BMW pulls out of world superbike

BMW Motorrad will cease factory involvement in the Superbike World Championship at the end of the 2013 season, which concludes in India on November 17.

The strategic realignment will now see the company divert resources into other motorsport activities, such as its customer sports program for domestic titles such as Australia’s, as well as further developing its product portfolio – particularly the under 500cc segment.

“BMW Motorrad Motorsport will end its involvement in the Superbike World Championship after this season,” said Stephan Schaller, General Director BMW Motorrad. “This is consistent with the strategic realignment of our brand. BMW Motorrad will now focus on the further expansion of the very successful product portfolio over 500cc, the expansion of product segments under 500cc, 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 entered the FIM Superbike World Championship in 2009, with Aussie Troy Corser one of the founding riders alongside Spaniard Ruben Xaus. In 2012, Marco Melandri was in title contention until the very end, and is running third in 2013 behind Ducati’s Sylvain Guintoli and Kawasaki’s Tom Sykes with seven rounds still remaining. To date, the German manufacturer has 11 wins and 33 podiums in WSBK competition.