BSB: Danny Buchan and Andrew Irwin re-sign with SYNETIQ BMW for 2022

SYNET|IQ BMW have confirmed that both Danny Buchan and Andrew Irwin will remain with the team for the 2022 Bennetts British Superbike Championship season.

The announcement was made this morning on the BMW Motorrad stand at the Motorcycle Live event currently being held at the NEC in Birmingham. Both riders joined the TAS Racing squad at the beginning of 2021, armed with the all-new M1000 RR.

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It was Buchan who adapted quicker, not only to the new bike, but also to a new manufacturer for him having spent the previous few years on a Kawasaki. Buchan secured the M1000 RR first victories in races two and three at Knockhill – only his fifth and sixth races for the team. 

Those victories were TAS Racing’s first since 2016, when Michael Laverty took top spot at Thruxton. They were BMW’s first since Peter Hickman’s victory at Thruxton in 2017. 

“I’m over the moon to stay with TAS Racing and the SYNETIQ BMW team for 2022,” Buchan said. “The initial plan was always to do a second season and have a real go at winning the title. This first season was good with race wins and podiums, but with a season of development now under our belt, I’m excited to see how far we can take it in year two with the support of BMW Motorrad.

“I learned a lot throughout the year and connected with the team and my crew. We now fully understand each other, and I believe we can challenge strongly and have a really good 2022. I can’t wait to get started.”

Irwin also moved to a new manufacturer following his departure from Honda, and found things a little tougher than his teammate in the opening rounds. Things gradually improved, with Irwin taking his one and only podium of the year at Donington Park (Round Five). 

“There’s no point hiding or running from the fact that 2021 wasn’t my strongest in BSB, so I’ve got lots of motivation to turn that around and prove what I’m capable of on the M1000RR,” Irwin said.

“Thanks to TAS Racing for showing the commitment to keep me onboard for next year, and I’m now looking forward to repaying the faith they have shown in me with a strong campaign. I’m excited about going racing again, turning this ship around and putting the SYNETIQ BMW on regular podiums in 2022.”

2021 was a step in the right direction for BMW after a tough final year on the old S1000 RR. Not only did Buchan and Irwin get on to the podium, but BMW riders in rival teams – Peter Hickman, Bradley Ray, and Kyle Ryde – also walked those stairs up to celebrate. 

“Following the confirmation of our continued partnerships with BMW and SYNETIQ, it was always our preference to continue with Danny and Andrew for the 2022 Bennetts BSB season,” Team Principal Philip Neill added.

“Both riders really are a perfect fit within our team and everyone at TAS Racing is excited at the prospect of building on our many strong performances during 2021, by challenging for race wins and podiums with the BMW M1000RR in 2022.”