The BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team is all set for the next classic in the 2021 FIM Endurance World Championship (FIM EWC). The 24-hour Bol d’Or on 18th/19th September at Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet (FRA) is round three of the 2021 FIM EWC season. Alternating in the saddle of the #37 BMW M 1000 RR will once again be Markus Reiterberger (GER), Ilya Mikhalchik (UKR) and Xavi Forés (ESP). Kenny Foray (FRA) is also in Le Castellet as the team’s fourth rider.
In preparation for the famous endurance race, the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team attended a two-day test in Le Castellet last week. The team, led by team principal Werner Daemen, and the four riders fine-tuned the set-up of the #37 M RR, ready to take on the challenges of the 24-hour race. The test was a successful one and the team set the fastest time on both days – with a new lap record on each occasion. On Tuesday, Mikhalchik topped the standings with a new record of 1:53.261 minutes on the #37 bike. Reiterberger then went even faster on the Wednesday, setting a new record of 1:52.484 minutes.
The last time the Bol d’Or took place, in September 2019, the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team was making its debut in the FIM EWC. Back then the team finished third with the #37 BMW S 1000 RR to claim a spot on the podium at the first attempt. The team has also finished third on the new #37 BMW M 1000 RR in each of the two races that have been held so far in the 2021 season – the 24 Hours of Le Mans (FRA) and the 12 Hours of Estoril (POR). The BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team lies third in the world championship with 80 points, seven less than the leaders. The race weekend in Le Castellet kicks off on Wednesday 15th September with scrutineering. This is followed on Thursday 16th September by the first practice and qualifying sessions. On Tuesday 14th September, another private test day will be held.
As well as the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team, the privateer BMW teams Tecmas BMW 9 (#9 BMW S 1000 RR), Team univers racing/ACRacing #23 (#23 BMW S 1000 RR) and LRP Poland (#90 BMW S 1000 RR) also compete in the Bol d’Or.