last Easter weekend, Le Mans (FR) hosted the curtain raiser of the 2016 French Superbike Championship (FSBK) and the French European Bikes Championship (FR EU). In both series, the BMW Motorrad Motorsport racers enjoyed success with their BMW S 1000 RRs. However, the teams and riders had to cope with unpredictable weather. Over the entire weekend, rain showers continuously caused changing track conditions.

French Superbike Championship in Le Mans, France.

The French Superbike Championship’s (FSBK) 2016 season started with a great podium finish for the BMW S 1000 RR. Kenny Foray (FR) claimed a brilliant second place in race two on Sunday. In addition, he set the fastest lap of this race. In the first of the two turbulent races, Foray was fighting at the top, but had to retire after his front tyre was damaged by debris on the track.

Former Endurance World Champion Foray is a new addition to the international BMW Motorrad Motorsport family. The 31-year-old races in the FSBK with Tecmas BMW, an experienced and successful French team that is working closely with BMW Motorrad France from this season on. Foray will also compete in the FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) as a part of the Penz13.com BMW Motorrad Team.

In total, four BMW riders lined-up on the FSBK grid at Le Mans. Nicolas Pouhair (FR) is a long-term member of the BMW Motorrad Motorsport community and continues to race the RR in the FSBK this season. He finished the races in 14th and 16th respectively. Cyprien Schmidt (FR) claimed 16th and 15th on his BMW S 1000 RR. Foray’s young Tecmas team-mate Maxime Bonnot (FR) also finished the two first races of his debut season in the FSBK. He was 30th and 32nd respectively.

French European Bikes Championship in Le Mans, France.

In the French European Bikes Championship (FR EU), it was a BMW rider who excited the fans with a brilliant win in Saturday’s first race. Fifty-eight-year-old Hernani Teixeira (FR) defied the adverse weather conditions that massively mixed up the order and rode to victory with his BMW S 1000 RR. At the finish, he had an impressive advantage of nearly 22 seconds over his closest rival. In total, seven BMW racers crossed the line within the top-ten: Teixeira (1st), Julien Brun (FR / 4th) Richard Mathivet (FR / 5th), Benjamin Colliaux (FR / 6th), Michel Amalric (FR / 7th), Madjid Idres (FR / 9th) and Bertrand Boyer (FR / 10th).

In race two, the successful weekend for the BMW racers was rounded off by another two podium finishes. Colliaux was second in that race, which was no less hectic than the first heat. David Bouvier (FR) also stepped onto the podium, finishing third. He was followed over the finish line by a further three BMW S 1000 RR riders in positions four to six: Boyer, Manu Dagault (FR) and Amalric. Saturday’s winner Teixeira was eighth in race two.

Both series will hold their next round on 23rd/24th April in Nogaro (FR).