BMW Motorrad Motorsport is undergoing a new and expanded structure to position itself for the future. Under the leadership of BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director Marc Bongers, the roles of Technical Director and Head of Customer Racing have been established. Christian Gonschor is now the Technical Director, while Uwe Geyer takes on the role of Head of Customer Racing in addition to his position as Head of Marketing. Both Gonschor and Geyer report directly to Bongers. BMW Motorrad Motorsport has also created specialized teams, including an independent test team. The Development and Test departments in Munich and Berlin are being expanded, and the synergies between BMW Motorrad Motorsport and the production development of the BMW M 1000 RR are being fully utilized.
Dr. Markus Schramm, Head of BMW Motorrad, states that the new structure optimizes the development and test work for works projects and customer racing. This allows for increased capacities in Munich and the engine plant in Berlin, strengthening the development and test work for the FIM Superbike World Championship, FIM Endurance World Championship, and Customer Racing program. The connection to production development has also been intensified under the leadership of Christoph Lischka. Schramm expresses confidence in the reforms, believing that BMW Motorrad Motorsport is well-positioned for the future.
Christian Gonschor, as the Technical Director, is responsible for optimizing the technical organization of development and test work at BMW Motorrad Motorsport. This involves the formation of specialized teams for various areas such as the test team, chassis, engine, electronics, and aerodynamics. These teams primarily operate in Munich, where they have dedicated workshops, test and development motorcycles, testbeds, and wind tunnels for developing and testing the BMW M 1000 RR and new racing components. Collaboration with the BMW Motorrad plant in Berlin is essential for engine-related work. The capacities for internal development and test work will be increased in both Munich and Berlin. The close proximity between BMW Motorrad Motorsport and the production development department of the BMW M 1000 RR allows for optimal utilization of synergies.
BMW Motorrad Motorsport has established a separate test team that focuses solely on test work at the racetrack, independent of race outings. This team will have a dedicated pool of test riders and primarily work on the WorldSBK project. However, the creation of new motor racing components will benefit the entire motorsport department in the future.
Customer Racing is considered a fundamental pillar of BMW Motorrad’s motorsport activities alongside their works involvement in the FIM Superbike World Championship and FIM Endurance World Championship. Uwe Geyer is now responsible for Customer Racing as the Head of BMW Motorrad Customer Racing in addition to his role as Marketing Director. Customer Racing projects are developed for BMW riders worldwide, including those who compete in the Supersport segment professionally, semi-professionally, or as a hobby. The race package offered by BMW Motorrad is developed at the highest level of production-based motorsport in the Superbike World Championship and adapted to meet local Superbike series regulations. Parts for customers, including engines, are available directly through BMW Motorrad Motorsport or via distribution partner alpha Racing. The optimization of parts planning, production, and delivery times is part of the future plans. BMW Motorrad Race Support provides support in electronics for Customer Racing, and BMW Motorrad will continue investing in this area.
Starting August 2023, Dominic Thönnes will replace Benedikt Torka as Spokesperson for BMW Motorrad Motorsport.