Bayerische Motoren Werke : BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team enters final phase of preparations for 2022 season of the FIM EWC with tests at Le Mans.

Le Mans. The countdown is on to the start of the 2022 season of the FIM Endurance World Championship (FIM EWC). BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team has started the final phase of preparations with two days of testing at Le Mans (FRA). The team and its four riders Markus Reiterberger (GER), Ilya Mikhalchik (UKR), Jérémy Guarnoni (FRA) and Kenny Foray (FRA) worked their way through an intensive testing programme with the #37 BMW M 1000 RR.

Over the winter break, BMW Motorrad Motorsport and BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team made further optimisations to the #37 BMW M 1000 RR in many areas. This improved the performance of the engine and optimised fuel consumption, which is key in endurance racing. There have also been innovations in terms of suspension, brakes and cooling. These various areas were evaluated in-depth during testing at Le Mans.

The 2022 season of the FIM EWC gets underway with the renowned 24 Hours of Le Mans (FRA) over the Easter weekend (16th/17th April). The 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps (BEL) is scheduled for 4th/5th June, and the 8 Hours of Suzuka (JPN) returns to the FIM EWC calendar on 7th August. The Bol d'Or at Le Castellet (FRA) will be held on 17th/18th September. A fifth race event is being planned.

Quotes after the Le Mans test.

Werner Daemen, Team Manager BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team: "It was a really good test. We almost went through our full test programme. We did one very fast lap time but as always we mainly focused on long distance tests and we found everything we were looking for. We just had some minor technical issues that we could solve for the race weekend. We still have some small things to do in the free practice just before the race but in general I am happy with everything, including our new rider and new team members. The bikes were really well prepared by the technical crew - better than ever! Together with our tyre partner Dunlop and BMW power we are very happy and I think we are very well prepared for the race."

Jérémy Guarnoni: "It has been really two good days of testing because we got some dry action but also rode in the wet. So we could try the bike in absolutely all conditions and that is really important in view of a 24-hour race. The bike was good in the wet and we have a great pace also in the dry. We still have some work to do, especially to prepare for the fast lap time in qualifying where we still have a lot of potential. Overall, I am happy with this test and I think the package riders, team and motorcycle can fight for the win. We just need to work a little bit more during race week and try to do our best."

Markus Reiterberger: "It was great to be back at the race track with the entire team after the winter. It also was nice to ride the bike with what I think is the most stunning design we have ever had. Is has been two productive days. As expected, the weather was changeable but we were able to ride more in the dry than we thought. We started our test program yesterday in the dry, tested many parts and got mileage on them. We did a lot of set-up work overnight and were able to confirm that with a good feeling this morning in mixed conditions. We were always at the front on rain tyres, intermediates and slicks. But we didn't go chasing times and then it started raining hard at the end. But we were at the forefront there, too. We have great pace and a good base to fight for victory here at Le Mans. We only have a few small things to work on, but we'll use the time until the race. We definitely have a lot of potential and I'm looking forward to a great time in a few weeks."

Ilya Mikhalchik: "It was a good test. Regarding the weather, we had all conditions, with wet, intermediate and dry so we could test things under all conditions. I felt quite good on the bike and we also made some steps from last year, especially in race trim so we are well prepared. Maybe we were not the fastest at this test but this is not the main thing at the moment. Now I am looking forward to return to Le Mans for the race weekend in a few weeks. We keep working and try to do our best."

Kenny Foray: "The test was a good preparation for the 24-hour race and the season. There have been many further developments on the bike and it was good that we were able to try them in all conditions. It has been busy two days and we learnt and confirmed a lot. It was great to be back at the track with the team and my team-mates Markus, Ilya and Jérémy. Of course we still can improve in some areas and that will be our focus until the big race. I can't wait to be back at Le Mans soon."