WSB: Successful test for new BMW squad in Almeria

The all-new BMW Motorrad WorldSBK team completed a successful shakedown test in Almeria this week with riders Tom Sykes and Markus Reiterberger.
The duo had previously ridden the all-new BMW S1000RR in superstock-trim at Miramas in France at the end of November, but this test was their first run out on the superbike-spec machine.

Both riders were able to complete a comprehensive programme of testing over two days without any problems, working to develop a base set-up ahead of the squad’s next test at Jerez in January.

“I am very happy with the test. Of course, it’s still early days and there is still a lot of things to come our way but like this I was very happy with my feeling for my BMW S 1000 RR,” Sykes said.

“The general feedback was good. We certainly had two very productive days testing, we changed quite some parameters on the bike and really understood some key areas to work with. It was a very positive two-day test for me and I was really happy and quite impressed with the end result. It was the first time in that new environment, the whole team working with each other and the engineers from BMW Motorrad Motorsport. So it was a new experience for everybody and soon everybody was working together like a clockwork. So it seems that we are progressing very fast and I got a good feeling within the environment in the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team.”

Reiterberger added: ““The focus was on completing a roll-out with the new bike and for me to get used to the team and my new crew. It is all new for me: the team, the working methods and the Superbike version of the motorbike. The first outing with the new bike went very well. I felt right at home with the seat position and the handlebars from the word go. Our comprehensive programme of tests included a lot of work on the chassis, electronics, geometry and a host of setting options.

“We wanted to try everything out and pass on our experience to BMW Motorrad Motorsport and the team to allow them to work on preparation for the next tests. We are still at an early stage and our focus was on the functional tests. It was important to gather as much information as possible for the work that is still to come. We are very pleased with what we have achieved thus far and we are getting on well as a team. We are all working towards making progress together.”