The BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team is set for an exhilarating home race at the 8H SPA EWC Motos. This second race of the 2024 FIM Endurance World Championship (FIM EWC) holds special significance as it marks a homecoming for Team Manager Werner Daemen (BEL) and many team members. Competing on the #37 BMW M 1000 RR are riders Markus Reiterberger (GER), Ilya Mikhalchik (UKR), and Sylvain Guintoli (FRA), with Hannes Soomer (EST) as the fourth rider.
Aiming for Glory at Spa-Francorchamps
The team is eager to build on their recent successes at the historic Spa-Francorchamps circuit, which now hosts an eight-hour race instead of the previous 24-hour format. In 2022, BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team celebrated a memorable victory upon endurance racing’s return to Spa. Last year, they secured a podium finish, claiming third place at the 24H SPA EWC Motos. This season began promisingly with a second-place finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans (FRA).
Superstock Class Contenders
In the Superstock class, the Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team, under Team Principal Arnaud Sassone (FRA), will compete with the #9 BMW M 1000 RR. Riders Kenny Foray (FRA), Jan Bühn (GER), and Loïc Arbel (FRA), with Hannes Soomer as the fourth rider, will represent the team. Additionally, the private Team Étoile will also race at Spa-Francorchamps.
Pre-Race Activities and Schedule
A private test session is scheduled for Monday, June 3. The official event begins on Wednesday, June 5, with a parade from the circuit to Malmedy (BEL), followed by an autograph session. Thursday, June 6, will feature private test sessions at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. The race event kicks off on Friday, June 7, with free practice and two qualifying sessions. The 8-hour race will commence at 13:00 PM CEST on Saturday, June 8.
Team Insights
Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director, expressed confidence in their preparations: “We always love returning to Spa-Francorchamps. This historic track is unique, and we have great memories of our victory in 2022 and our podium finish in 2023. Despite the race being shortened to eight hours, the challenges remain, and we are well-prepared to strive for the win and collect crucial championship points.”
Werner Daemen, Team Manager, emphasized the importance of the race: “For me, as a Belgian, our home race is very important. We are currently third in the world championship after Le Mans, and a good result at Spa is crucial. With strong riders and a competitive bike, we aim for the podium, and hopefully, the top step.”
Riders’ Expectations
Sylvain Guintoli highlighted the track’s significance: “Spa is the best track in the world, and it’s a home race for most of our team. We had a successful test and are well-prepared. Le Mans was great for us, and we aim to improve on that performance.”
Ilya Mikhalchik is optimistic about their prospects: “We had excellent results at Spa in the past two years. This year’s eight-hour format makes it more of a sprint race. With our strong bike and team, I believe we can achieve top positions.”
Markus Reiterberger shared his high expectations: “Spa is a personal highlight and one of my favorite tracks. Our last test went very well, and we are well-prepared. This race is almost a sprint, so balancing fuel consumption and lap time is key. We are pushing for a win or at least a podium finish.”
As the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team gears up for the 8H SPA EWC Motos, they aim to capitalize on their home advantage and continue their successful streak in the FIM EWC. Fans and enthusiasts eagerly await the high-stakes race at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps.
