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BMW

FIA WEC at Spa-Francorchamps, IMSA at Laguna Seca: Second consecutive double-header weekend.

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Spa-Francorchamps/Laguna Seca. For the second consecutive time, BMW M Motorsport is dealing with a double-header race weekend within the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IMSA Series). At Spa-Francorchamps (BEL), Belgian BMW M Team WRT will compete with two BMW M Hybrid V8s and two BMW M4 GT3s in its residence race within the FIA WEC. At Laguna Seca (USA), the fourth IMSA race of the 12 months is on the schedule. BMW M Team RLL will enter two BMW M Hybrid V8s within the race. Paul Miller Racing and Turner Motorsport will begin with the BMW M4 GT3 within the GTD lessons.

 

FIA WEC: Home race for BMW M Team WRT in Belgium.

After the house race comes one other residence race. After BMW M works driver Valentino Rossi (ITA) lately thrilled Italian followers at Imola (ITA), it’s now his group’s flip. At Spa-Francorchamps, BMW M Team WRT tries to proceed the clear upward development within the FIA WEC in entrance of the Belgian residence crowd. After sixth place for Robin Frijns (NED), René Rast (GER), and Sheldon van der Linde (RSA) with the #20 BMW M Hybrid V8 at Imola, the purpose is to additional set up themselves within the main group among the many hypercars within the third race for the reason that comeback. Raffaele Marciello (SUI), Dries Vanthoor (BEL), and Marco Wittmann (GER) will compete within the sister #15 automobile.

In the LMGT3 class, there was a incredible one-two end result for the 2 BMW M4 GT3s to have fun at Imola. Augusto Farfus (BRA), Sean Gelael (INA), and Darren Leung (GBR) achieved the primary victory for a BMW M Motorsport automobile within the historical past of the FIA WEC within the #31 BMW M4 GT3. Second place at his residence race went to Rossi, who shared the cockpit of the #46 BMW M4 GT3 with Maxime Martin (BEL) and Ahmad Al Harthy (OMA). Both crews now compete at Spa-Francorchamps to assault for the rostrum locations once more and gather extra factors on the earth championship. Victory on the 24-hour race in 2023 proved that the course is sweet for the BMW M4 GT3.

The race at Spa-Francorchamps begins on Saturday at 13:00 CEST.

 

IMSA Series: BMW M Team RLL goals for the primary podium of the season.

The fourth race weekend of the IMSA season takes place on the spectacular observe at California’s Laguna Seca. BMW M Team RLL has proven robust tempo with the 2 BMW M Hybrid V8s thus far this season however remains to be ready for the primary podium end. That is the purpose for Philipp Eng (AUT) and Jesse Krohn (FIN) within the #24 BMW M Hybrid V8 in addition to Connor De Phillippi (USA) and Nick Yelloly (GBR) in automobile #25.

A particular weekend awaits Turner Motorsport. Team Principal Will Turner’s squad is competing in its 557th race for BMW and is thus the BMW M Motorsport buyer group with essentially the most race entries. In honour of this milestone, the BMW M4 GT3 will carry begin quantity 557 as an alternative of the standard 96. Since 1998, Turner Motorsport has solely competed with BMW racing vehicles and has achieved quite a few prestigious victories and titles. In the GTD-Pro class, Paul Miller Racing will subject the #1 BMW M4 GT3 with BMW M works driver Madison Snow and Bryan Sellers (each USA) at Laguna Seca.

The race on the WeatherTech Raceway begins on Sunday at 21:10 CEST (12:10 native time) and lasts 2:40 hours.

 

Comments earlier than the races at Spa-Francorchamps and Laguna Seca:

 

Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “We go into the third race of the FIA WEC season positively after the steps we made at Imola. In Italy, we not only celebrated the fantastic one-two result in the LMGT3 class but also saw a clear upward trend with our hypercars. We have tested at Spa-Francorchamps and want to continue the positive trend at BMW M Team WRT’s home race. In the IMSA Series, the goal is clear. We want to convert the consistently good performance of the BMW M Hybrid V8 this season into corresponding results. In the GTD class, it will be a very special weekend for Turner Motorsport. Congratulations on the 557th start in a BMW racing car and at the same time a big thank you for the decades-long loyalty to our brand. It is always a pleasure and a lot of fun to work with Will Turner and his very professional crew. The long list of victories and titles speaks for itself. Turner Motorsport is an indispensable part of BMW M Motorsport’s racing programme in North America. I hope it will stay that way for many more years!”

 

Vincent Vosse (Team Principal BMW M Team WRT): “After a good weekend at Imola, where we made a clear step forward with our hypercars and celebrated a fantastic one-two result in the LMGT3 class, we are now looking forward to our home race in the FIA WEC. The course traditionally suits the BMW M4 GT3 well, so we should be well positioned again in the LMGT3 category. For the hypercars, it’s about taking one step at a time. Hopefully, we can make the next step in front of our home fans.”

 

Dries Vanthoor (BMW M Team WRT, #15 BMW M Hybrid V8): “I am really looking forward to the home race for the team and also for me personally. There will be many fans, but also friends and family on site. We have tested again with the BMW M Hybrid V8 at Spa-Francorchamps and hopefully made further progress that we can show on the race weekend.”

 

Augusto Farfus (Team WRT, #31 BMW M4 GT3): “We want to take the momentum from our victory at Imola to Spa-Francorchamps and finish the first third of the season on a high before the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The goal is to continue on the good path we have taken and score many points for the world championship.”

 

Connor De Phillippi (BMW M Team RLL, #25 BMW M Hybrid V8): “I can’t wait to race at the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. It’s the track where I had my very first racing experiences, and I have many fond memories of this place. We had a good test on the freshly paved track a few weeks ago. I think the race will be very exciting, especially in terms of strategy.”

BMW

BMW is associate of Gallery Weekend Berlin 2024. New movies develop collectively initiated “Studio Visit” collection.

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Munich/Berlin. From April 26 – 28, Gallery Weekend Berlin presents its twentieth version – unfold throughout 69 places with works by greater than 100 worldwide artists. The 55 taking part galleries will showcase the range and high quality of Berlin’s gallery panorama with top-class exhibitions by each younger and established artists. The BMW Group Cultural Engagement has been supporting Gallery Weekend Berlin as principal associate since 2013. Together with Gallery Weekend Berlin, BMW is continuous the “Studio Visit” video collection this 12 months, assembly Berlin-based artists of their studios.

As a part of the collectively initiated collection, artists working in Berlin open the doorways to their studios. This 12 months, Julius von Bismark and Trisha Baga present insights into their on a regular basis creative lives and add to the portfolio of the constantly rising collection. Aziz Hazara, Anne Duk Hee Jordan, Sophie Reinhold, Josefine Reisch and Farkhondeh Shahroudi, who’re additionally represented by taking part galleries of Gallery Weekend, have already been hosts of “Studio Visit”. The video collection may be adopted on gallery-weekend-berlin.de and the BMW Group Culture YouTube channel.

Antonia Ruder, Director Gallery Weekend Berlin, says: “We are delighted to be celebrating the 20th anniversary of Gallery Weekend Berlin with BMW as our long-standing partner. What began as a private initiative by a small group of Berlin gallery owners in 2005 is now a unique network of 55 galleries that invites visitors to a joint tour every spring. Guests travelling from all over the world can be sure that they will continue to see exciting, diverse and first-class exhibitions by established and emerging artists.”

Gallery Weekend Berlin permits guests the chance to get to know new names or deepen present passions. The exhibitions curated for Gallery Weekend by the taking part galleries will open on Friday, April 26, from 6 to 9 pm in every gallery. All Berlin and worldwide friends are additionally invited to go to the galleries on Saturday 27 and Sunday April 28 (Saturday 11 am to 7 pm, Sunday 11 am to six pm).

Save the Date
Press Preview: Wednesday, April 24, 10 am
Director Antonia Ruder will give a digital welcome and brief introduction to this 12 months’s Gallery Weekend Berlin. Click here to get to the occasion.

Further info and pictures of the taking part galleries and artists may be discovered within the Gallery Weekend Berlin press area (password: kunst).

In addition to the Gallery Weekend, the BMW Group’s long-term dedication to the capital additionally contains the Preis der Nationalgalerie. The related exhibition opens on June 7, 2024 at Hamburger Bahnhof – Nationalgalerie der Gegenwart. In addition to its in depth dedication to the visible arts, BMW cooperates with the Staatsoper Unter den Linden and invitations to the standard open-air format Staatsoper für alle on July 12, 2024 at Bebelplatz.

The BMW Group’s Cultural Engagement, with unique updates and deeper insights into its international initiatives may be adopted on Instagram at @BMWGroupCulture.

BMW

Victory and podiums for the BMW M 1000 RR in WorldSBK and FIM EWC: Successful Super Weekend for BMW Motorrad Motorsport at Assen and Le Mans.

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Assen / Le Mans. Two World Championship occasions with the BMW M 1000 RR in a single weekend – and far celebration at BMW Motorrad Motorsport on a very ‘Super Weekend’. At the third spherical of the 2024 FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) at Assen (NED), Toprak Razgatlioglu (TUR) and the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team celebrated a sensational victory within the second primary race on Sunday after ending second on Saturday. In the FIM Endurance World Championship, the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team began the 2024 season with a second-place end on the Le Mans (FRA) 24 Heures Motos.

 

WorldSBK at Assen.

At the WorldSBK occasion at Assen, Razgatlioglu was heading in the right direction for victory within the first primary race on Saturday. In extraordinarily changeable circumstances, ranging from third place, he was on his solution to taking the lead when the race was red-flagged, thus ending second on the rostrum. A difficult Superpole race on Sunday morning didn’t deter him. Razgatlioglu completed ninth and needed to begin the second race within the afternoon from that place. However, ‘El Turco’ charged by way of the sector and took the lead for the primary time on the eighth lap. In the ultimate levels, he secured the highest spot definitively, thus incomes Razgatlioglu his third victory with the BMW M 1000 RR following the successes at Barcelona (ESP). After Assen, he’s in second place within the championship standings.

Razgatlioglu’s teammate Michael van der Mark (NED) additionally fought for podium positions at his Assen dwelling race. Starting from thirteenth place, he completed seventh within the shortened first race. In the Superpole race, he was the most effective BMW rider, ending eighth. In the second primary race, van der Mark was among the many contenders within the main group earlier than ending sixth. Due to a penalty, he was categorised as ninth. In the Bonovo motion BMW Racing Team, Scott Redding (GBR) secured two top-ten finishes, eighth in race one and tenth within the Superpole race. The finest consequence for his teammate Garrett Gerloff (USA) was eleventh place within the Superpole race, adopted by twelfth place in race two.

FIM EWC at Le Mans.

The well-known 24 Heures Motos at Le Mans marked the opening spherical of the 2024 FIM EWC. The BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team, led by Team Manager Werner Daemen (BEL), made a powerful begin to the brand new season with the #37 BMW M 1000 RR. The three common riders, Markus Reiterberger (GER), Ilya Mikhalchik (UKR), and Sylvain Guintoli (FRA), secured second place on the rostrum. The trio began the twice-around-the-clock marathon from fifth place. With flawless performances from the riders and the crew’s glorious work within the pit, the #37 shortly climbed into the rostrum positions and was already in second place on Saturday after just a few hours of racing. The crew maintained this place till the end on Sunday afternoon.

In the FIM EWC Superstock class, the Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team fought for its second Le Mans victory with the #9 BMW M 1000 RR. Starting from second place in school, Kenny Foray (FRA), Jan Bühn (GER), Loïc Arbel (FRA), and Hannes Soomer (EST) had been briefly within the lead. After a crash in the course of the evening, they labored their manner again as much as fourth place in school, nevertheless attributable to a technical subject, the #9 bike retired prematurely.

Reactions after the race weekend.

 

Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director: “I’m extraordinarily glad – it has been an excellent weekend. Of course, I may solely partly observe Le Mans from Assen, however I watched it till 1 a.m. on Saturday evening and from 6 a.m. on Sunday morning. It’s nice that the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team secured P2 there. We had been additionally a bit fortunate with points at different groups, however that’s additionally a part of a 24-hour race. After ending third final 12 months and second this 12 months, you possibly can think about what the purpose is for subsequent 12 months. It has been a fantastic begin to the FIM EWC 2024.

Here at Assen, it was my dwelling race and a mega occasion for me personally. The many followers, together with the numerous Turkish followers, created a improbable environment. On Saturday, we had been disillusioned to not have a win within the first primary race as a result of we had been very shut nevertheless it confirmed that now we have the tempo to make it. The Superpole Race was barely disappointing; all 4 BMWs had tyre points, leading to positions eight to eleven, however we made up for it within the second primary race. It was a fantastic battle on the entrance with seven or eight bikes inside a second, and Toprak and Mickey proper in the course of it. In the tip, we celebrated one other victory with Toprak and at the moment are additionally within the prime group of the championship. Mickey’s sixth place was sturdy too, although he was sadly moved again. We noticed that the bike has the efficiency, not solely with Toprak, although he squeezes out that further bit. We take these constructive boosts with us.”

Toprak Razgatlioglu, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team (SP: 3 / R01: 2 / SP Race: 9 / R02: 1): “I am very happy. We did a very good job this weekend, especially in race two. It was not easy to take the win but in every lap I pushed hard. Everyone was working so hard this weekend and we finally won in race two. It was my first victory at Assen in the Superbike class, and also the first win here for BMW so I am very happy. It was not really important that I started from P9 because if you are really fast this is not a problem. The only problem was that after the first corner, Alex Lowes almost crashed and I closed the gas. After that, I tried to pass all the riders step by step. I felt confident and especially after ten laps I had very good pace. When the rain came, I just closed the gas because I did not want to take a risk. I just followed Alvaro Bautista who is more experienced than me. Then I started to push again. I wanted to win this weekend and I did.”

Michael van der Mark, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team (SP: 13 / R01: 7 / SP Race: 8 / R02: 9): “I think we should be quite happy with the results this weekend. This morning in the Superpole race, the goal was to be in the top nine and we managed to do it so we had a better start position for race two. I then had a good start and gained some places straight away. I had good pace and the top group was just in front of me. At some point it started raining again in the middle sector. We had some really nice battles and it was great to fight with the guys in front. I struggled a bit at the end of the race with the riding style and fell back a bit into my old habit. I tried to push too hard to follow the guys. Then at the end I got a time penalty. It was a shame to lose P6 but it is what it is. If you look back on the weekend we showed that we are strong. It was also fantastic to see Toprak taking another win today so I am pretty sure that soon we will have two BMWs on the podium.”

Scott Redding, Bonovo motion BMW Racing Team (SP: 15 / R01: 8 / SP Race: 10 / R02: DNF): “The warm up was very cold, but the Superpole Race was pretty good. I managed to find a better feeling again from yesterday which was the goal. It was a lot to play for with the tyres. Everyone went more or less with the same tyre, but it was dropping a lot. We could see that with the lap times and the performance of everyone but I actually felt quite good. The changes we made from yesterday to today were positive so going into race two I had a bit more confidence. I felt ready for the race. My start was ok, but I was stuck a little bit with two guys, struggling to pass them but then while braking into the last corner I lost the front, which I was a bit upset about because I felt I had good pace today for another top-ten or maybe even more. I’m just upset with that. I want to apologize to the team, they’ve been great. We’ll come back for Misano and try again.”

Garrett Gerloff, Bonovo motion BMW Racing Team (SP: 17 / R01: 16 / SP Race: 11 / R02: 12): “Today was better than yesterday. It was nice to just be higher up the order but I’m still so far back it’s getting frustrating. I’m trying different solutions to the things we’re struggling with, but it hasn’t been very clear. I’m pushing but it’s not coming yet. We just have to keep working and see if we can make some improvements for the next race.”

Werner Daemen, Team Manager BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team: “I am very proud that we finished in second place. All three riders made a tremendous job. Nobody crashed, we had some difficulties in the night when it was very cold but all three riders coped with the conditions and I am very proud of them. They went for it over the entire week, worked together well and we had a very good atmosphere in the team. We showed that we are a strong team and I think that the second place is just the start of a fantastic season. I am hundred percent sure that we can fight for the victory in Spa, Suzuka and Le Castellet.”

Sylvain Guintoli, BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team (2nd place 24 Heures Motos): “It was a good weekend. In the end we finished second and we have to be happy with that. We’ve learned a lot and it has been my first experience with the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team with Markus and Ilya. It has been a good experience. It’s a bit of a shame that we didn’t win because we wanted to bring it home but I’m sure that all the experience gained during this weekend and this race, which was pretty tough, will help us to get better in the future. It’s a good base to build on for the rest of the season.”

Markus Reiterberger, BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team (2nd place 24 Heures Motos): “We are very satisfied with the second place. Of course, we would have liked to win, but in such a tough, long race, with so much happening, so many crashes and mistakes, we did quite well. We had good pace, and especially at night, we were very fast when it was really cold. It was a real challenge due to the cold and tricky conditions. Thanks to the team and my teammates who gave it their all. I believe we have shown that we can be contenders in the World Championship. We also know where we need to make adjustments to get even better. Overall, it was a successful weekend with the second place at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.”

Ilya Mikhalchik, BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team (2nd place Heures Motos): “I am really happy about the result. It has been a very difficult race, especially in the night stints when it was almost zero degrees outside. It was a bit cold to ride the bike and the conditions were tricky but even then our bike performances really well, the tyres were working well and everything was okay. We were fighting for the podium places and in the end we got P2 so for sure we are happy. Thanks to the entire crew who worked through all the night and especially thanks to my team-mates who were really fast and did their best in all the stints, no matter what the conditions were.”

DSAutomobile

JEAN-ÉRIC VERGNE IS THE NEW RECORD-HOLDER FOR POINTS SCORED IN FORMULA E

  • Last weekend, Jean-Eric Vergne grew to become the brand new record-holder for the best variety of factors scored within the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship

 

  • The solely two-time champion within the historical past of Formula E has scored 34 podiums, 11 wins, 15 pole positions and a report 1,047 factors all through his profession within the all-electric collection

 

  • The Frenchman, a model ambassador for DS Automobiles, now writes his personal chapter in Formula E historical past

 

Jean-Eric Vergne has set a brand new report. By selecting up 14 helpful factors in the course of the Misano E Prix on 13-14 April, JEV is now the driving force who has scored probably the most factors – 1,047 – within the historical past of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

 

Jean-Eric Vergne has been on the forefront of Formula E since beginning his profession within the all-electric collection again in 2014, because of his efficiency and consistency. The Frenchman is the one Formula E two-time champion, claiming his titles in 2018 and 2019, and has additionally significantly contributed to the 2 constructors’ titles gained by DS Automobiles in 2019 and 2020: the model for which he’s a world ambassador.

 

Up to at present, Jean-Eric Vergne has 121 races, 34 podiums, 11 victories, 15 pole positions and two driver titles to his identify. An distinctive report of feat, sealed partly with the French constructor, along with a group of engineers who’ve been round him for a number of years.

 

Driving the quantity 25 DS E-TENSE FE23 developed by DS Performance for the DS PENSKE group, Jean-Éric Vergne is an everyday star on the E-Prix calendar everywhere in the world, and a key contributor to the fame of the DS Automobiles model.

 

Round eight of Season 10 of the ABB FIA Formula E championship will happen in Monaco on April 27.

 

 

Eugenio Franzetti, DS Performance Director:

 

“JEV is a truly great champion! The numbers sum it all up: two titles, 34 podiums, 11 wins, 15 pole positions, and now this extraordinary record of points. It’s a privilege for us to have shared so much success with him. JEV is an extremely talented individual and a very hard worker who always desires to go one better and constantly aims for this goal. His way of thinking has always been very useful to us as a team, as it helps us make progress. Furthermore, our DS Automobiles brand ambassador brings motorsport experience to all the engineers who work on the road cars of today and tomorrow. His dedication and expertise are a huge asset for the marque.”

 

 

Jean-Eric Vergne, 2018 and 2019 Formula E Champion:

 

”I’m clearly very pleased to have this report and to have collected all these factors, because it’s a reminder of how far I’ve come since making my debut in Formula E. Now, what pursuits and motivates me greater than something is the factors that I’m but to attain sooner or later! We want to gather much more from the subsequent races. “

 

Key figures since DS Automobiles entered Formula E:

 

  • 112 races
  • 4 championship titles
  • 16 victories
  • 48 podiums
  • 23 pole positions

PRESS CONTACTS

Krystyna Perry +44 (0) 7710 062783 – krystyna.perry@stellantis.com

Hugh Baillie-Lane +44 (0) 7561 711671 – hugh@performancecomms.com

ABOUT DS AUTOMOBILES

Driven by the spirit of the avant-garde and backed by an distinctive heritage, the DS model, born in 2014, goals to embody the French artwork of journey. Remarkable merchandise, discernible French luxurious savoir-faire, coupled with a collection of bespoke providers, DS Automobiles provides a singular expertise earlier than, throughout and after each journey.

Designed for patrons trying to stand out who wish to journey the world and luxuriate in each second, DS fashions mix refinement and expertise. With DS 3, DS 4, DS 7 and DS 9, the DS model provides a world vary.

Based on quite a few information since its entry into Formula E in 2015, together with double Teams’ and Drivers’ titles, DS Automobiles is on the forefront of electrification by already promoting every of its fashions with an electrified model. Under the E-TENSE label, DS Automobiles provides 100% electrical powertrains in addition to plug-in hybrids with as much as 360 horsepower and 4-wheel drive. From 2024, each new mannequin launched by DS Automobiles will likely be 100% electrical.

For its discerning prospects, DS Automobiles has crafted a collection of unique providers, known as “ONLY YOU, a wealth of attention.”

With a presence in 41 international locations, the DS model has created and is growing an unique distribution community that features 450 DS STORES all through the world.

 

 

Follow information from DS internationally on www.DSautomobiles.co.uk @ds_uk

ABOUT PENSKE AUTOSPORT

 

PENSKE AUTOSPORT is an American racing group based in 2007 by Jay Penske. The group is headquartered in Los Angeles, California, the biggest single metropolitan EV market on the earth.

After many profitable years competing in IndyCar (2007-2014), the group embraced the shift to electrical mobility and have become one of many founding groups of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

The group motto is the Latin phrase “E Pluribus Unum” – that means “out of many, there may be one.

BMW

Conclusion of an unbelievable weekend: Another victory and podium for Toprak Razgatlioglu and the BMW M 1000 RR on WorldSBK Sunday at Barcelona.

Barcelona. The second race weekend of the 2024 FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) at Barcelona (ESP) became a hit story for BMW Motorrad Motorsport. Following the pole place and the celebrated first joint victory on Saturday, Toprak Razgatlioglu (TUR) and the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK had loads to cheer about on Sunday as effectively. Razgatlioglu claimed his subsequent victory within the extraordinarily thrilling Superpole Race within the morning and adopted it up with a third-place end on the rostrum within the second essential race. Teammate Michael van der Mark (NED) returned to the entrance group with a fourth-place end. The Bonovo motion BMW Racing Team secured one other prime ten end with Garrett Gerloff (USA).

The Superpole Race on Sunday morning stored everybody on the sting of their seats. Starting from pole place, Razgatlioglu initially dropped to fifth place. In the fourth of ten laps, he moved as much as fourth place, and within the following lap, he made a sensational manoeuvre to regain the lead. He then battled with Andrea Iannone (ITA / Ducati) and Alvaro Bautista (ESP / Ducati) with a number of lead modifications for the victory. In the final nook, Razgatlioglu as soon as once more executed a powerful manoeuvre and clinched his second victory of the weekend.

Razgatlioglu additionally began the second essential race on Sunday afternoon from pole place. After the beginning, he was briefly in fourth place, however it didn’t take lengthy for him to work his method into the rostrum positions. He stayed shut behind the main Ducati riders Bautista and Nicolò Bulega (ITA) for a very long time, however this time it wasn’t sufficient for a remaining dash again to the very prime. Thus, Razgatlioglu concluded his extraordinarily profitable Barcelona weekend with a third-place end on the rostrum. After the end, he embraced teammate van der Mark, who accomplished the robust crew end in fourth place. In the Superpole Race, van der Mark completed sixth.

The Bonovo motion BMW Racing Team returned to the highest ten on Sunday. Both riders, Gerloff and Scott Redding (GBR), engaged in an extended duel with a number of place modifications. In the top, Gerloff prevailed in tenth place, with Redding following simply 0.4 seconds behind in eleventh place.

The third spherical of the 2024 WorldSBK season can be held from nineteenth to twenty first April at Assen (NED).

Reactions after race two at Barcelona.

 

Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director: “Before we came here, we hoped to claim another podium. That was the target after a good test last week but we also saw that the Ducatis were extremely strong. To come away four trophies, pole position, two wins and one podium, is absolutely magnificent. I am speechless, honestly. It is extremely good for the project and I am even looking further forward to the rest of the season which gives me more confidence. Not just Toprak, also Mickey did a fantastic job, with fourth in qualifying yesterday, sixth in this morning’s Superpole Race and a very strong fourth position in main race two. It’s well deserved. I just enjoy the moment right now. It is highly emotional, this weekend had only ups. We’ve had enough downs in the past years so it’s good to get through the valley of tears. On the Bonovo side, the weekend was more difficult but in the final race, Garrett and Scott were in the ball park so we can build from there and like I said, there are better races to come. Overall, this weekend leaves me overwhelmed and very pleased.”

Toprak Razgatlioglu, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team (SP Race: 1 / R02: 3): “I am really happy for this moment because this is a dream. Not only for me, for BMW and the team. We claimed two victories at Barcelona, and for me it has been an amazing weekend. Especially today’s last race was a very hard, the pace was really strong. Alvaro started normal and then pushed very hard. I just tried to follow him but I felt a lot of spinning and closed the gas because in a 20-lap race you need a good tyre with good grid for the last five laps. But in general, I am very happy because we were on the podium in all three races, including two wins. Especially the Superpole Race was incredible, when I passed Alvaro in the last corner. I think this is in my top three overtakes of my career. I am also very happy for BMW. We are coming step by step and I think we will be stronger on the other race tracks. Everyone is very happy and will now work even harder. We have a very good package. We are coming, we are not so far and this year I think we can get many wins and I hope that we will be World Champions. I hope!”

Michael van der Mark, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team (SP Race: 6 / R02: 4): “Honestly I think for the whole team it has been a fantastic weekend. This was one of our worst tracks and to see Toprak getting two wins, another podium and the pole position, was great, and I had some really strong results this weekend, too. So I am really happy, really satisfied with the improvement on the bikes. Honestly, to finish P6 this morning was quite good, but to finish fourth in race two was a big relief for me. It’s nice to see that I get back on a really good level and I’m just really happy with the whole weekend. I think it gives the whole team a big boost, and also for me, for the next race at Assen which I am really looking forward to. At least now we arrive there knowing how good the package can be.”

Garrett Gerloff, Bonovo motion BMW Racing Team (SP Race: 17 / R02: 10): “So we are at the end of the weekend. I am not going to lie, I was hoping and expecting a better weekend than it was. We just struggled a bit with some things. I feel like I struggle with some riding stuff on my side and also I had some issues with some setting stuff on the bike side. It wasn’t easy, there weren’t clear answers and I am kind of leaving the weekend thinking that we don’t have a clear answer of what we were missing. We were just missing something that’s not small. We just try to regroup over the next weeks and come back to Assen and have a strong race there.”

Scott Redding, Bonovo motion BMW Racing Team (SP Race: 12 / R02: 11): “The weather today was unexpected. We had some rain this morning so we did not ride in the warm up. The Superpole Race was quite good for me. I felt pretty good so I managed to gain some confidence for race two. There, I was really motivated to finish in the top ten. That was my goal. I came off the start, I came together with Dominique Aegerter so I lost some positions. Then in turn three, Iker Lecouna just ran me off the track, so I lost again some positions and then we kind of settled; the group was trying to save the tyres. Then there was a big crash in turn one. I am happy that they both walked away okay from it. There was a gap I had to try to close and I used my tyre more. I felt good on the bike, that was the main thing. I felt that I could actually push the bike and start to race and have confidence. On the last few laps, the tyre dropped more. I finished 11th in the end; the top ten was there. So I was happy, because Barcelona is one of the worst tracks in the calendar for me and I came away with confidence which is the first time in three years that this has happened, so I look forward to the next round.”

News

Huge delays anticipated as M25 part to shut for full weekend

A stretch of the M25 can be closed for a full weekend for the primary time subsequent week and National Highways is warning drivers to “only travel if necessary” and to count on big delays.

The motorway can be closed in each instructions from junction 10 (A3 Wisley) to junction 11 (A320 Chertsey Interchange) from 9pm on Friday, 15 March to 6am on Monday, 18 March. 

National Highways says the street will shut so it could possibly demolish the bridleway bridge at Clearmount and set up a big gantry.

The work may also improve the variety of lanes at junction 10, which, National Highways stated, will “make journeys safer and improve traffic flow”. Entry and exit roads to Wisley, Pyrford, Old Byfleet and RHS Wisley can be made safer, it stated, and air pollution may also be decreased. 

Jonathan Wade, challenge lead for National Highways, stated: “Drivers ought to solely use the M25 if their journey is totally essential. This is the primary of 5 full closures of one of many busiest junctions on our street community.

“We have spent months planning for these closures and ensuring there are diversion routes in place, however there’ll nonetheless be heavy congestion and delays.

“These improvements will bring long-term benefits to drivers who pass through this stretch of the M25, not to mention pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders who will also see positive changes in the area.”

As a part of National Highways’ programme to enhance junction 10, 5 full closures are set to happen between now and September 2024. 

The authorities physique has not but introduced the precise dates of the 4 different closures, however the subsequent one will happen in April to put in the brand new bridleway bridge at Clearmount. Closures is not going to happen throughout vacation durations, it stated.

Future closures will embrace the set up of the brand new Cockrow Green Bridge – the UK’s first heathland bridge, which can join the Ockham and Wisley commons and kind a pure and protected hall for native wildlife.

Between 4000 and 6000 autos journey between junctions 9 and 11 between 10am and 9pm on a weekend, National Highways stated, and it warned that journey to airports equivalent to Heathrow and Gatwick may very well be affected.

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

2024 BMW Motorrad Motorsport WorldSBK Media Guide.

Phillip Island. The 2024 FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) kicks off this weekend (twenty third to twenty fifth February) in Phillip Island, Australia. The interactive 2024 BMW Motorrad Motorsport WorldSBK Media Guide gives complete data to set the stage for the season.

 

In this Media Guide, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director Marc Bongers, Shaun Muir, Team Principal of the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, and Michael Galinski, Team Manager of the Bonovo motion BMW Racing Team, share their insights on the upcoming season. Additionally, we introduce our 4 BMW WorldSBK manufacturing unit riders: Garrett Gerloff (USA), new addition Toprak Razgatlioglu (TUR), Scott Redding (GBR), and Michael van der Mark (NED), together with our new BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Test Team.

The technical part gives complete data and technical knowledge on the newly revised BMW M 1000 RR for the 2024 WorldSBK. Furthermore, you possibly can discover particulars about BMW Motorrad Motorsport’s different international actions.

 

Extensive photograph materials to obtain at no cost.
Profile and studio photographs of Bongers, Muir, Galinski, Gerloff, Razgatlioglu, Redding and van der Mark, in addition to the BMW M 1000 RR and racetrack photographs might be downloaded freed from cost right here within the BMW Group PressClub.
 
 
For the media: Latest data on X .
In the brand new season, we’ll as soon as once more not solely be offering media representatives with common data by basic press releases, however may also be utilizing our social media channels to maintain you on top of things.
 
On race weekends, we’ll assist you in your work on occasion days by offering up-to-date statements and different essential data through our X channel, amongst different strategies. There may also be previews forward of the occasions and a abstract on the Sunday night, within the type of basic press releases.
 
BMW Motorrad Motorsport on Twitter: twitter.com/BMWMotorradMoSp 

Volkswagen

Now out there to order: Long-range plug-in hybrid drives for the Tiguan from 48.655 Euro*

  • Market launch of the Tiguan begins this weekend throughout Europe
  • New plug-in hybrid drives allow an electrical vary of about 120 km* * and a mixed vary of greater than 900 km
  • Premium-class options such because the therapeutic massage operate of the ergoActive seats and IQ.LIGHT HD matrix headlights optionally out there
  • eTSI gentle hybrid as entry-level engine (96 kW) from 36.600 Euro, TDI engines with front-wheel and all-wheel drive already out there to order
  • mixture of TDI and 4MOTION all-wheel drive allows towing capacities of as much as 2,300 kg

The Tiguan is at the moment probably the most profitable Volkswagen with annual manufacturing of properly over half one million items – now the brand new Tiguan is coming to the VW sellers. To coincide with its European market launch, the plug-in hybrid drives (eHybrid) at the moment are out there with two outputs (150 kW and 200 kW). Tiguan fashions with environment friendly 48 V gentle hybrid drives (eTSI) and turbodiesel engines (TDI) have already been out there since 2023 September.

The all-new Volkswagen Tiguan

Pre-sales of the Tiguan eHybrid have now began. The plug-in hybrid drives of the Tiguan have been utterly newly designed by Volkswagen and ship a system energy of 150 kW (204 PS) and 200 kW (272 PS). Thanks to a battery that now gives a capability of 19.7 kWh (web), the electrical vary has virtually doubled in contrast with the predecessor. With electrical ranges of as much as approx. 120 km on a single battery cost, the Tiguan eHybrid fashions virtually turn into electrical automobiles in on a regular basis life. With the mix of an 85 kW electrical drive motor and the brand new 1.5-litre TSI engine (110 kW or 130 kW), the hybrid mannequin can be spectacular on lengthy journeys with low consumption values and mixed ranges of greater than 900 km. The battery of each fashions may be charged with as much as 11 kW (beforehand 3.6 kW) at a home socket or wall field and with as much as 50 kW) at DC quick-charging stations when out and about.

The all-new Volkswagen Tiguan

Mid-sized class with premium-class applied sciences. The new digital cockpit within the high-quality Tiguan inside stands out because of its intuitive operation. The IDA voice assistant can be new. It permits quite a few automobile and infotainment features to be managed utilizing pure language. In addition, IDA solutions questions on all conceivable subjects. To do that, the system accesses on-line databases and – for the primary time – the unreal intelligence of ChatGPT. The help programs have additionally been additional developed: for the primary time within the Tiguan, the newest Park Assist programs allow totally computerized driving into and out of parking areas over a distance of as much as 50 metres (reminiscence operate) and remote-controlled parking utilizing a smartphone. New adaptive working gear (DCC Pro) optimises consolation and dynamics. New options similar to a pneumatic therapeutic massage operate8 for the entrance seats and the additionally new IQ.LIGHT HD matrix headlightshave been derived from the Touareg premium-class mannequin.

The all-new Volkswagen Tiguan

Tiguan normal tools* – not primary in any means. The entry-level Tiguan model* is supplied as normal with a spread of options similar to digital devices (Digital Cockpit), a 32.8-cm (12.9-inch) infotainment system, a driving expertise management (for the driving profiles, for instance), Car2X warning system, a further centre airbag (entrance) and facet airbags on the rear, one-zone Climatronic (computerized air conditioner), USB-C ports, roof rails and help programs similar to Side Assist (lane change help), Front Assist (emergency braking system), Lane Assist (lane departure warning), Rear View (rear view digicam system) and Dynamic Road Sign Display. Also normal are LED headlights and 17-inch alloy wheels. In addition, three additional tools traces can be found with the Life, Elegance and R-Line specs.

The all-new Volkswagen Tiguan

Prices begin from 36,600 euros. The new Tiguan is on the market as an eTSI variant with 96 kW from 36,600 euros. The Tiguan eHybrid with 150 kW plug-in hybrid drive (from the Life model upwards) may be configured at costs from 48,655 euros. Standard in all fashions is an computerized gearbox (DSG). The strongest towing automobile is the 142 kW Tiguan TDI 4Motion. With its all-wheel drive system, it has a towing capability of as much as 2,300 kg. This is on the market within the Life tools line from 49,055 euros.

*All tools particulars, costs (incl. 19% VAT) and energy specs apply to the mannequin vary supplied in Germany. Please contact the press spokesperson in your nation for the particular tools, costs and drive programs in your market.

* *All-electric vary decided on the rolling highway take a look at mattress in accordance with the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) in probably the most range-favourable tools variant of the Tiguan eHybrid. The precise WLTP-based all-electric vary worth can range because of the tools. The precise all-electric vary achieved beneath actual circumstances varies relying on the driving fashion, velocity, use of consolation options or auxiliary tools, outdoors temperature, variety of passengers/load, topography and the ageing and put on technique of the battery.

The all-new Volkswagen Tiguan