The BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team experienced a dramatic turn of events at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit during the second round of the 2024 FIM Endurance World Championship (FIM EWC). Despite a strong start and a promising position, the team was forced to retire the #37 BMW M 1000 RR after just four hours of racing due to an oil leak.
Riders Markus Reiterberger (GER), Sylvain Guintoli (FRA), and Ilya Mikhalchik (UKR) were in the hunt for a podium finish, having started the race from fourth place. Reiterberger quickly surged to the front, maintaining a competitive pace alongside his teammates. However, disaster struck in the fourth hour when Guintoli lost control of the bike and crashed. Although he managed to bring the bike back to the pits, an oil leak was detected after repairs, forcing the team to withdraw for safety reasons.
“It is of course very unfortunate that we had to retire from the race early,” said Christian Gonschor, Technical Director of BMW Motorrad Motorsport. “For the safety of our riders, our competitors, and the event, we decided together not to continue the race.”
In the Superstock class, Team Étoile from Japan and the Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team faced their own challenges. Despite securing pole position on Friday, Team Étoile’s #25 BMW M 1000 RR had to be pushed back to the pits by rider Hikari Okubo after stopping on track in the second hour. They ultimately finished sixth in their class. The Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team’s #9 bike also encountered trouble with a crash but managed to finish 13th in the class.
Werner Daemen, Team Manager of the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team, expressed confidence moving forward. “We had an issue, an oil leak and we could not find the leak during the race. I think that we took the right decision to stop the race. Now we go to Japan, we focus on that and will test next week.”
Riders also reflected on the weekend’s highs and lows. “The start of the race was really good,” said Reiterberger. “The bike was great, and I was in the leading group. Unfortunately, we had to retire early. That was very disappointing because I believe a podium finish was definitely within reach.”
Guintoli echoed the sentiment, expressing disappointment but looking forward to the next challenge. “We are obviously disappointed with the race. It’s a shame. We were on course for a podium and a strong finish but unfortunately we have been stopped.”
The team now shifts its focus to the upcoming eight-hour race in Suzuka, Japan, on July 21st, where they hope to bounce back and secure a podium finish.
The BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team remains determined and resilient, with their eyes set firmly on future successes in the FIM Endurance World Championship.
