Let the season begin!

• Markus Reiterberger tests at Le Mans ahead of the season opener

Two weeks before the official start of the World Endurance Championship season, the teams have gathered at the historic Le Mans circuit in France to put their bikes and teamwork through their paces one last time. Among them was Markus Reiterberger, who tested the BMW M 1000 RR alongside his team-mates Michael van der Mark (Netherlands), Steven Odendaal (South Africa) and Jeremy Guarnoni (France), the reserve rider for the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team.

The team finished both test days in first position. Man and machine worked together perfectly, and 32-year-old Reiterberger was thoroughly satisfied with this final shakedown ahead of the season, for which the clear objective remains the world championship title this year as well. Last year, they narrowly missed out on the title due to a retirement shortly before the end of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The frustration ran deep. This makes the BMW factory team, led by Werner Daemen, and the four endurance gladiators – a group that once again includes Markus Reiterberger this season – all the more determined and motivated.

The season kicks off with the legendary 24Heures, the 24-hour race at the Bugatti Circuit in Le Mans, France, on 18 April. The official schedule and information on the World Championship broadcast can be found at www.fimewc.com 

Markus Reiterberger:

“We set the fastest lap time on both days and finished the test in P1. Our race pace is good, all three riders are fast and consistent, and the team is doing a great job. We’ve had a very good test and have worked extensively on the electronics. We’ve also made good progress with the tyres and now understand them much better than last season. We’re starting this year with a very strong package. I’d like to thank my team and my team-mates for their excellent work during this test. I’m very confident and extremely motivated for the start of the season.”