BMW withdrawing from World Superbikes

BMW Motorrad has announced that its factory participation in the FIM Superbike World Championship will cease from the end of the 2013 season.

In a statement explaining the move, Stephen Schaller, General Director of BMW Motorrad said: “BMW Motorrad Motorsport will end its involvement in the World Superbike Championship after this season.

“This is consistent with the strategic realignment of our brand. BMW Motorrad will now focus on the further expansion of the very successful product portfolio over 500 cc, the expansion of product segments under 500 cc, e-mobility and the development of market potential in emerging economies like Brazil and Asia. Only those who act consistently today are well prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.

“BMW Motorrad will remain involved in motorsport and in doing so we will focus on the international customer sport in all its facets. I want to thank everybody who has supported us on this long and successful journey.”

Details of the ‘international customer sport’ activities have yet to be confirmed, but they could include supporting privateer outfits that wish to run the BMW S 1000 RR in World Superbikes.

BMW S 1000 RR SBK 2013 #33 (Melandri) Front Side

BMW Motorrad GoldBet SBK team riders Marco Melandri and Chaz Davies are currently third and fifth respectively in the 2013 championship standings. So far this year, they have won five races between them.

Related posts:
BMW HP4 unveiled
2012 BMW S 1000 RR

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