BMW Motorrad to withdraw from World Superbikes

Since entering WSBK in 2009, with Troy Corser as team and development rider alongside Ruben Xaus, BMW Motorrad steadily improved each season, winning their first race in 2012, and in 2013, are enjoying their most successful season to date.

According to a statement from BMW Motorrad's General Director, Stephan Schaller, the ending of the WSBK program is being done so the company can focus on its existing range of large capacity production bikes, as well as the development of smaller capacity machines.

The statement goes on to indicate that production of the S1000 RR, the basis of BMW Motorrad's current Superbike campaign, will continue, and suggests that BMW will remain involved in motorsport, in some capacity, beyond 2013.

"This [ending of involvement in World Superbikes] is consistent with the strategic realignment of our brand", Schaller said. "BMW Motorrad will now focus on the further expansion of the very successful product portfolio over 500cc, 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.

"BMW Motorrad Motorsport has run a successful worldwide customer sport programme for several years. From the beginning, customer teams and riders have celebrated numerous victories and titles in international and national championships with the BMW S1000 RR.

"From the start of this season, some of them have also fielded the brand new DDC-equipped BMW HP4, and celebrated several race wins. Details of the increased future commitment in customer sport will be announced in due course."

Feel Racing, the factory-supported WSBK team running under the banner of 'BMW Motorrad GoldBet SBK,' have won five of fifteen races so far this season (including a 1-2 finish in race 1 of the most recent Moscow round), with team riders Marco Melandri (who won BMW's first WSBK race last year) and Chaz Davies, currently sitting third and fifth respectively in the championship.