BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team concludes second shake-down test in Portimao.

Autódromo Internacional do Algarve

After the two-day test in Jerez last week, the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team relocated across the border to the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, Portugal to resume their winter testing programme.

Focused on the development of the new BMW S 1000 RR, riders Tom Sykes and Markus Reiterberger progressed through their testing schedules working on suspension, electronics and chassis set up as the final European test drew to a close.

The BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team’s attention now turns to the first Official WorldSBK test at Phillip Island in February, where the final preparations will be made before the opening round commences on the 22nd February 2019.

Shaun Muir – Team Principal

“It has been two good days in Portimao, both riders finally worked their way through the test programme. They didn’t get much time to work on race strategies but all in all it was a very productive test.

Markus made a break through on some chassis changes on Sunday, which was good work from his crew chief and Öhlins technician. This gives him a good starting base for Phillip Island.

Tom made steps forward finding a good chassis balance whilst also completing his test programme. Throughout the two-days he was posting consistent laps times giving him a good base set up heading into Phillip Island next month.

Overall we are all happy and confident going to Phillip Island, with these base settings it should put in contention for some strong results.”

Tom Sykes (GBR)

“I just want to say a big thank you to the whole BMW Motorrad WorldSBK team. This test we’ve continued and progressed in a really positive way, making a big step in the development of the S 1000RR. We have been working on the balance of the bike, trying out different parameters to see what feedback we get, also trying out new components for the brakes, suspension and electronics so in general a lot has been covered.

We are also just fine tuning my position on the bike making little changes to the seat, foot pegs and the levers to get as comfortable as possible.

I really happy we have the bulk of testing done now, I feel we’ve worked much closer to the base set up and it’s another step closer to the WorldSBK opener in Phillip Island next month.”

Markus Reiterberger (GER)

“In general, this weekend has been a constructive test. Sunday I was feeling very positive as we made some changes with my seat position and also a change with my rear shock, which had a big improvement on my lap time as session by session we improved.

Monday unfortunately I didn’t have the same feeling on the bike and struggled a lot with my corner entry, but we collected a lot of data from this test, I have a great team around me so I am confident we will get a good feeling on the bike in Phillip Island.

My focus now is to go home now and prepare for the first round in Australia in a few weeks’ time.”

More, from a press release issued by BMW Motorrad Motorsport:

BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team continues its season preparation with a double test in Spain and Portugal.

A total of four test days at Jerez de la Frontera and Portimão.

Further development steps in several areas of the new BMW S 1000 RR.

Tom Sykes and Markus Reiterberger take new liveried BMW S 1000 RRs to the track for the first time.

Jerez de la Frontera/Portimão. In its preparation for the 2019 season in the FIM World Superbike Championship (WorldSBK), the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team completed a double test. On Wednesday and Thursday, the team took it to the track with riders Tom Sykes (GBR) and Markus Reiterberger (GER) at Jerez de la Frontera in Spain. On Sunday and Monday, two more days of testing followed at Portimão in Portugal.

During the two tests, the team and BMW Motorrad Motorsport worked through a comprehensive test programme with the brand-new BMW S 1000 RR. Numerous further development steps in the areas of electronics, chassis and brakes were evaluated. In addition, there was more fine-tuning of the handle-bar and seat positions to achieve optimum ergonomics for both riders.

On Monday at Portimão, the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team also presented the new livery of the WorldSBK BMW S 1000 RR based on the iconic BMW Motorsport colours.

The next stop for the team is Australia. Two more days of testing are scheduled for 18th and 19th February at Phillip Island, south-east of Melbourne. The same venue will then host the 2019 WorldSBK season opener from 22nd to 24th February.

Reactions to the tests at Jerez de la Frontera and Portimão.

Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director: “In general, we draw a positive conclusion from the tests. The weather was good, and that helped us to work off many of the previously defined test points. Unfortunately, Tom’s unlucky crash at Jerez set us back a bit, but it did not restrict our programme significantly. The tests have also shown that we are already reliable at this early stage of the project, when many new parts are installed on the bike – even though we only have six days of testing behind us. As for the lap times, we can also be quite satisfied. We were able to constantly increase and draw positive conclusions. But of course we take back a lot of data, ideas and thus work home. Now it is time to clearly define the final specification for the first races and to be ready by 8th February. Today the motorcycles will make their way to Australia.”

Shaun Muir, Team Principal BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team: “The progress and development of the new BMW S 1000 RR has been very positive so far. From the shakedown test at Almeria we established a good base setting which gave a clear direction to work on. The SMR team and BMW Motorrad Motorsport engineers have done a great job together in getting the Superbike to a good level. Overall I am feeling positive with the way the tests went. Both riders worked their way through the test programme.”

Tom Sykes: “I just want to say a big thank you to the whole BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team. At these tests, we’ve continued and progressed in a really positive way, making a big step in the development of the BMW S 1000 RR. We have been working on the balance of the bike, trying out different parameters to see what feedback we get, and also testing new components for the brakes, suspension and electronics. So in general, a lot has been covered and it’s another step closer to the WorldSBK opener in Phillip Island next month.”

Markus Reiterberger: “I am quite happy with the way the test went. We tested a lot on the brakes, suspension and the electronics and made good progress with that. We also worked on my seat position and made a change on my rear-shock and on Sunday at Portimão I was feeling very positive and my lap time improved from session to session. Monday unfortunately I did not have the same feeling, but we collected a lot of data from the test to work with. I have a great team around me so I am confident I will get a good feeling on the bike in Phillip Island.”