Munich. The BMW Group and BMW M Motorsport mourn the passing of Alessandro Zanardi. The racing driver, long-standing works driver and corporate ambassador passed away unexpectedly in Italy on 1st May, as confirmed by his family. “Alex” Zanardi was 59 years old. In these difficult hours, the thoughts of the BMW Group are with his wife Daniela, his son Niccol , and all his relatives and friends. “Alex” was a wonderful human being, an unwavering optimist and an inspiration to many people around the world. The company has lost a compelling humanitarian and representative; BMW M Motorsport has lost an ambitious and successful athlete from the family of its works drivers. 

Franciscus van Meel, CEO of BMW M GmbH, said: “Alex Zanardi was one of the most extraordinary people I have ever had the privilege of meeting. His courage, his zest for life, his positive energy and his passion for motorsport deeply impressed and touched all of us at BMW M. Alex was far more than an outstanding athlete and ambassador for our brand. He was a true member of our BMW M Motorsport family. Together with BMW M Motorsport, Alex wrote a very special story. He showed what is possible when talent, determination, trust and technical expertise come together. His achievements in the race car were impressive, but the impact he had as a person was even greater. With his unwavering attitude and optimism, he inspired people all over the world. We are losing a wonderful human being, a great fighter and a friend. Our thoughts are with his wife Daniela, his son Niccol  and his family. We will miss Alex very much, and at BMW M we will always keep a special place for him in our history and in our hearts.”

Zanardi was born in Bologna on 23rd October 1966. After competing in Formula 1, where he contested 41 Grands Prix, he moved to the American CART series and became Champ Car champion in 1997 and 1998. In a dramatic racing accident at the Lausitzring on 15th September 2001, he lost both legs and had to be resuscitated several times. But Zanardi never gave up and, in 2005, made his comeback as a BMW Motorsport works driver in the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) as a double amputee –  a comeback he crowned with victory at Oschersleben on 29th August 2005. He also contested several 24-hour races for BMW Motorsport, competed in the Blancpain Sprint Series in 2014, and made guest appearances in the DTM.

Alongside his motor racing career, Zanardi also began a new sporting career and once again demonstrated what is possible in life with dedication, willpower and ambition. In handcycling, he won two gold medals at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London. Four years later, at the Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, he again won two gold medals and one silver medal in handcycling. He also completed several long-distance triathlons, including the legendary Ironman in Hawaii. In 2007, he finished fourth in the New York Marathon. Through his “Bimbingamba” foundation, Zanardi supported children and young people who had suffered amputations and did not have access to adequate care. Through “Obiettivo 3”, he helped to involve athletes with disabilities being introduced to sport.

After another serious accident during a handcycling competition near Pienza on 19th June 2020, Alex Zanardi withdrew from the public eye. Lovingly cared for by his family, he moved between hospital, rehabilitation and his home in Padua. Alex Zanardi once said: “You want to climb the mountain because it’s there and you know you can do it.” Now, the ultimate survivor has embarked on his final journey. Ciao, Alex!

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Jerez de la Frontera. Mission title defense accomplished: Toprak Razgatlioglu (TUR) is once again the World Champion in the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) for 2025! With third place in the second main race of the dramatic season finale in Jerez de la Frontera (ESP), ‘El Turco’ secured the crown. This marks his second consecutive World Championship title as a BMW Motorrad Motorsport factory rider with the BMW M 1000 RR of the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team – and the third WorldSBK title of his career (2021, 2024, 2025).

After his outstanding championship win in 2024, Razgatlioglu entered the 2025 season as the clear favourite. However, following a winter testing phase during which the BMW M 1000 RR had to be adapted at short notice due to regulation changes, the season started off more challenging than expected. Despite scoring a hat-trick at the second round in Portimão (POR), there were also setbacks, and Razgatlioglu found himself in the role of the chaser behind Ducati rider Nicolò Bulega (ITA).

But by mid-season in June, ‘El Turco’, BMW Motorrad Motorsport, and the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team turned the tide. In Misano (ITA), Donington Park (GBR), the new Balaton Park Circuit (HUN), and Magny-Cours (FRA), he won every race – achieving four consecutive hat-tricks and taking the championship lead. He then celebrated his first-ever victory at MotorLand Aragón (ESP), equaling his own record from 2024 of 13 consecutive wins. After further victories and podium finishes, he ultimately secured the 2025 title with 616 points – 13 points ahead of Bulega.

Teammate Michael van der Mark (NED) wrapped up his final weekend as a WorldSBK rider with more strong Top 10 finishes. After five years with the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team (2021–2025), he will remain part of the BMW Motorrad Motorsport family. Already on Tuesday in Jerez de la Frontera, he will be back on the BMW M 1000 RR, working with the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Test Team to prepare for the 2026 WorldSBK season.

Reactions after the season finale.

Markus Flasch, CEO of BMW Motorrad: “Congratulations to Toprak and the entire team! This season, everyone has shown what true champions are made of. The first races weren’t easy, but for everyone – especially for Toprak – the attitude was clear: stand up, straighten your crown, and keep going. And what a way they kept going! The winning streak that began in Misano was simply breathtaking. Even on the nerve-racking final Sunday here in Jerez, after the unfortunate retirement in the Superpole Race through no fault of his own, everyone stayed completely focused and prepared everything perfectly so that Toprak could seal the deal in race two. The reward is Toprak’s well-deserved second World Championship title on our BMW M 1000 RR. We are incredibly proud of him and of everyone in the team, in Munich and Berlin, whose hard work made this achievement possible.”

Toprak Razgatlioglu, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team: “I am very happy and smiling. To get the title was very important for me. This was my last year with BMW and in the Superbike Paddock. It is a great gift to BMW before I leave for MotoGP. In the end we are World Champions. At the beginning of the season, we were not so strong but we improved with every race. Thanks to the entire team and BMW for all this hard work. It is not me being the World Champion, it is us. Looking back onto this final weekend: Everything went very well yesterday especially and today I came to the track more relaxed. I just needed to finish the Superpole Race within the top seven but we crashed in turn five. I know this is racing and everybody wants to pass. It is that he (Nicolò Bulega) just hit me and I crashed. After that I just stayed calm and focused on race two because I needed to do a good job there. I just focused on achieving the best possible position. I started the race not pushing too hard but I worked my way to the front step by step and in the end, we were on the podium. To be World Champion again is a great feeling and I want to thank everyone who was part of this journey.”

Sven Blusch, Head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport: “I am very happy – and speechless. It is such a great day. I think that after the Superpole Race, we all aged by ten years. The job the team did was amazing. The bike was pretty damaged and to work under that pressure to get it ready for race two was incredible. Everybody stayed calm, and I think this was in the end the key for us to win the title. The second title in a row – we are happy for Toprak, for the team, for BMW Motorrad. Toprak wrote history for BMW. It was wild ride together and we are sad that it’s over but we will cheer for him next year. And we are also so thankful for everything that Mickey has done for us. We had difficult years, also with injuries but he was always loyal to us. And he has played an important part in winning these two title in both years. We are really looking forward to continue working with him. What we are going to do, we will announce soon. But for now – we are going to have a big party tonight, and from tomorrow on we fully focus on the 2026 WorldSBK season with Danilo Petrucci and Miguel Oliveira.”

Christian Gonschor, Technical Director BMW Motorrad Motorsport: “I can‘t describe how I feel because it was an incredible day. A few hours with a lot of emotions, ups and downs, everything happened. But at the end for sure to see Toprak back on the podium, celebrating the second world championship for us, for BMW, makes me very proud and the whole project, the whole team, everybody involved. So it’s a fantastic day to complete a fantastic. At the end the key for any success in sport is always focus and teamwork. We listened to the riders, we looked into our package and tried to be focused to learn from the situation when we were not fast enough to beat our competitors. And with the focus of the riders, of the crew and all our technicians in Munich, we managed to turn the page. Thank you to Toprak, who is an incredible person on and off the track, thank you to Mickey, who did so much for us since he joined in 2021, and thank you to the entire team! A very personal thank-you also goes to my wife Katharina and my kids, who are always a source of support for me.”

Shaun Muir, Team Principal ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team: “My feelings are really tough to put into words. We woke up feeling super, super positive, but as we always know anything can happen in racing and it actually did in the sprint race. I’ve just got to put my hands together and praise the good work the guys did. The entire team stayed focused. In the end Toprak is a three-times World Champion, and two times with BMW. I am absolutely over the moon, proud as you can be, of everyone involved and the lot of hard work everybody did.

Michael van der Mark, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team: “It has been a nice weekend. I have for sure some mixed feelings about my races, especially race two I didn’t enjoy as much as I wish I did. But you know it’s racing and I think after today we have a lot of things to be happy about with the team. It has been a strange season. The start of the season was a bit weird with the last minute changes in regulations and stuff like that. Especially my side, I struggled quite a lot with the bike honestly. Also at one point, mentally it was difficult and I just could not find any progress. That has been tough. But we always kept working, the team always kept working and I think towards the end of the year I did the Suzuka 8 Hours, got my confidence back and then when I came back I had the speed again and I felt more confident with the bike. I think Toprak showed again how special he is and he so deserves the title. He and the entire team deserve the title. Time went fast, and I enjoyed my time in WorldSBK. I have six wins here and podiums. Now I have exactly one day off and on Tuesday I will start with the test team to improve the package for next year for Danilo and Miguel.”

Facts and figures.

Superpole.

Air temperature: 23°, track temperature: 21°, humidity: 59%, conditions: dry.

* New all-time lap record

Race 1.

Air temperature: 29°, track temperature: 30°, humidity: 41%, conditions: dry, laps: 20.

Fastest race lap: Nicolò Bulega, lap 2, 1:38.737

Superpole Race.

Air temperature: 23°, track temperature: 21°, humidity: 60%, conditions: dry, laps: 10.

Fastest race lap: Nicolò Bulega, lap 2, 1:37.659 (new record)

Race 2.

Air temperature: 27°, track temperature: 30°, humidity: 49%, conditions: dry, laps: 20.

Fastest race lap: Nicolò Bulega, lap 3, 1:38.693

Final riders’ classification (R12/12, after 36 of 36 races).

Final manufacturers’ classification (R12/12, after 36 of 36 races).

München. BMW s svojim novim električnim SUP-om (stand-up paddleboard) prinaša inovacije in električno mobilnost v nova področja življenja. Model BMW x SipaBoards je rezultat sodelovanja z slovenskim proizvajalcem SipaBoards, ki velja za vodilnega na trgu električnih SUP desk. Deske se samodejno napihnejo in združujejo električni pogon, vrhunske materiale, digitalno povezljivost ter prilagodljiv energetski sistem. Prvič v zgodovini BMW ponuja električno gnani izdelek, zasnovan za vodne športe, s tem pa odpira novo poglavje v užitku gibanja. Za vizualno zasnovo je poskrbel BMW Group Designworks.

Električni življenjski slog na vodi.

V zadnjih letih je veslanje stoje (SUP) postalo izjemno priljubljen in trendovski šport. Združuje telesno aktivnost, stik z naravo in je primerno za širši krog uporabnikov, zato privablja tako začetnike kot izkušene navdušence nad vodnimi športi. BMW x SipaBoards prinaša novo dimenzijo doživetja na vodi z električno asistenco, povezljivostjo in intuitivnim upravljanjem. Rezultat je povsem nova raven mobilnosti na vodi, kjer se udobje in pustolovščina združita v eno izkušnjo.

V osrčju deske BMW x SipaBoards je vgrajen električni motor z močjo do 300 W, ki zagotavlja dodaten potisk in olajša veslanje – še posebej pri vetru ali toku. Pogonski sistem s posebej za BMW razvitim propelerjem deluje brez emisij in skoraj neslišno, ter omogoča unikatno izkušnjo drsenja po vodi pri hitrosti do 7,5 km/h (4 vozle). Motor pa poskrbi tudi za samodejno napihovanje deske pred uporabo. Energijo dovajajo baterijski moduli različnih kapacitet – odvisno od potreb uporabnika – ki se dajo po potrebi preprosto zamenjati v nekaj korakih.

Izjemna stabilnost in napredna povezljivost.

Posebej razvito jedro iz X-woven drop-stitch materiala daje e-SUPu izjemno strukturno trdnost in stabilnost. Uporaba je intuitivna z novim uporabniškim vmesnikom z Bluetooth daljinskim upravljalnikom, vgrajenim v veslo in oblikovanim po navdihu BMW Neue Klasse.
Uporabnik lahko s tem aktivira način »FREUDE« za dodatno moč, svetlobne učinke in haptične povratne informacije.
Mobilna aplikacija ponuja dodatne funkcije, kot so na primer načrtovanje poti, spremljanje stanja baterije in GPS-sledenje. Za dodatno varnost skrbi samodejni izklop motorja, ki se sproži prek Bluetooth signala: kadar veslo pade v vodo, se sproži povratni signal, ki takoj ustavi pogon. Tako deska ostane vselej pod nadzorom tudi v nepredvidljivih razmerah in omogoča izjemno varno uporabo.

Zabava za do dve osebi na električnem SUPu.

Deska in veslo iz karbonskih vlaken združujeta trdnost in lahkost, kar zagotavlja odlično izkušnjo na vodi. Deska meri 3,65 m v dolžino, 0,82 m v širino in 0,15 m v debelino, ter tehta 10,9 kg (skupaj z motorjem 14,9 kg). Nosilnost je primerna za dve osebi. Dizajn, ki so ga razvili v BMW Group Designworks, sledi oblikovnemu jeziku BMW Neue Klasse – od deske in vesla do dodatne opreme – ter ustvarja elegantno, skladno celoto. Na voljo so tri barvne različice.
Vsi uporabljeni materiali so izjemno trpežni, kar prispeva k trajnostni vrednosti izdelka in omogoča zanesljivo delovanje v različnih razmerah na vodi. Deska deluje tiho in brez emisij.

Pameten sistem za nameščanje dodatkov odpira nešteto možnosti.

Posebna značilnost modela BMW x SipaBoards je inovativen sistem za hitro pritrditev dodatne opreme na številne točke na deski. Uporabniki lahko preprosto dodajo kamere, zvočnike, steklenice, vodotesne torbe ali celo hladilne torbe s preprostim sistemom click & connect.
Podvodna LED ambientalna osvetlitev poudarja ekskluzivnost izdelka in daje dodatno prednost pri veslanju v mraku ali ponoči.

BMW ponuja tudi Lifestyle Accessory Capsule, ki vključuje izbrane dodatke, med njimi kamero Insta360 X5 za zajem osupljivih posnetkov ter oblačila iz BMW-jeve kolekcije.
Tako e-SUP ni le funkcionalno dovršen, temveč služi tudi kot izraz osebnega življenjskega sloga lastnika.

Dve baterijski konfiguraciji za električni užitek na vodi.
Model BMW x SipaBoards je opremljen z dvema baterijskima moduloma s kapaciteto 90 Wh, kar omogoča 1 do 3,5 ure vožnje – idealno za raziskovanje jezer in obalnih območij.

Od pomladi 2026 bo na voljo tudi različica z dvema 180 Wh moduloma, namenjena daljšim odpravam, ki omogoča 3 do 7 ur vožnje.

BMW x SipaBoards je na voljo v BMW Lifestyle spletni trgovini, pri izbranih prodajalcih SipaBoards in na spletni strani bmw.sipaboards.com po priporočeni maloprodajni ceni 3.990 EUR.

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Munich. Tennis is a key pillar of the BMW brand’s international sporting commitment. BMW has supported tennis for almost 40 years and will remain a strong partner in the future. This is underscored by its successful collaboration with the world No. 1, Spanish tennis pro Carlos Alcaraz, which has now been extended long-term.

“Tennis plays a fundamental role in our sponsorship portfolio,” says Uwe Dreher, Vice President Marketing BMW Europe. “We are delighted to continue our journey with Carlos Alcaraz. His passion for sport and his pursuit of excellence are consistent with the values of our brand. Together, we will create unforgettable moments that celebrate the sport of tennis and strengthen the bond with our customers.”

In early September, Carlos Alcaraz won the US Open, in the process regaining his world No. 1 ranking, which he first claimed in 2022 as the youngest player in history. The six-time Grand Slam champion, at age 22 already one of the defining personalities of the ATP Tour, says: “I am delighted to continue being part of the BMW family, whose values – honesty, excellence, innovation and joy – have always resonated deeply with my own. I am grateful to BMW for the support I received even before my first Grand Slam win and hope that we can enjoy many more successes together.”

The involvement of BMW in tennis dates back to 1987, when the company first partnered the BMW Open in its home city of Munich (GER). This year, the 38th year of this collaboration, the storied tournament had its premiere as an ATP 500 event. BMW also partners the ATP Masters 1000 tournaments in Indian Wells (USA) and Rome (ITA) as well as the ATP 500 indoor event in Vienna (AUT).

Ljubljana, 13. marec 2025. Pretekli četrtek je BMW Slovenija gostil ekskluzivno izkušnjo, ki je združila užitek v vožnji, športni adrenalin in kulinarično razvajanje. Udeleženci so imeli priložnost preizkusiti nove BMW X3 na poti do enega najprestižnejših zimskih športnih dogodkov – svetovnega pokala v biatlonu na Pokljuki.

Dogodek se je začel z registracijo in sprejemom v restavraciji DiVino v Ljubljani, kjer so goste pričakale kave in rogljički ter flota novih BMW X3. Po kratki predstavitvi so udeleženci prevzeli vozila in se podali na vožnjo proti Bohinju. Vozni park je vključeval različne izvedbe modela X3, med njimi BMW X3 xDrive20d, BMW X3 M50 xDrive in BMW X3 xDrive30e.

Bohinj je bil prva postojanka, kjer so gostje uživali v sodobnem ambientu Hotela Bohinj in zgodovinskem šarmu Vile Muhr. Ob tej priložnosti je vodja marketinga BMW Slovenija, Dražen Vranješ Kosi, dolgoletni ambasadorki BMW, Nini Grilc, simbolično predal ključe novega BMW X3 xDrive30e.

Pot se je nadaljevala proti Bledu, kjer je BMW Slovenija zagotovil ekskluziven prevoz z BMW VIP shuttli do prizorišča svetovnega pokala v biatlonu. Udeleženci so na Pokljuki uživali v kulinaričnih dobrotah, imeli ekskluziven dostop do strelišča, spremljali tekmo z VIP tribune ter se srečali z vrhunskima biatloncema Anamarijo Lampič in Jakovom Fakom, ki je kljub zahtevnim vremenskim razmeram osvojil prvo mesto in si zagotovil izjemen naslov svetovnega prvaka.

Po tekmi so se gostje ponovno usedli v BMW VIP shuttle ter se odpeljali nazaj proti Bledu, kjer so zopet prevzeli vozila BMW X3 in se podali nazaj proti Ljubljani. Mokre ceste so bile idealen poligon za preizkus xDrive sistema invoznih lastnosti modela X3, ki je dokazal svojo vsestranskost in zanesljivost tudi v zahtevnejših pogojih.

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Munich. The BMW Group is expanding its revolutionary driving experience with BMW M Mixed Reality, which breaks down the boundaries between the physical and virtual worlds through state-of-the-art VR/MR technologies. The vehicle itself becomes the controller - a unique 3D interaction between driver, vehicle and environment.

"Mixed reality" refers to the fusion of of physical and digital worlds into a seamless experience. BMW M first presented mixed reality technology at the Web Summit in Lisbon in November 2022 and has been continuously developing it ever since.

With BMW M Mixed Reality, fans and first movers can immerse themselves in a digital world while physically sitting at the wheel of a BMW M vehicle and controlling it.

First-ever multisensory multiplayer

The possibilities of virtual reality are boundless: On a secret mission, you enter the BMW M Garage and from there, you ascend to the top of the BMW M Rooftop Circuit. Surrounded by skyscrapers, two BMW M Mixed Reality customers now race against each other virtually in a multiplayer mode A new feature is that spectators with personified avatars can virtually watch the race live from the BMW M Mixed Reality Bridge. They do not have to be physically present in the area where the multiplayers are driving. They can be virtually connected using devices like the Meta Quest or Apple Vision Pro.

BMW M Mixed Reality will be presented again in Lisbon this year. For BMW M fans, BMW M Mixed Reality has been available in the singleplayer mode since autumn 2023 as part of the BMW M Driving Experience in Maisach, the world's first driving experience for customers.  

For BMW M fans, BMW M Mixed Reality has been available in the singleplayer mode since fall 2023 as part of the BMW M Driving Experience in Maisach, the world's first driving experience for customers.  The pilot project began this year at the BMW M Performance Driving School in California, USA.

Merging reality and the virtual world

The new BMW M Mixed Reality Rooftop Circuit was also a highlight at the presentation of BMW M Mixed Reality. Drivers had to evade virtual obstacles and collect BMW M coins in a shimmering metropolis. The BMW M135 vehicles were used, which thanks to technical refinements can be used as M Mixed Reality vehicles.

This includes very precise GPS positioning on the road surface in order to transfer position and movement to the virtual world. Every acceleration, every turn and every braking manoeuvre is transmitted to the virtual world without latency thanks to precise sensor technology and signal processing. Not only the movements of the vehicle are transmitted, but also those of the driver.

The technology for this is already integrated into the standardised in-vehicle systems of all BMW and BMW M automobiles. These systems are so precise that no additional sensors are required.

Another key element is the VR headset that the driver wears to experience the digital world. This headset must be connected to the vehicle's internal systems in order to synchronise movements and data in real time. Thanks to this equipment, various BMW M models can be used for BMW M Mixed Reality, regardless of the drive system. This includes vehicles with a conventional combustion engine such as the BMW M2 or BMW M4 as well as models with a fully electric powertrain such as the BMW i5 M60. In the future, BMW M can also imagine offering the new BMW M5 with M Mixed Reality. The technology is flexible and can be adapted to different vehicle platforms to provide a consistent and immersive mixed reality experience.

Digital innovations for the driving experience

BMW Group Mixed Reality is an answer to what future virtual experiences in the automotive sector could look like. At the current stage of development, it enables perfect controllability in every driving situation. Drifting will also be possible in the future, although no date has yet been set for when customers will be able to have this experience.

MINI also benefits from the BMW Group Mixed Reality umbrella: There are also plans to offer customers a multi-sensory mixed reality driving experience.

In addition, further applications in the field of vehicle development and professional training are already being investigated. For example, there is potential as a valuable addition to existing simulator driving in the dynamic driving area, without compromising driving safety, or in the development of driver assistance systems. On existing racetracks, a Professional Track Trainer could in the future display content such as the ideal line and braking points to drivers in order to train them to drive even more precisely. Current AR headset technology is not yet accurate enough for this ambitious use case.

In the event of enquiries please contact:

Corporate Communications

Christophe König, Head of BMW M GmbH and BMW M Motorsport Communications

Telephone: +49-176-601-56097

E-mail: Christophe.Koenig@bmw.de

Alexandra Landers, Head of Product and Brand Communication BMW

Telephone: +49-89-382-30871

E-mail: Alexandra.Landers@bmw.de

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

E-mail: presse@bmw.de

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 over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2023, the BMW Group sold over 2.55 million passenger vehicles and more than 209,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2023 was € 17.1 billion on revenues amounting to € 155.5 billion. As of 31 December 2023, the BMW Group had a workforce of 154,950 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company set the course for the future at an early stage and consistently makes sustainability and efficient resource management central to its strategic direction, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products.

www.bmwgroup.com

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Munich. Golf pros enjoy the celebrations when they take just a few shots to find the hole at a world-class tournament. Providing assistance to socially disadvantaged children through an educational project at the same time though shows how two worthwhile aims can interconnect; an unforgettable sporting event and a social commitment to increased equality of opportunity. It is precisely this combination that the BMW Group supports with its “Eagles for Education” initiative at numerous tournaments, part of an international involvement in golf. The aim is to support educational programmes and provide improved prospects and future opportunities for young people. 

The BMW Group has been involved in this approach on a social level - for some decades also with a special sporting focus. “The BMW Group is much more than a car manufacturer. With around 150,000 employees from 110 nations, we are a part of society – both inside and outside of our factory gates and offices. That is why supporting this diversity within sport is particularly important to us”, explained Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Human Resources and Real Estate, Labour Relations Director. “Sport creates unique moments for athletes and spectators, strengthens a sense of community, celebrates diversity, and builds bridges. At BMW Group, we are very proud to support sporting events around the world, helping to connect people from different backgrounds and cultures with one another.”

The Day of Sport for Development and Peace on 6th April is a good reason to take a look at the BMW Group’s involvement in this area, sport is in our genes.

The BMW Group sporting involvement reaches all around the globe, from Australia, Japan, and China, via India, South America, and the USA, to Finland and Italy. Golf and motorsport are both international focus areas. However, established long-term national involvements in running, basketball, and tennis all have an extensive history and tradition within the company.  Sport achieves something that hardly any other sphere of life is able to do; it unites nations, crosses borders, and is a language that anyone can understand.

Tradition meets the future: how golf brings together top-class international events and the good cause.

Golf is at the heart of the sporting involvement of the BMW Group. Around 40 years ago, the company established the largest international tournament series for amateur golfers, the BMW Golf Cup. BMW has been supporting professional golf for nearly as long, since 1989. The BMW International Open in Munich is the best-known pro tournament in Germany and will take place for the 35th time in 2024.  What makes it even more special is that BMW is not just the sponsor, but also the organiser of this traditional tournament.

Over the decades, BMW has also become established as a prominent and reliable partner in the international golf scene, supporting tournaments that attract world-class golfers: the BMW Championship in the USA, the BMW PGA Championship in Great Britain, the BMW Ladies Championship in Korea, and the BMW Japan Golf Tour Championship feature professional athletes competing in four more tournaments that BMW supports as title sponsor. BMW provides assistance and support as a partner of another 22 tournaments - from the USA to South Africa and Australia - guaranteeing a premium experience for all participants.

The effects of these events extend far beyond sport itself, going hand in hand with responsible, social involvement. The BMW International Open 2023 saw the start of the “Eagles for Education” initiative, as the BMW Group added another module to its long-term, sustainable commitment to improve education and future opportunities for young people. For each eagle chalked up by the top players at the BMW International Open, the BMW Group donated 1,000 Euro to the “JOBLINGE” and “Kick ins Leben” organisations, both of which have been working with the BMW Group for many years. BMW also increased the donation amount for each hole-in-one by 10,000 Euro. A total of 99,000 Euro was raised during the traditional tournament, which the two organisations from Munich applied to the improvement of learning opportunities for disadvantaged children and young adults.

The support for the Evans Scholar Foundation is following a similar path. The BMW Championship 2023, which took place near Chicago in the USA, generated a record total of 5.5 million US dollars to finance full college scholarships for caddies in need. Since the BMW Championship debuted in 2007, more than 3,300 young people have been given the opportunity to move into further education.

A good cause is also behind the BMW PGA Championship. Also known as the “Festival of Golf”, this takes place in Wentworth, just outside London and thanks to BMW’s involvement, the tournament has supported the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) in recent years– an initiative that focuses on suicide prevention.

Even in a single-player discipline such as golf, it is easy to appreciate the power of sport,  working together towards a single objective. This also became clear at the Ryder Cup in Rome, featuring BMW as Worldwide Partner. Turning their differing styles of play into collective strength, the teams from the USA and Europe delivered thrilling golf at this event, which stands alone in the world of sport. Individual interests retreat into the background. As Worldwide Partner of the Ryder Cup, BMW supports the legendary competition with all-electric mobility to support precisely this approach of respectful collaboration.

BMW M Motorsport: the art of engineering comes to the racetrack 

The company has enjoyed many years of success in motor racing. This season, BMW M Motorsport is making a works entry in the FIA World Endurance Championship with the BMW M Hybrid V8 prototype, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans as the highlight of the season in June, and is also competing in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in North America. The wide range of BMW M works drivers and BMW M Motorsport teams will also be racing with the BMW M4 GT3 in numerous top-quality, international GT racing series. Customer racing represents another key pillar of this involvement. Privateer drivers and teams are competing around the world, celebrating wins and titles with BMW M cars.

Basketball: new mobility partnership supports future opportunities 

BMW München has also been involved in basketball since the summer of 2023, initiating a partnership with FC Bayern München Basketball GmbH. The players and training staff at the five-time German champions can now drive around in emission-free, all-electric vehicles.

In golf, it is the eagles that are special, in basketball, it is the dunks. The “Dunks for Tomorrow” campaign from BMW München and FC Bayern München Basketball generates donations for education and equal opportunities – with considerable success. For every dunk during a home game at the BMW Park, the company will donate 1,000 Euro at the end of the season to SOS-Kinderdorf e.V. This will help to improve the future prospects for children and young adults from disadvantaged families. A total of 100,000 Euro had already been reached in early March when the 100th dunk was recorded by Devin Booker, the American power forward.

Bobsleigh and biathlon: technology partnership picks up speed

Sport events attract enthusiasts on a global, national, or regional level. In Germany, BMW is involved in winter sports, running and tennis.  The technology partnership with the German Bobsleigh, Luge and Skeleton Federation (BSD) features knowledge transfer from the automotive industry taking place right in the ice channel. The latest project is 3D printing processes from automotive development and production will lead to the production of the ideal footwear for the bobsleigh teams with brand-new spike plates to enable maximum acceleration in the ice channel. The objective it is anticipated that the athletes will be competing with the perfect footwear by the 2026 Winter Olympic Games at the latest, as they aim to extract the decisive hundreds of a second required on the way to a gold medal.

The technology partnership also encompasses other projects, such as the BMW Data Coach. The analysis technology is used to optimise the complex system of luge, athlete, and racing line - an approach that has been standard procedure for years in vehicle development. In bobsleigh, sensors are installed in the training sleds to measure dynamic data such as longitudinal and lateral speed, acceleration and yaw rates, and deliver high-resolution recordings. Analysis software allows for precise reconstruction of each run.

The Bob Simulator that BMW constructed for the BSD, especially for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games, is also one of a kind. This allowed bob pilots in Munich to familiarise themselves with the previously unknown Olympic track in Yanqing, months in advance.

Technology transfer is also effective in biathlon. German biathletes have the opportunity to perform tests in the wind tunnel. In the BMW Group Aerolab, shooting from a standing position is simulated, analysed and improved under varying wind conditions. The aerodynamics experts from the BMW Group and the German Ski Association (DSV) additionally work together closely to optimise the material for the athletes.

The BMW Group has enjoyed a close connection to the DSV biathletes for many years, as mobility partner, the company equips the athletes with electric vehicles.

The fastest 42 kilometres in the world.

The diversity and solidarity generated by sport also shape the BMW presence in Berlin, the capital of Germany. This is not just the location of the BMW Motorrad plant, where up to 900 vehicles are produced each day by motivated and enthusiastic employees for customers all around the world. It is also where the extremely atmospheric BMW BERLIN MARATHON takes place, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, supported by the company as title partner.

The running event is part of the World Marathon Majors and the most international sporting platform to feature professionals and amateurs from all over the world racing the same route to the finish line. Last year, Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa celebrated a new world record with around one million fans along the 42.195 kilometre route. At the finish line, the timer on the all-electric BMW i5 lead car stopped at 2:11:53 hours.

Looking ahead to events in 2024: world-class athletes from tennis and golf to meet at the home of BMW.

Tennis and BMW – this is also the story of a long-standing partnership. BMW is involved in tennis around the world, at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, and at the ATP Masters 1000 Rome in Italy. Since 1987, the BMW Open has allowed the company to provide a stage for world-class tennis not far from its factory gates. This will again be the case from 13th to 21st April, when the stars of the scene serve on the clay courts of the prestigious MTTC Iphitos club in Munich. The tournament will feature German Olympic champion Alexander Zverev and former US Open champion and BMW Österreich brand ambassador Dominic Thiem.

Another big name from the world of golf will attract attention this summer when taking place for the 35th time in July 2024, the BMW International Open will see Bernhard Langer, the most successful German golfer, tee off in München Eichenried. This will be Langer’s final tournament on the DP World Tour.

Topics and stories at the BMW Group

The company provides topics and stories related to selected national and international days of commemoration and action. Feel free to approach us proactively with your topic ideas – we provide insights and introduce you to interesting people at the BMW Group.

The BMW Group will also publish topics and stories related to these days of commemoration and action in 2024:

21st May: World Day for Cultural Diversity

24th June: Architecture Day

15th July: World Youth Skills Day

14th September: World First Aid Day

9th October: Fire Prevention Day

30th November: Computer Security Day

3rd December: International Day of Persons with Disabilities

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+++ Tigst Assefa (ETH) is the fastest female marathon runner in the world, with a time of 2:11:53 hours +++ Eliud Kipchoge (KEN) wins his fifth title in Berlin in 2:02:42 hours +++ German record goes to Amanal Petros (2:04:58 hours) +++ 48,000 athletes celebrate a sporting festival with fans in the capital +++

Berlin. The 49th BMW BERLIN MARATHON again underlined the event’s reputation for record breaking runs. Leading the way this year was defending champion Tigst Assefa, who thrilled roughly a million fans along the 42.195-kilometre route with a blistering time. At the finish, the clock on the lead car – the first all-electric BMW i5 – stopped at 2:11:53 hours, meaning the Ethiopian had smashed the previous world record by a sensational 2:11 minutes. Last year’s champion also triumphed again in the men’s race. Eliud Kipchoge’s time of 2:02.42 minutes may not have beaten his world record from last year, but he still made history; the Kenyan became the first runner to win the fastest marathon in the world five times.

“More than 60,000 people gave amazing sporting performances at the 2023 BMW BERLIN MARATHON, from the youngest in the mini-Marathon to the running elite, who again dazzled with world-class times. They all deserve great respect, although Tigst Assefa’s historic performance obviously stands out. Congratulations on an impressive world record,” said Stefan Teuchert, Head of BMW Group Deutschland. “As title partner for the twelfth time, the BMW Group is proud to have again contributed to the success of this diverse event, which brings together people from all over the world. Our thanks to go everyone who helped to make the BMW BERLIN MARATHON a unique experience: the team at our partner SCC EVENTS, the 7,500 volunteers, and all the fans along the route.”

Right from the word go, Assefa left no doubt that she had grand intentions for the 2023 BMW BERLIN MARATHON. At every intermediate timing point, the 29-year-old had extended her average over the time of Brigid Kosgei (KEN) at the same distance when she set the previous world record (Chicago, 2019, 2:14:04). A lead of almost six minutes over second-placed Sheila Chepkirui (2:17:29) underlined the fact that Assefa was in a league of her own. Third place went to Magdalena Shaun from Tanzania (2:18:41). Domenika Meyer (2:23:47) was the best-placed German, finishing 14th.

“I did not expect to run so fast and go under 2:12 hours. However, that is the result of hard work. I hope this victory inspires a lot of women, particularly from underprivileged areas, to set themselves goals and to fight for those goals,” said Assefa.

Kipchoge also started very quickly and was on course for a world record at times. However, the double Olympic champion was not quite able to maintain the high pace. Despite that, he still took a relatively comfortable victory to claim his fifth title at the BMW BERLIN MARATHON, having also triumphed in 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2022. The 38-year-old now has one win more to his name than Ethiopian legend Haile Gebrselassie.

Second and third across the finish line were two debutants in the Abbott World Marathon Majors, the six biggest marathons in the world. Vincent Kipkemoi (KEN, 2:03:13) and Tadese Takele (ETH, 2:03:24) gave excellent performances. The same can be said of Amanal Petros, who became the first German runner to break the 2:05-hour barrier. The best-placed European finished ninth in a time of 2:04:58 hours.

The women’s handbike race produced a German one-two, with Julia Dierkesmann winning ahead of Katrin Möller and France’s Meggie Gay. Victory in the men’s race went to Frenchman Joseph Fritsch. His compatriot Johan Qualie and Germany’s Vico Merklein were second and third.

The fastest man in a wheelchair was Marcel Hug. The Swiss came home ahead of Daniel Romanchuk (USA) and David Weir (GBR). In the women’s race, winner Catherine Debrunner (SUI) was joined on the podium by Eden Rainbow Cooper (GBR) and Manuela Schär (SUI).

Title partner BMW supported the BMW BERLIN MARATHON with 66 electric route and organisational vehicles. The all-electric BMW i5 and BMW i4 were used as lead cars. The BMW iX safety car was also emission-free, as were six BMW CE 04 scooters. The marathon was a home outing for the two-wheelers that are produced at the BMW Group plant in Berlin.

The BMW Group Plant Berlin can look back on a long tradition of motorcycle manufacturing. BMW motorcycles have been produced in Berlin-Spandau since 1969. With over 2,200 employees and a capacity of up to 900 motorcycles and premium e-scooters per day, the plant is the heart of BMW Motorrad’s global production. 28 to 33 models are produced in Berlin – that is almost the entire range of BMW Motorrad models. Roughly 80 percent of the motorcycles manufactured are exported to more than 130 countries around the world.

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Munich. With the BMW iX (combined power consumption: < 21 kWh/100km in the WLTP test cycle*; CO₂ emissions combined: 0 g/km), BMW Group ushers in a new age of mobility. The new fully electric BMW model interprets the electric mobility theme innovatively, making use of totally new technologies. The BMW iX, currently in the final stage of development, is due to come onto the market at the end of 2021. However, winter sports fans will get a taste of the new technology flagship in the coming months when under the motto ‘Born Electric’, the BMW iX takes centre stage in the extensive BMW winter sports commitment for the 2020/21 season.

BMW Group has supported the BMW IBU World Cup Biathlon, the BMW IBSF World Cup Bob & Skeleton and the FIL Luge World Cup as a strong partner for many years. As part of this commitment, BMW Group will now bring the BMW iX and the motto ‘Born Electric’ into the biathlon stadiums and to the ice channels.

Electric mobility reinterpreted.

The BMW iX is the first BMW model to be based on an all-new technology toolkit and was conceived from day one purely for electric mobility. It innovatively unites the areas of sustainability and climate protection, design, versatility and driving pleasure, and leads the way with future technologies that will also be incorporated into other BMW models in the foreseeable future. According to the latest predictions, the maximum output of the BMW iX will exceed 370 kW/500 hp – with absolutely zero emissions and tremendously low power consumption.

The BMW iX on a winter tour through Europe.

As part of BMW’s involvement in winter sports, the BMW iX is going on a huge tour of Europe in the 2020/21 season. The BMW IBU World Cup Biathlon will be heading to Kontiolahti, Hochfilzen, Oberhof and Antholz. The highlight of the season is the world championships in Pokljuka, Slovenia in February, followed by the season finale in Nove Mesto and Oslo. The locations for the BMW IBSF World Cup Bob & Skeleton and the FIL Luge World Cup include Sigulda, Innsbruck, Winterberg, St. Moritz and Königssee near Berchtesgaden. The Eisarena Königssee will also host the FIL Luge World Championships at the end of January. The BMW IBSF Bob and Skeleton World Championships will be held in Altenberg in the Erz Mountains in February.

* Data on driving performance, energy consumption and range are preliminary and based on forecasts.