BMW Motorrad returned to the FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) in 2019 after an eight-year hiatus, fielding the factory-backed BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team. Since its comeback, BMW has steadily improved results each season, scoring its first EWC victory in 2021 at the 12 Hours of Estoril and finishing second overall in the 2022 season standings.
The 2024 season marks the team’s sixth year back in the championship and expectations are high after last year’s third place finish. Led by experienced Team Manager Werner Daemen, BMW has put together a formidable trio of riders – Markus Reiterberger, Ilya Mikhalchik, and newcomer Sylvain Guintoli – to pilot the latest evolution of the BMW M 1000 RR in the premier EWC class.
In the Superstock category, BMW is supporting the Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team, which took the class win at Le Mans in its debut 2023 season. With improvements made over the winter, BMW is aiming for both the EWC and Superstock crowns in 2024.
BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team
The three regular BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team riders for the 2024 season comprise continuity and a strong addition. The two BMW Motorrad factory riders Reiterberger and Mikhalchik have been integral parts of the team led by Team Manager Werner Daemen (BEL) since the debut season 2019/20. Together, they immediately secured podium finishes with the #37 bike, followed by their first victory in 2021. In the 2022 season, they celebrated triumph at the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps (BEL) and finished as runner-ups in the world championship. Last season, the Reiterberger/ Mikhalchik team claimed podium finishes in all three 24-hour races, achieved sixth place as the best European team in Suzuka (JPN), and finished third in the world championship standings.
The prominent new addition to the trio is Guintoli, who has already clinched the world championship title in both the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) and the FIM EWC. The Frenchman is one of the most experienced and respected riders in international motorcycle racing. As a BMW Motorrad factory rider, he is also part of the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Test Team and closely involved in the development of the BMW M 1000 RR.
Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team
The Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team debuted in the Superstock class of the FIM Endurance World Cup in 2023. The team is a collaboration between the French Tecmas Racing Team, Werner Daemen’s company Motorcycle Racing Parts, and BMW Motorrad Motorsport.
The team is led by Team Principal Arnaud Sassone (FRA). The riders for 2023 were Kenny Foray (FRA), Jan Bühn (GER), and Loïc Arbel (FRA).
In their debut Superstock season in 2023, the Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team celebrated victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. They continued to show strong performances with the #9 BMW M 1000 RR in the following races, but technical issues resulted in DNFs that prevented further top results.
Soomer Joins as 4th Rider
The teams have added 26-year old Estonian rider Soomer as the fourth rider to support both the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team and the Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team for the 2024 season. Soomer will provide additional depth and talent to the lineups, able to sub in across both teams as needed. At just 26 years old, Soomer brings youth and energy while still having experience competing in endurance racing. His addition should bolster the rider talent for both BMW squads this season.
2024 Season Opener at Le Mans
The 2024 FIM Endurance World Championship season kicks off with the 24 Heures Motos at Le Mans in France. The race weekend begins on Thursday, April 18 with free practice sessions, qualifying, and night practice. The 24-hour race itself starts on Saturday, April 20 at 3pm CEST.
Prior to the race weekend, there will be private test sessions on Tuesday, April 16 for teams to prepare.
In addition to the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team and Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team, two other BMW teams will participate in the 24 Hours of Le Mans:
– Team Étoile from Japan will compete in the Superstock class
– Team T2C Racing from France will also race in Superstock
Both privateer BMW teams will be looking to challenge the factory and satellite BMW squads in the season opening round. With a strong contingent of BMW teams, the German manufacturer hopes to start the 2024 campaign off on the right foot at the iconic Le Mans circuit.
BMW Motorrad Team Quotes Before Le Mans
“Our target for the season must be to fight for the world championship as we do every year. Of course, in endurance you also need some luck. Last year, we had a very good season, we were on the podium in all three 24-hour races and finished in a strong sixth place in Japan. I think, if we can do the same this year, and if we maybe can win one or two races and stand on the podium in the other ones, then we can fight for the title. That is the main goal. All looks good, we are well prepared and the feeling is very good.” – Werner Daemen, Team Manager BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team
“We go into the 24 Heures Moto at Le Mans with a very positive mindset because we’ve done some testing and it went better and better. The most successful test was the Pre-Test at Le Mans where we all had a good feeling with the bike and also a good race rhythm. We worked for the race in all conditions, we are ready, and for sure, the objective is to win the race. We are going into this with confidence and the bike is behaving really well. For me, it’s a new bike this year and I am very happy with it, everything is going well. So there are big hopes for this race in Le Mans and for the entire season, but we have to think from race by race and now focus 100 per cent on Le Mans. I can’t wait and am looking forward to it.” – Sylvain Guintoli, Rider #37 BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team
“I’m looking forward to the race week at Le Mans and am pretty confident. It also looks that the weather stays dry and quite good. This also adds to my positive feelings. During free practice we need to focus on finding the final settings before we head into the qualifications and the race. But overall, we already have a very good base and I we will start from this and work on improving the small things we need to. I think that we will have good days at Le Mans. Let’s enjoy our progress and riding the bike and have great moments there. We can’t wait to start the season!” – Ilya Mikhalchik, Rider #37 BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team
“After the positive Pre-Test at Le Mans, we have of course set high goals for ourselves. We aim to take the next step this year and get even closer to our ultimate goal, the world championship. After the previous years we are now aiming for the top position. We are well-prepared for Le Mans. There are a few minor things we still need to improve, but we have everything necessary on board and will give our best from both the team and rider side. During the free practice sessions we will try to fine-tune the bike a bit more to suit us as riders and continue to adapt to each other within the new line-up, so that we can attack properly in qualifying and have a good, stable, and fast bike for all three riders in the 24-hour race with the aim of hopefully standing at the top on Sunday. It will be a long and tough race, a long, tough season, but I believe we are all in good spirits and have realistic chances.” – Markus Reiterberger, Rider #37 BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team
“We really are confident. We proved last season that we could go and obtain the title. The performance was there together with the strategy. We only missed the reliability in the races at Spa and at the Bol d’Or, after we had pole position and the fastest race lap on both occasions. BMW in Germany worked a lot on the reliability and this should pay off. On the riders’ side, we did changed nothing and that is an asset. We know that we have strong team, a strong bike and strong riders, and our goal is clearly to win the FIM Endurance World Cup.” – Arnaud Sassone, Team Manager Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team
2024 EWC BMW M 1000 RR Specs
The BMW M 1000 RR features a 999cc inline four-cylinder engine producing over 215hp, paired with a 6-speed constant mesh transmission and straight cut gears. Key specs include:
– Engine: 999cc liquid-cooled inline 4-cylinder with BMW ShiftCam variable intake
– Output: 215hp+ at over 14,000rpm
– Transmission: 6-speed constant mesh with straight cut gears
– Front Suspension: ZF upside down forks with pressurised damping
– Rear Suspension: Underslung BMW swingarm with ZF twin tube monoshock
– Brakes: Twin 320mm discs with Nissin 6-piston calipers (front), Single 220mm disc with Nissin 2-piston caliper (rear)
– Wheels: PVM cast aluminum, 17″ x 3.5″ (front), 17″ x 6.0″ (rear)
– Weight: 168kg dry weight (without fuel tank)
– Dimensions: 2080mm x 538mm x 1450mm wheelbase
The M 1000 RR utilises advanced technology like titanium valves and rods, electronic fuel injection, variable intake manifold, and lightweight carbon fibre bodywork. Combined with pro-level suspension and brakes, it provides balanced power and handling for endurance racing.
2024 FIM EWC Calendar
The 2024 FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) calendar features five races across Europe and Asia:
– 20th/21st April – 24 Heures Motos Le Mans – France
– 8th June – 8 Hours of Spa Motos – Belgium
– 21st July – Suzuka 8 Hours – Japan
– 14th/15th September – Bol d’Or Le Castellet – France
– 26th October – 8 Hours of Sepang – Malaysia
The season kicks off with the 24 Heures Motos at Le Mans in France on April 20-21. This iconic 24 hour race at the Bugatti Circuit is a true test of endurance for riders and teams.
Next up is the 8 Hours of Spa Motos in Belgium on June 8. The challenging Spa-Francorchamps circuit features dramatic elevation changes and is a fan favourite.
Teams then head to Japan for the famous Suzuka 8 Hours on July 21. Suzuka is known for its high speeds and challenging S-curves.
Returning to France, the Bol d’Or 24 hour race takes place at Circuit Paul Ricard on September 14-15. Set in the beautiful Provence region, this race provides a picturesque backdrop.
The season finale is the 8 Hours of Sepang in Malaysia on October 26. The Sepang International Circuit has long straights and sweeping corners that allow riders to push the limits.
The calendar provides a diverse set of circuits to test the skill and endurance of riders, teams, and machinery over 24 hour and 8 hour races.
BMW Motorrad’s Goals for 2024
BMW Motorrad enters the 2024 FIM Endurance World Championship with the clear goal of contending for the world title. After finishing 3rd in the championship in 2023, the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team aims to take the next step and fight for the top position this season.
The team has steadily built upon its success over recent years, scoring its first EWC victory in 2021 followed by additional wins in 2022. Last season saw podium finishes in all three 24-hour races for the squad.
With a strong trio of riders in Markus Reiterberger, Ilya Mikhalchik, and newcomer Sylvain Guintoli, along with the experienced team led by Werner Daemen, BMW feels it has the perfect group to achieve its aims. The team will look to fight for wins and podiums in each race, avoiding major issues, in order to have a shot at the world crown.
Conclusion
The 2024 FIM Endurance World Championship is shaping up to be an exciting one for BMW Motorrad. With a strong rider line-up, improvements to the BMW M 1000 RR, and ambitious goals, BMW is poised to be very competitive this season.
The BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team brings continuity with Reiterberger and Mikhalchik, plus adds Guintoli’s championship experience. The team has celebrated many podiums and race wins, and now aims for the world championship title. The Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team also has a championship-caliber rider trio, and worked over the winter to improve the bike’s reliability.
With top teams, riders, and equipment, BMW has demonstrated they can win races and championships. The season-opening 24 Heures Motos Le Mans will be the first test against the competition. But BMW appears well-prepared and determined to fight at the front this season. An exciting year of endurance racing awaits for BMW Motorrad.
Credits | Source and images courtesy of BMW AG, Munich (Germany).
