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BMW

BMW M Motorsport News, ninth April 2024

Top subjects on this e-newsletter:

  • ADAC GT Masters: FK Performance kicks off the brand new season with two BMW M4 GT3s.
  • NLS: BMW M Motorsport groups obtain 14 class victories on the season opener.
  • BMW M Motorsport groups have a good time successes on the season opener in Sonoma.

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Björn Lellmann, Head of Customer Racing at BMW M Motorsport:

“The 2024 motorsport season is really picking up speed now, and it’s great that we’ve already been able to celebrate the first successes of the year with our BMW M Motorsport teams. At the Nordschleife, there were numerous class victories to celebrate at the NLS season opener. In North America, the SRO racing series got off to a very successful start for our teams with the BMW M4 GT3, the BMW M4 GT4, and the BMW M2 CS Racing. This is in addition to strong results in the GT4 European Series as well as in France and Great Britain. Congratulations to everyone, let’s keep it up! Other championships will soon start their new season, including the ADAC GT Masters. Here I am very pleased about the commitment of FK Performance Motorsport. The team is entering the new season with two BMW M4 GT3s and strong driver pairings. I wish them a lot of success – as well as all the other teams in the many championships worldwide!”

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ADAC GT Masters: FK Performance begins the brand new season with two BMW M4 GT3s.

 

FK Performance Motorsport will enter the upcoming ADAC GT Masters season with two BMW M4 GT3s. Last yr, the staff from Bremen (GER) debuted within the racing sequence with a BMW M4 GT3 and achieved its first victory in its inaugural season. At the Red Bull Ring (AUT), BMW M works driver Bruno Spengler (CAN) triumphed alongside Maxime Oosten (NED).

The staff is now increasing its dedication to 2 BMW M4 GT3s and presents a robust lineup. The 21-year-old Oosten shares the cockpit of his BMW M4 GT3 with Leon Köhler (GER). In FK Performance Motorsport’s sister automobile, Grégory de Sybourg (SUI) and Eduardo Coseteng (PHL) will compete. The quartet will begin the brand new season on the weekend of Twenty sixth-Twenty eighth April at Oschersleben (GER).

In the ADAC GT4 Germany, FK Performance Motorsport will race with 4 BMW M4 GT4s. These will probably be pushed by the duos Moh Ritson (GBR) / Gianni van de Craats (NED), Joseph Warhurst / Tom Edgar (each GBR), Niels Tröger (GER) / Joseph Ellerine (RSA), and Leyton Fourie (RSA) / Max Rosam (GER), each of whom are transferring up from the BMW M2 Cup.

 

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NLS: BMW M Motorsport groups begin the brand new season with 14 class victories.

 

The 2024 season on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife (GER) has began with a bang. On Saturday and Sunday, the primary two rounds of the Nürburgring Endurance Series 2024 (NLS) have been held. BMW M Motorsport groups achieved 14 class victories.

The reigning champions from Adrenalin Motorsport Team Mainhatten Wheel, Daniel Zils and Philipp Leisen (each GER), began the brand new yr with a victory. Together with their new team-mate Moran Gott (GBR), they received the extremely aggressive VT2-R+4WD class in race one with the #1 BMW 330i. The following day, they completed seventh within the class. Adrenalin Motorsport Team Mainhatten Wheel additionally achieved double success within the BMW M240i class by which Sven Markert (GER), Ranko Mijatovic (SUI), and Toby Goodman (GBR) secured the category victory in each rounds with the #650 automobile. In the BMW M2 CS class, the #888 BMW M2 CS Racing of Martin Kroll (SUI), Michael Schrey, and Max Partl (each GER) took first place.

In the SP8T class, the BMW M4 GT4 was profitable on each days. On Saturday, the category victory went to the Schmickler Performance staff powered by Ravenol and the motive force duo Michael Luther and Markus Schmickler (each GER) within the #151 BMW M4 GT4. On Sunday, the #150 BMW M4 GT4 from Team Bilstein by Black Falcon received the category the place Jimmy Broadbent (GBR), Steve Brown (GBR), Misha Charoudin (GER), and Manuel Metzger (GER) took turns on the wheel.

Further victories went to BMW M Motorsport groups within the courses V4, VT3, SP3, SP4, and H4. BMW M4 GT3s didn’t compete on the season opener as a result of scheduling battle with the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS, which occurred on the identical weekend at Le Castellet (FRA).

 

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GT4 European Series: Large contingent of BMW M4 GT4s on the season opener.

Six groups and a complete of eight BMW M4 GT4s featured on the season opener of the GT4 European Series at Le Castellet (FRA) with the colors of BMW M Motorsport strongly represented. In the best class, the Silver class, Berkay Besler (TUR) and Gabriele Piana (ITA) from Team Borusan Otomotiv Motorsport confirmed consistency. The duo completed each races in sixth place general and within the Silver classification with the #12 BMW M4 GT4. Their team-mates Yagiz Gedik (TUR) and Pedro Ebrahim Carvalho (BRA) completed in positions ten and eleven within the Silver class with the #10 automobile.

The finest particular person results of the weekend was achieved by Benjamin Lessennes (BEL) and Ricardo van der Ende (NED) within the #17 BMW M4 GT4 from L’Espace Bienvenue. They completed race two in fifth place general and within the Silver classification. They retired early in race one.

In the Pro-Am class, Chazel Technologie Course, W&D Racing Team, Lestrup Racing Team, and Razoon xAutomotive racing secured sturdy leads to the entrance subject and vital factors with their BMW M4 GT4s. The Lestrup Racing Team additionally completed seventh and fifth within the Am class.

 

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GT4/GT America: Dream weekend on the season opener.

 

BMW M Motorsport groups had a dream begin on the season opener of GT4 America at Sonoma Raceway (USA). In the second race in Northern California, there was a 1-2 end  – each within the general standings and within the Silver Class. Colin Garrett and Zac Anderson (each USA) from Team AutoTechnic Racing received within the #51 BMW M4 GT4 forward of Kevin Boehm and Kenton Koch (each USA) from Team Random Vandals Racing.

Already within the first race, each BMW M4 GT4s had been on the rostrum. As on Sunday, Boehm and Koch within the #97 BMW M4 GT4 completed second on Saturday. Garrett and Anderson accomplished the rostrum within the first spherical as third earlier than they have been unbeatable within the second race.

In the Pro-Am class, BMW M Motorsport additionally had loads of causes to have a good time. The #82 BMW M4 GT4 of James Walker Jr. and Tyler McQuarrie (each USA) triumphed within the first spherical and rounded off the excellent weekend in GT4 America with second place within the second race the next day. In the Am class, the BMW M4 GT4 additionally achieved a 1-2 consequence. Troy Lindstrom and Matt Million (each USA) received the second spherical within the #53 from AutoTechnic Racing forward of Paul Sparta and Kris Wilson (each USA) within the #98 from Random Vandals Racing. In the primary spherical, Sparta and Wilson completed second forward of Charlie Postins and James Clay (each USA) within the #36 BMW M4 GT4 from BimmerWorld.

In GT America, Justin Rothberg (USA) from Team Turner Motorsport completed sixth in each races in his #29 BMW M4 GT3, securing a top-ten place.

 

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GT World Challenge America: Podium rain in Northern California.

 

In the Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS, BMW M Motorsport groups additionally began the season with a podium. In the primary race at Sonoma Raceway (USA), BMW M works driver Bill Auberlen and Varun Choksey (each USA) within the #28 BMW M4 GT3 from Team ST Racing completed third general and second within the Pro class.

In the Pro-Am class, BMW M Motorsport celebrated a double podium. BMW M works driver Neil Verhagen (USA) completed fourth general within the #38 BMW M4 GT3 alongside Samantha Tan (CAN), which meant second place within the Pro-Am class for Team ST Racing. BMW M works driver Robby Foley (USA) accomplished the rostrum within the Pro-Am class in third with Justin Rothberg (USA) within the #29 BMW M4 GT3 for Turner Motorsport.

On Sunday, Verhagen and Tan adopted up with one other podium. The #38 BMW M4 GT3 crossed the end line in third place, which meant second within the Pro-Am class. Choksey and Auberlen completed second within the Pro class as on the day past. Foley and Rothberg rounded off the sturdy consequence for the BMW M Motorsport groups on the opening weekend in Northern California with fifth place within the Pro-Am class.

 

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TC America: Out of the beginning blocks with two double victories.

 

In TC America, BMW M Motorsport groups additionally celebrated a gala begin at Sonoma Raceway (USA). Chris Walsh (USA) from Carrus Callas Raceteam triumphed on the first cease of the season in his #104 BMW M2 CS Racing in each rounds, and Lucas Catania (USA) from Team Rigid Speed accomplished the right double 1-2 on Saturday and Sunday in his #17 BMW M2 CS Racing. His teammate Joseph Catania (USA) and Aaron Kaplan (USA) from Team Kaplan Racing System additionally secured a top-ten placement in each races.

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British GT: Season opener at Oulton Park.

 

At the season opener of the British GT Championship at Oulton Park (GBR), BMW M works driver Dan Harper and Michael Johnston (each GBR) completed ninth within the #14 BMW M4 GT3. In the second spherical, the duo from Team Century Motorsport completed thirteenth. BMW M works driver Raffaele Marciello (SUI) and John Ferguson (GBR) from Team RAM Racing secured a top-ten end with seventh place within the second spherical. The earlier day, the #15 BMW M4 GT3 needed to accept twelfth place.

With the BMW M4 GT4, there have been podium successes to have a good time. In race one, Ravi Ramyead and Charlie Robertson (each GBR) completed third within the GT4 Pro-Am class within the #71 from Century Motorsport. Their teammates Ian Gough and Tom Wrigley (each GBR) achieved the identical placement within the #29 BMW M4 GT4 within the second spherical.

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GT4 France: Podium locations on the Coupe de Pâques at Nogaro.

 

The 2024 season in GT4 France started with the normal Coupe de Pâques (Easter Cup) in Nogaro (FRA). In the primary of the 2 rounds, Debard Automobiles By Racetivity was the best-placed BMW M Motorsport staff. Simon Gachet and Carla Debard (each FRA) completed ninth general and fourth within the Pro-Am class within the #21 BMW M4 GT4. In the second spherical, there have been the primary podium locations of the yr to have a good time. Gachet and Debard have been thrilled with third place general, which additionally meant second within the Pro-Am class. Right behind them, Jim Pla and Jean-Luc Beaubelique (each FRA) completed fourth general and third within the Pro-Am classification within the #87 BMW M4 GT4 from L’Espace Bienvenue.

BMW

BMW Motorrad Motorsport welcomes OUTDO CORP as new Technical Partner within the WorldSBK undertaking.

Munich. BMW Motorrad Motorsport has a brand new Technical Partner by its aspect within the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) this season: the globally famend battery producer and energy options supplier, OUTDO CORP. This new sturdy partnership was formally introduced in the course of the WorldSBK race weekend in Barcelona (ESP). The collaboration between BMW Motorrad Motorsport and OUTDO CORP encompasses each WorldSBK groups, the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team and the Bonovo motion BMW Racing Team.

OUTDO is an revolutionary firm specializing within the analysis and growth, manufacturing, gross sales, and after-sales service of rechargeable batteries. It owns globally famend manufacturers equivalent to OUTDO, OD, LEO, and so on. For 27 years, the varied sequence of battery merchandise produced by OUTDO have been in demand in over 100 international locations worldwide, receiving excessive recognition from international companions and customers available in the market.

“We are very pleased to welcome OUTDO into our BMW Motorrad Motorsport family,” mentioned BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director Marc Bongers. “It’s great to have a Technical Partner like OUTDO by our side. As a globally renowned battery manufacturer, OUTDO brings extensive experience and leading technologies in the field of rechargeable batteries. The strong partnership with OUTDO is a significant asset to our entire WorldSBK project and helps us take the next step forward. We look forward to a successful collaboration!”

Chairman of OUTDO, Mr. Zhimin Ke, acknowledged that the company tradition and targets of OUTDO align properly with these of BMW Motorrad Motorsport: “OUTDO has always emphasized on continuous technological research and development and product innovation capabilities. OUTDO will provide excellent products and leading technical support to BMW Motorrad Motorsport, injecting new vitality into the WorldSBK championship through the strong new alliance.”

The new partnership kicked off with a profitable first official joint weekend: in Barcelona, OUTDO CORP and BMW Motorrad Motorsport celebrated collectively a pole place, two victories, and one other podium end for Toprak Razgatlioglu (TUR) and the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team.

For extra details about OUTDO CORP comply with this hyperlink:

https://www.huawei-battery.com

BMW

GT World Challenge Europe: Augusto Farfus, Dan Harper, and Max Hesse win the season opener.

Le Castellet. The breakthrough has come! ROWE Racing has given BMW M Motorsport the primary main success of the 12 months 2024 on the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS Le Castellet (FRA) season opener. Augusto Farfus (BRA), Dan Harper (GBR), and Max Hesse (GER) have been rewarded following an impressive efficiency within the #998 BMW M4 GT3 and celebrated their first victory within the extremely aggressive race collection. Starting from fifth place, the trio placed on a formidable present and crossed the end line in first place with a 13.5-second lead. In the BMW M Team WRT #46 BMW M4 GT3, Valentino Rossi (ITA), Maxime Martin (BEL), and Raffaele Marciello (SUI) additionally gave a powerful efficiency to complete fourth.

You discover post-race video interviews right here: https://b.mw/GTWC_Interviews.

The #998 BMW M4 GT3, sporting the design of BMW M Motorsport associate MultiBank Group, moved as much as third place because of a powerful begin by Farfus, and Harper put the automotive on the trail to victory with a outstanding overtaking manoeuvre on the main Lamborghini. Hesse then confidently drove to the end line, securing the fifth general victory for ROWE Racing within the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS. The sister automotive with Marco Wittmann (GER), Nick Yelloly (GBR), and Philipp Eng (AUT) additionally gave a really sturdy efficiency and was on observe for a podium end, however an issue throughout the second refuelling initially value beneficial seconds after which compelled Eng to make an extra pit cease shortly earlier than the tip of the race. That dropped the #98 BMW M4 GT3 again to twelfth place.

There have been combined emotions at BMW M Team WRT. While Rossi, Martin, and Marciello might be happy with fourth place because of a powerful remaining dash, the #32 BMW M4 GT3 was compelled to retire after an unprovoked collision for Charles Weerts (BEL) with a competitor leading to tyre harm. The Team WRT #30 BMW M4 GT3, by which BMW M works driver Jens Klingmann (GER) shared the cockpit with Ahmad Al Harthy (OMA) and Sam De Haan (GBR), completed sixth within the Bronze Cup. The #991 BMW M4 GT3 of Century Motorsport with Jake Dennis, Darren Leung, and Toby Sowery (all GBR) on the wheel was on the right track for a podium within the Bronze Cup however then retired.

Comments after the race.

 

Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “A very good start to the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS season! Congratulations to Augusto Farfus, Dan Harper, and Max Hesse as well as ROWE Racing on the victory! They did a perfect job. Many thanks to the team, the drivers, and all the BMW M Motorsport employees who contributed to this success! We had no racing luck at the beginning of this season at Daytona, Bathurst, Qatar, and Sebring. Now the knot has been untied, and I hope we can carry this momentum into the rest of the season. BMW M Team WRT also gave a strong performance with the #46 BMW M4 GT3 of Valentino Rossi, Maxime Martin, and Raffaele Marciello. The three harmonised superbly in the new setup and just narrowly missed the podium. It’s very unfortunate that there were difficulties with the ROWE Racing #98 BMW M4 GT3 and the BMW M Team WRT #32 BMW M4 GT3. We need to closely examine the refuelling issue that probably cost the ROWE Racing trio a podium place.”

Hans-Peter Naundorf (Team Principal ROWE Racing): “That was a fantastic start to the season for the team! Augusto Farfus, Dan Harper, and Max Hesse impressively showed today where the hammer hangs and how well the combination of the experienced mentor and the young guns works. Dan and Max have proved that they are first-class BMW M works drivers. All three did a perfect job, drove cleverly, and implemented the strategy superbly. The whole team has shown the mix of routine and enthusiasm needed to be at the front in this high-calibre series again this year. I feel sorry for the #98 guys, as they also did a flawless job and deserved to be on the podium. Unfortunately, there were irregularities with the fuel flow during their last pit stop which caused them to lose time first and then had to make an additional stop. Without that problem, a double podium like last year at Monza would have been possible.”

 

Augusto Farfus (#998 BMW M4 GT3, ROWE Racing, 1st place): “It is a great honour for me to share the car with these two amazing guys. This victory is for the entire team. We complemented each other very well. I had a good start and got to third place, Dan took the lead with his overtaking manoeuvre, and Max brought the victory home confidently in the last stint. I have been following the development of Dan and Max from the beginning and now share the car with real professionals.”

Dan Harper (#998 BMW M4 GT3, ROWE Racing, 1st place): “It’s a very special feeling to win the season opener after we were second last year – just fantastic! A great way to start the year together with ROWE Racing, Augusto, and Max. Many thanks to BMW M Motorsport for this opportunity! We worked incredibly well together as a team, had no problems, and all three of us were happy with the driving feel in the car.”

 

Max Hesse (#998 BMW M4 GT3, ROWE Racing, 1st place): “That was a fantastic start. This season, 20 Pro cars and some of the best GT drivers in the world are competing against each other, and to win the first race with Augusto, Dan, and ROWE Racing is something very special for me. I will remember this day for a long time.”

 

Raffaele Marciello (#46 BMW M4 GT3, BMW M Team WRT, 4th place): “Fourth place is a good result for us, bringing important points. But we can’t be completely satisfied because if another team with the BMW M4 GT3 wins the race, we should be able to do that too. Congratulations to ROWE Racing! We will prepare very well for the next race.”

 

Philipp Eng (#98 BMW M4 GT3, ROWE Racing, twelfth place): “I am very happy for our sister car. That was a grand victory. The entire team did a super job all weekend. Unfortunately, we didn’t quite have the balance we wanted in qualifying, but the car was really top for the race. It looked like a podium for a long time, if not even a 1-2 for ROWE Racing and BMW M Motorsport. Then we unfortunately had a problem with refuelling and had to stop again to make it to the finish. Nevertheless, I am very happy for my teammates.”

 

Charles Weerts (#32 BMW M4 GT3, BMW M Team WRT, DNF): “I had a good start moving up to P5, passing two cars together with Max in the #46 car, which was nice. Then there was the very aggressive Ferrari that hit me twice in one lap. Unfortunately, the second hit resulted in a puncture which basically ended our race. That’s a shame as we had a very competitive car and could have achieved a good result.”

BMW

Final preparations for the 2024 FIM EWC: BMW Motorrad Motorsport on the Pre-Test for the 24 hours of Le Mans.

Le Mans. At BMW Motorrad Motorsport, the countdown to the beginning of the 2024 season within the FIM Endurance World Championship (FIM EWC) is underway. With the two-day Pre-Test at Le Mans (FRA) this week, the ultimate section of preparations for the season opener has begun. It will happen from 18th to twenty first April on the identical venue, that includes the racing traditional 24 Heures Motos. The BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team, which is able to compete in 2024 with Markus Reiterberger (GER), Ilya Mikhalchik (UKR) and new addition Sylvain Guintoli (FRA), labored on fine-tuning the #37 BMW M 1000 RR for the 2024 season throughout the take a look at.

While the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team with Reiterberger, Mikhalchik and Guintoli competes within the highest class, Formula EWC, for total victories and the title, the Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team enters its second full season within the FIM EWC’s Superstock class. Like final 12 months, Kenny Foray (FRA), Jan Bühn (GER), and Loïc Arbel (FRA) will alternate on the #9 BMW M 1000 RR. Also current on the take a look at at Le Mans was BMW’s new addition Hannes Soomer. The 26-year-old Estonian will help each groups because the fourth rider within the upcoming season.

Additionally, two extra BMW groups from the Superstock class ready for the season opener on the take a look at. The Japanese Team Etoile is utilizing the #25 BMW M 1000 RR and Team T2C Racing from France is competing with the beginning quantity 2.

Reactions to the Pre-Test at Le Mans.

Werner Daemen, Team Manager BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team: “In the end, I think we can be very happy with the test. We know what to do for race week. For sure, not everything was perfect but it looks like we have found a good way. All three riders did a very good job so I think we are well prepared for the race in two weeks’ time and I have a good feeling.”

Sylvain Guintoli: “It was a positive test. We got a lot of work done and had all the conditions that we could get. We had rain and then dry and then rain again, so we did a lot of testing in the wet as well which was good. The pace was good in wet and dry for everybody so it’s looking good and we managed to find some interesting solutions for the setup which was the idea of these two days. We’re happy with the progress and now I’m very much looking forward to the race in two weeks’ time. Hopefully we can fight for the win; that’s the objective.”

Ilya Mikhalchik: “The test was quite tricky with the weather conditions but in the wet, we did not have a bad feeling and then in the end we had a few hours in dry conditions. That also went pretty well but we still have some work to do for the race weekend to further improve the bike. That will be our focus in the next two weeks. We are ready to fight again and will try to bring our bike to the top.”

Markus Reiterberger: “We finished the test in third place, and all three of us were within four-tenths of a second. Unfortunately, I encountered some traffic on my fast lap and couldn’t quite show my best but we are quite satisfied. We sorted out a lot and tried things during this test which is important for the race. It was also positive that we made good progress in the rain. All three of us were at or near the front in all conditions. Of course, we all need to keep working hard to achieve our goals because there’s always room for improvement. We have now identified everything, understood the new package for 2024, and the new team composition, and know which direction we need to work in to be at the front in two weeks. Many thanks to the team, and now we keep pushing!”

BMW

FIA WEC in Qatar: Challenging season opener for BMW M Motorsport and BMW M Team WRT.

Doha. BMW M Motorsport commenced the 2024 season within the FIA World Endurance Championship with the Qatar 1812 km on the Lusail International Circuit close to Doha (UAE). In the Hypercar class, BMW M Team WRT enters two BMW M Hybrid V8s. However, the debut race of the prototype within the FIA WEC introduced challenges, and each automobiles completed outdoors the highest ten after practically ten hours of racing. In distinction, the #46 BMW M4 GT3 narrowly missed the rostrum within the new LMGT3 class by just a few seconds.

The #20 BMW M Hybrid V8 concluded the season opener in twelfth place. BMW M works drivers Sheldon van der Linde (RSA), René Rast (GER), and Robin Frijns (NED) took turns behind the wheel. Their teammates Dries Vanthoor (BEL), Raffaele Marciello (SUI), and Marco Wittmann (GER) completed in sixteenth place within the #15 BMW M Hybrid V8 after the automobile required a short restore within the pitbox about an hour earlier than the tip.

The Team WRT #46 BMW M4 GT3, pushed by BMW M works drivers Valentino Rossi (ITA) and Maxime Martin (BEL), together with Ahmad Al Harthy (OMA), fought for the rostrum within the new LMGT3 class till the tip. Ultimately, the trio completed in fourth place, just some seconds behind the highest three. The #31 BMW M4 GT3 reached the end line in sixth place in school. In that automobile, BMW M works driver Augusto Farfus (BRA) shared the cockpit with Sean Gelael (INA) and Darren Leung (GBR).

The second of a complete of eight races within the FIA WEC 2024, the 6 Hours of Imola (ITA), will happen on twenty first April.

 

Reactions to the Qatar season opener:

Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “We have returned to the FIA WEC with BMW M Motorsport, and it was our first race together with BMW M Team WRT in this world championship. It certainly was not the season opener we all had wished for. I think that in the Hypercar class it quickly became apparent that we couldn’t show the necessary pace in the race. This needs to be carefully analysed now and the necessary steps must be taken to extract the maximum. In the LMGT3 class, we could still hope until the end to reach the podium with car #46. It didn’t quite happen, but we’ll try again in the next race. A solid result here satisfies us because we scored points with both cars. This is crucial in such a championship, especially in a race like in Qatar, where there are more points at stake. Very positively, in our first race together with BMW M Team WRT in FIA WEC, all procedures worked very well. We must now build on this because we aim to win races and championships.”

Vincent Vosse (BMW M Team WRT Team Principal): “It was a tough weekend. In the Hypercar class, finishing P12 and P16 is not really what we were looking for but we got a lot of data and now we have plenty of work to do. It seems like Porsche has done a brilliant job during the winter and they achieved an incredible outcome this weekend. In LMGT3 we had a solid race, with both cars and both line-ups. We had a strong race, without any mistakes, but we did not have the tools to fight for a better position. The guys in the pitlane did a really good job for their first race in FIA WEC. Finishing P4 and P6 is a good result but it’s not what we are looking for so we still have some work to do to improve.”

Sheldon van der Linde (#20 BMW M Hybrid V8, twelfth place Hypercar): “The first race of the WEC season is done. It was quite disappointing for the whole team to just miss the points in P12 with a completely clean race from outside and no real mistakes on execution. On the other hand, we have a lot more races to improve this year, with seven more events so I hope we can make some big steps on the car. We are learning a lot with BMW M Team WRT on our side and I believe that we have one of the best teams and will make significant steps. A big thanks to everyone for the hard work these last few weeks for this first race in FIA WEC and without these guys we wouldn’t be here so thank you so much.”

Raffaele Marciello (#15 BMW M Hybrid V8, sixteenth place Hypercar): “It was definitely a tough race. We learnt a lot during this weekend and we will keep learning. We will analyse everything, and we will try to do better at Imola because I believe that we have the potential to be better and that’s why we are here.”

Valentino Rossi (#46 BMW M4 GT3, 4th place LMGT3): “It’s a good start to the season as finishing P4 is quite good but it’s a shame to be so close to the podium and to not step onto it. It was a perfect race for us with no mistakes, no track limits. The guys did an amazing job in the pits as well and we just missed a little bit of speed to make it to the podium.”

 

Augusto Farfus (#31 BMW M4 GT3, sixth place LMGT3): “I think we did what we could. Unfortunately, we had that issue in the pit stop with the refuelling, which cost us some time. At least we finished, getting P6 pretty much trouble-free. Now we go from there.”

BMW

FIA WEC: BMW M Motorsport Media Guide, video interviews and preliminary impressions after the Prologue in Qatar.

Doha. Next weekend will see BMW M Motorsport return to centre stage in endurance racing on the season-opener within the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC). The BMW M Team WRT shall be racing with two BMW M Hybrid V8s within the Hypercar class on the Qatar 1812 km. A prototype from BMW M Motorsport shall be battling for total wins for the primary time in 25 years. The BMW M Motorsport Media Guide hooked up to this press launch incorporates an in depth introduction to the BMW M Hybrid V8 and the BMW M4 GT3, which shall be competing within the LMGT3 class. It additionally options all the pieces it’s essential to find out about groups, drivers, and the twentieth BMW Art Car for the 24 Hours of Le Mans (FRA) in June 2024.

 

Link to BMW M Motorsport Media Guide: https://b.mw/WEC_Media_Guide.

 

On Monday and Tuesday, the 2 BMW M Hybrid V8s and the pair of BMW M4 GT3s every accomplished round 500 check laps through the Prologue on the Lusail International Circuit (QAT) because the group supplied the absolute best preparation for the primary race on Saturday (begin time: 09:00 CET).

Reactions to the Prologue:

Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “Overall, we can be really satisfied with the Prologue. We were able to complete our testing schedule without any issues for the BMW M Hybrid V8 and for the BMW M4 GT3. We concentrated on getting the cars into the right working conditions and ticking off all the open items that we still had on our list. In the Hypercar class, it was also important for us to continue optimising the workflows between the BMW M Motorsport engineers and the BMW M Team WRT. That worked out really well. In the case of the LMGT3 crews with the new drivers, our focus was on generating great team spirit and I think that we did an excellent job there as well. I am now really looking forward to some racing after all this testing.”

Vincent Vosse (BMW M Team WRT Team Principal): “The two days of testing here in Qatar went well. We had no problems at all with the cars and the reliability was very good. The processes within the team also worked perfectly. In terms of performance, it’s still very difficult to estimate what the balance of power will be like, but it’s always like that in the run-up to a season.”

Dries Vanthoor (#15 BMW M Hybrid V8): “It feels good to finally be making a start to a race week. Testing went well for us and we were able to take a few steps in the right direction. We still have a bit of work to do on the performance, but that’s what the practice sessions are there for. All in all, things have gone according to plan so far.”

Robin Frijns (#20 BMW M Hybrid V8): “My first competitive appearance for BMW M Motorsport! The Prologue was really valuable for me personally, as I was able to chalk up plenty of kilometres and learn a lot about the car. We had no significant issues, which is very good. It is difficult to estimate where we are compared to our rivals, but I am going into my first race as a BMW M works driver with plenty of confidence.”

 

Augusto Farfus (#31 BMW M4 GT3): “The Prologue was important to help us familiarise ourselves with a new circuit, which was a lot of fun, and for getting to know the new team configuration for the FIA WEC even better. We were able to get plenty of laps under our belts and gather some valuable data that we will now analyse to ensure that we are perfectly prepared for the race weekend.”

Valentino Rossi (#46 BMW M4 GT3): “We did a good job, as I still had a lot of understeer and my tyres were overheating on the morning of day two. I wasn’t feeling too good. However, we got a grip on the balance of the car in the afternoon and I coped a lot better. I was able to complete plenty of laps and my pace was good. That was a good way to round off the testing. Now we will analyse everything to see where we are for the race weekend.”

Note to editors:

Click on the hyperlink beneath for video interviews with all BMW M Motorsport drivers within the FIA WEC: https://b.mw/WEC_driver_interviews.

BMW

DTM: Schubert Motorsport to discipline three BMW M4 GT3s in 2024 – Three DTM champions to compete in the identical workforce.

Munich. BMW M Motorsport is consolidating its forces for the 2024 DTM season. Schubert Motorsport will discipline three BMW M4 GT3s, with DTM champions René Rast (GER), Sheldon van der Linde (RSA), and Marco Wittmann (GER) on the wheel. Wittmann joins the 2022 championship successful workforce, making a trio embellished with six drivers’ titles to characterize BMW M Motorsport colors at Schubert Motorsport within the upcoming season.

 

Comments on the line-up:

Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “The DTM continues to play a very important role in our extensive racing programme for the 2024 season. We underline our commitment with a top-class line-up that boasts a total of seven DTM titles: one team title for Schubert Motorsport, three drivers’ titles for René Rast, two drivers’ titles for Marco Wittmann, and one drivers’ title for Sheldon van der Linde. By concentrating our BMW M works drivers on one team, we are pooling our strengths and creating optimal conditions to be able to play an important role in the title fight again.”

Björn Lellmann (Head of Customer Racing at BMW M Motorsport): “Three champions united in a championship team – we are going into the 2024 DTM season with a very strong set-up. In this fiercely contested championship with seven brands and a starting field of top-class international drivers and teams, our goal is to have a clear say in the title fight this year as well. We have proved that the BMW M4 GT3 is a winning and championship worthy car, and the exceptional skills of our three BMW M works drivers as well as Schubert Motorsport are beyond question. We are looking forward to the start of the first races at the end of April at Oschersleben.”

Torsten Schubert (Team Principal Schubert Motorsport): “We are looking forward to going into a season with three such prominent drivers. We want to be successful as a team and, if possible, compete for the championship with as many drivers as possible. But of course, a necessary portion of racing luck is also needed so that we can be at the front in the end. It will be a challenge, but one we are happy to face.”

René Rast (#33 BMW M4 GT3): “I know the DTM very well and feel at home in this racing series. Therefore, I am very happy to be part of it again in 2024. In my first year with the BMW M4 GT3, I learned a lot. My results were already very good in 2023, and I finished fifth in the championship even though I had to miss a race weekend. Now I want to build on my successes and be further ahead in the overall standings at the end of the season.”

Sheldon van der Linde (#31 BMW M4 GT3): “I am now going into my third year with Schubert Motorsport, and during this very successful time, they have become like a second family to me. With Marco Wittmann, we gain even more experience, which can only be good for the team. The three of us will certainly have exciting duels with each other. I think we have all the ingredients to have another strong season.”

Marco Wittmann (#11 BMW M4 GT3): “I am really looking forward to another year in the DTM in a new constellation for me as part of the Schubert team. They have caused a stir in the DTM in the past two years, especially with the title win in 2022. I hope that I can achieve further successes for the team together with René Rast and Sheldon van der Linde. For me personally, the move to Schubert Motorsport means that, after two difficult seasons, things will hopefully be on the up again. I am highly motivated to give my all for the team and BMW M Motorsport.”

BMW

P3 for Toprak Razgatlioglu: BMW Motorrad Motorsport kicks off the 2024 WorldSBK season with a podium.

Phillip Island. Toprak Razgatlioglu (TUR), the brand new addition to the BMW Motorrad Motorsport WorldSBK manufacturing facility rider lineup, achieved his first podium end with the BMW M 1000 RR throughout his debut weekend on the bike. The ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team rider secured third place within the Superpole Race on the Phillip Island (AUS) season opener. However, a technical difficulty within the second predominant race prevented one other success. His teammate Michael van der Mark (NED) and Garrett Gerloff (USA) from the Bonovo motion BMW Racing Team each secured high ten leads to each predominant races.

 

In the primary predominant race on Saturday afternoon, carried out as a flag-to-flag race with a compulsory pit cease, the BMW riders gave a robust efficiency. All 4 BMW M 1000 RRs completed throughout the high ten. Razgatlioglu began from fifth place and crossed the end line in fourth. Van der Mark superior from sixteenth on the grid to seventh, Gerloff climbed from 14th to ninth, and Scott Redding (GBR / Bonovo motion BMW Racing Team), beginning nineteenth, completed in tenth. However, each Razgatlioglu and Redding obtained time penalties for leaving the pit lane a fraction of a second too early after their pit stops, leading to every being demoted by one place.

The Superpole Race on Sunday morning introduced the primary podium of the season for the BMW M 1000 RR. Starting from fifth, Razgatlioglu instantly joined the battle for the lead. After ten laps, he completed the dash race within the celebrated third place. Gerloff completed thirteenth, van der Mark sixteenth, and Redding seventeenth.

The second predominant race late on Sunday afternoon needed to be postponed by over an hour as a consequence of a grimy monitor. Starting from third, Razgatlioglu as soon as once more fought within the main group, however an engine difficulty ended his race after a number of laps. Shortly after, the race was pink–flagged as a consequence of an accident in one other flip. After the re-start, eleven laps had been accomplished with out necessary pit stops. Gerloff secured one other strong outcome, ending eighth, van der Mark was ninth, and Redding crossed the road in seventeenth.

The second spherical of the 2024 WorldSBK season will happen from twenty second to twenty fourth March at Barcelona (ESP).

 

Reactions to the season opener at Phillip Island.

 

Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director: “It has been a very eventful week. It started with non-existent tyres, then the tyres didn’t last, and on top of that, we had changing weather conditions with rain on Friday. But the fact is, we were always competitive, in every session, especially with Toprak. In the first race, a small mistake occurred that dropped us from fourth to fifth. Mickey gave a strong performance, moving up from 16th to seventh, and he lost only a little to Toprak. Garrett and Scott also made it into the top ten. In the Superpole Race, Toprak rode an excellent race and finished in third place. For the other three, it was unfortunately challenging when starting from so far back in such a competitive field. Toprak’s engine failure in the second main race was very, very frustrating. We now need to analyse what the cause was. Mickey and Garrett were able to secure good results once again with eighth and ninth places, just a few seconds behind the winner. Overall, we were clearly performing better than in past years. Now, we need to wait for the first European races to truly assess where we stand but we haven’t been this strong on Phillip Island in a long time. Therefore, the conclusion is: satisfied.”

 

Toprak Razgatlioglu, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team (SP: 5 / R01: 5 / SP Race: 3 / R02: DNF): “In general, I would say that I am 50 percent happy and 50 percent not. The goal was to make it to the podium which we did in the Superpole Race, but in the second main race, I was really ready to fight for the win because we also had improved the bike and I felt really good but then we had the engine problem. This is racing and it has been the first race weekend of the season. At Barcelona, we need to come back very strong. We have learned a lot in the races, we gathered a lot of data and this is important for our work. Next up is Barcelona, a hard circuit like here. We will see how it goes there and then we go to Assen and more circuits where we normally should be stronger then here. Overall, the start was not bad, especially the Superpole Race. I think that we will get there step by step. We will be testing at Barcelona before the race weekend and I think that we will focus on race pace because that is very important there. We need to find a good setup for the main races.”

Michael van der Mark, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team (SP: 16 / R01: 7 / SP Race: 16 / R02: 9): “I think overall the weekend wasn’t too bad. I just messed it up in Superpole. Yesterday I had a good race with some good passes and a good result in the end. In this morning’s sprint race we tried something different with the bike which felt good in warm up but when the temperature went up in the Superpole Race I just did not have the same feeling. It was tough, I could not recover any places so I had to start race two from 16th again. In that race, I had a good start, strong first couple of laps, I stayed out of trouble and was riding in eighth when the red flag came out. I re-started from P8 but we had seen that I had some issue with the tyre after five laps before the red flag came. Then we had an 11-lap sprint and I just did not know how to manage the tyre. If I had pushed like in the first part of the race I was not sure if I would be going to make it. So mixed feelings but got some good points at the end. And I think the best thing for us is to see how big the improvement is BMW has made. It’s fantastic to see Toprak on the podium this morning. I think that the start of the season gave the whole team a big confidence boost.”

 

Garrett Gerloff, Bonovo motion BMW Racing Team (SP: 14 / R01: 9 / SP Race: 13 / R02: 8): “It was a sinking ship on Tuesday and Friday, but luckily we didn’t completely drown. It wasn’t the best weekend, but it could have been a lot worse for sure. Overall, to have two top-ten in the main races is quite a decent way to start the season. It’s definitely a better way than we started last year where we were barely inside the top 15. I feel good on the bike. The competition is so strong, I can’t believe how fast everybody’s going. That’s definitely not making it easy. But we are figuring ourselves out, making progress. I’m looking forward to my home race coming up in a couple of weeks; testing first and then Barcelona, let’s go.”

 

Scott Redding, Bonovo motion BMW Racing Team (SP: 19 / R01: 11 / SP Race: 17 / R02: P17): “It was a difficult weekend. I think we went the wrong way setting up the bike, I couldn’t improve the lap time like the other guys and go fast. It was a strange week throughout the test here as well with the weather changing a lot, track grip changing a lot and I think we just got caught in the wrong way to go with the bike. We go to Barcelona. Hopefully we can improve, because the bike is showing potential. We’ll restart at Barcelona.”

Motorsport

Official 24 Hours Of Le Mans Game, Le Mans Ultimate, Available Today

Editor’s be aware: Motorsport Games just isn’t affiliated with the Motorsport Network.

  • Official sport of FIA World Endurance Championship and 24 Hours of Le Mans
  • Registrations of curiosity break goal numbers forward of extremely anticipated international launch of latest sport
  • Internally developed title leverages RaceManagement, Motorsport Games’ Online Service platform to ship full product-to-play ecosystem

MIAMI, Feb. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – Le Mans Ultimate, the official sport of the FIA World Endurance Championship, and 24 Hours of Le Mans (ACO), goes on sale in Early Access immediately. The sport is the primary formally licensed and devoted 24 Hours of Le Mans online game for over twenty years, created by Motorsport Games Inc. (NASDAQ:MSGM) (“Motorsport Games”) growth staff, Studio 397. The adrenaline buzz of having the ability to drive all of the automobiles and circuits from the celebrated Le Mans Centenary 12 months in 2023 is now accessible to motorsport followers and avid gamers the world over.

Developed with intensive producer assist, together with detailed collaboration with Ferrari on the Le Mans Centenary successful 499, to make the included automobiles as sensible as doable. With improved realism, dealing with, and graphics – all Hypercars, LMP2, and GTE-Am fashions from iconic producers corresponding to Porsche, Ferrari, and Aston Martin function within the PC-based sport, constructed upon Studio 397’s personal physics know-how, additional superior for this launch. Players will expertise the fun of driving at circuits featured within the 2023 FIA WEC: Sebring (USA), Portimão (Portugal), Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium), Monza (Italy), Fuji (Japan), Bahrain and the legendary Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans (France). All are recreated with the utmost accuracy, using laser-scan knowledge to seize each element.

“This is a significant milestone for a business we have worked to transform and give focus to over the last several months,” enthused Stephen Hood, CEO of Motorsport Games. “Studio 397 are recognized as one of the very best technology teams in the business. From powering bespoke racing simulators used within F1® Arcade, for Formula 1 using our Factor 2 platform to the launch of Le Mans Ultimate, the first officially licensed Le Mans game in over twenty years, Studio 397 can now proudly call themselves a complete game development studio. The simplification of our business to focus on game, technology, and platform provides complete ownership of an ecosystem rarely found at a company of our size. This will help realize our vision for how community will transform the experience of enjoying racing and driving games and dovetails nicely with plans for our Le Mans Virtual Series, the record-breaking esports property which last attained over 10 million views.”

“Finally, I’m pleased to say our partnership with the ACO has today been reaffirmed and at a wonderful time with the 24 Hours of Le Mans and World Endurance Championship enjoying incredible attention. Our immediate focus is now on continued development and expansion of Le Mans Ultimate to provide gamers with a world-class entertainment experience.”

The 24 Hours of Le Mans and World Endurance Championship is at present present process a renaissance with renewed curiosity due to the brand new Hypercar equipment. Last 12 months over 113 million viewers throughout 196 international locations watched the occasion throughout all platforms, as recorded by YouGov Sport, a rise of two.5 instances greater than the earlier 12 months. It is predicted the curiosity will develop as much more prestigious opponents corresponding to BMW and Lamborghini be part of the grid in 2024, which offers a wealthy and interesting content material roadmap for future sport updates.

Motorsport and sim racing followers alike can begin their endurance racing expertise in two methods on day one – providing the right mix of offline and on-line racing pleasure. Regular on-line occasions, powered by the most recent model of our RaceManagement service, which allows a multiplayer service that scales to probably 1000’s of concurrent customers, having exceeded effectively over 33,000 registrations already thus far in rFactor 2, and plenty of extra anticipated in Le Mans Ultimate. The service offers the chance for multiplayer participation in ranked Daily, Weekly, and Special Events that pair drivers with these equally ranked for the perfect expertise. Races run recurrently all through the day, offering an accessible, enjoyable atmosphere for gamers of all skills.

Single Player mode Race Weekend will provide the prospect for gamers to check drive the subtle equipment and study the circuits forward of customizable race occasions. Striving for final realism, customers will be capable of regulate the time of day for day/evening transitions, session period, and climate circumstances earlier than racing in opposition to aggressive AI drivers.

Supporting the sport early permits gamers quick entry to the sport and the flexibility to offer suggestions all through its journey, serving to contribute to future growth priorities. Game growth will probably be a collaborative course of, with Le Mans Ultimate offering common updates on the construct of the sport, fixes, options, content material growth, and high quality of life updates.

These updates will type a part of the preliminary day-one worth providing and can see incremental worth will increase for brand spanking new purchasers all through the latter phases of the Early Access interval.

For additional data on Le Mans Ultimate go to www.lemansultimate.com or the sport’s social media channels @LeMansUltimate. You can now buy Le Mans Ultimate by the Steam retailer web page. Strap your self in, and fireplace up Le Mans Ultimate: https://bit.ly/LeMansUltimateOnSteam

About Motorsport Games:

Motorsport Games, a Driven Lifestyle Group firm, is a racing sport developer, writer, and esports ecosystem supplier of official motorsport racing sequence all through the world. Combining modern and interesting video video games with thrilling esports competitions and content material for racing followers and avid gamers, Motorsport Games strives to make racing video games which are authentically near actuality. The Company is the formally licensed online game developer and writer for iconic motorsport racing sequence together with the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Motorsport Games additionally owns the industry-leading rFactor 2 and KartKraft simulation platforms. rFactor 2 additionally serves because the official sim racing platform of Formula E, whereas additionally powering F1 Arcade by a partnership with Kindred Concepts. Motorsport Games can also be an award-winning esports associate of selection for the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Formula E. Motorsport Games is constructing a digital racing ecosystem the place every product drives pleasure, each esports occasion is an journey, and each race conjures up.

BMW

Curtains up in Phillip Island: BMW Motorrad Motorsport kicks off the 2024 WorldSBK in Australia.

Phillip Island. The ready time is over. BMW Motorrad Motorsport and its two WorldSBK groups are set to start the 2024 season of the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) this coming weekend (twenty third to twenty fifth February). The ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team options new addition Toprak Razgatlioglu (TUR) as the brand new teammate of Michael van der Mark (NED). Scott Redding (GBR) has switched throughout the BMW household to the Bonovo motion BMW Racing Team because the teammate of Garrett Gerloff (USA). Once once more, the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit southeast of Melbourne (AUS) hosts the season opener.

 

To conclude the season preparation, each groups and the 4 manufacturing unit riders had a take a look at day on Tuesday. This was utilised for fine-tuning the BMW M 1000 RR Superbikes for the primary race weekend of the yr. Additionally, evaluation was performed on how the brand new asphalt of the Phillip Island monitor impacts the setup.

The first free practices will happen on Friday. Superpole and race one will observe on Saturday, with the Superpole Race and race two scheduled for Sunday.

 

Quotes forward of the Phillip Island spherical.

Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director: “The final results of the test day are a bit difficult to assess. The last minutes of the test felt like a qualifying session, but we were consistently up front throughout. That was very encouraging. I believe that in race trim, Michael, Scott, and Garrett will be further up the grid than they are now in the test rankings. Additionally, Garrett faced setbacks due to a few technical issues. Making a prediction for the race is extremely difficult because we definitely have issues with the tyres. We simply can’t sustain them over the race distance. This is not unique to us; it’s a challenge for our competitors as well. There will be discussions with Pirelli in the next couple of days. I don’t anticipate completing the full race distance; there might even be a flag-to-flag race. Since the decision is pending, no predictions can be made. It could either be a highly strategic, tyre-preserving race, or there might be two consecutive sprint races. Overall, it’s gratifying that this is the third consecutive test where we are at the forefront. Our package is working, and I expect strong results without providing a precise prediction.”

Toprak Razgatlioglu (#54 BMW M 1000 RR, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team): “I have to admit that I was really scared before I came here because this is not a track that suits my style. In addition, it was the first time for me to ride here with the BMW M 1000 RR. But I tried to do my best in every session. On this track, you need more grip to ride the bike. The old surface did not offer so much grip but on the new one, I was feeling too much grip and the bike was feeling really good. It was working really well and we made a very good lap time with the SC0 tyre. In general, the bike is working really well with the SC1 tyre and we found a very good set-up. I am happy, but that was just testing and in the last ten minutes, everyone pushed for good lap times, including me. We did a very good one, we finished in P1. This is good but I am focused on the race because I am working for the race and we will see. It looks like it could be a flag-to-flag race because the tyre is destroyed after ten laps, but we will see – in general, I am happy!”

Scott Redding (#45 BMW M 1000 RR, Bonovo motion BMW Racing Team): “I am happy that obviously we were able to get the tyres here and actually do some testing because the track surface is quite a lot different so it was good for us to see what is the limit of the tyres, which is quite complicated for everybody at the moment. I’m sure Pirelli and WorldSBK will do the best job they can to make it good for the race weekend. From my side, I enjoy the circuit now with this surface. I really love this track but last year with the track surface and the tyres it was not enjoyable, it was quite scary, but now you can relax and really enjoy the track, which is nice. We did not try too many things, we just worked on bike set-up for me to get confidence and feeling. That was the main goal, just to try and enjoy the bike which I am doing much more now. I am happy. I feel that we’ve got a good enough base that we can fine tune in the race weekend. Now we will go into the first round and see how it goes.”

Michael van der Mark (#60 BMW M 1000 RR, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team): “It was nice to finally get out on track here. It is always great to ride this track. I am really enjoying it. The new surface gives a lot of grip and we feel also that the bike has improved a lot over the year. Our main focus was to work on the basis of the bike which is very good. Now Phillip Island is all about tyre life so we tried to find some solution to make the tyre last. It’s not’s easy but we are working on it. At the end of the day I tried to push for a time attack but I had a red flag on my lap. The final position in the standings is not where we want to be but we were on a good lap. I am looking forward to the race weekend, I think that we are quite strong and as I said, it is all about managing the tyres and that what is we have to do.”

Garrett Gerloff (#31 BMW M 1000 RR, Bonovo motion BMW Racing Team): “I was really looking forward to ride here around Phillip Island but it has been a tough final test day for us. We had some technical issues that cost us a lot of time and we could not use the test as we had planned. It’s frustrating when you have to sit in the garage while the others are doing their laps, but better we have these issues now and can solve them than if they come at the race weekend. Now we have a couple more days to work and prepare and then we are ready to kick off the season. We have seen that the BMW M 1000 RR can be fast here at Phillip Island, and that makes me confident that we can be back stronger on Friday when we open the weekend with FP1.”