World Champions: Historic title triumph in FIM EWC.

• The BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team is crowned World Champion in the FIM Endurance World Championship.

• First world title for a European manufacturer in the history of FIM EWC.

• Pole position and victory: Perfect weekend for Michael van der Mark, Markus Reiterberger and Steven Odendaal in the final 24-hour race of the season.

Le Castellet. The BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team is the new World Champion in the

FIM Endurance World Championship (FIM EWC)! In the final 24-hour race, the prestigious Bol d’Or at Le Castellet (FRA), riders Michael van der Mark (NED), Markus Reiterberger (GER) and Steven Odendaal (RSA) not only took a dominant victory with the #37 BMW M 1000 RR, they also made history: it is the first world championship title for a European manufacturer in the FIM EWC. For the team, Team Manager Werner Daemen (BEL) and the riders, it is also their first title triumph in endurance racing.

Just one year ago, drama unfolded at the very same venue when the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team already had one hand firmly on the World Championship trophy. However, less than half an hour before the finish, a technical failure shattered all their dreams. This only motivated everyone even more for the 2026 season. Where there were tears of disappointment last year, there were now tears of joy.

In all four races of the 2026 FIM EWC season, the team and its riders demonstrated that they were once again strong title contenders. At the season opener, the 24 Heures Motos at Le Mans (FRA), they led until the early hours of the morning before dropping back due to problems. This was followed by the celebrated victory for the #37 BMW M 1000 RR at the 8 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps (BEL). At the third round of the season, the Suzuka 8 Hours (JPN), van der Mark, Reiterberger and Odendaal secured third place, marking the first podium for a European manufacturer at the Japanese classic. As a result, the team reduced its deficit to championship leaders YART (Yamaha) to 19 points ahead of the finale.

At Le Castellet, there was therefore only one goal for the team: as the chasing team, to score the maximum possible number of points, and that is exactly what they did in dominant fashion. Van der Mark, who joined the team as a full-time rider this season and had never previously raced at the French circuit, was the fastest rider in qualifying. Together with Reiterberger, he secured pole position based on the combination of their best lap times, earning five points. Leading the race after eight and 16 hours brought another ten points, while victory was worth a further 40 points. The keys to success were the skill and speed of the riders, flawless work in the pits, as well as the performance, reliability and fuel efficiency of the motorcycle. The BMW M 1000 RR used less fuel than its rivals, allowing the team to make fewer pit stops over the distance and save valuable time.

After 24 trouble-free hours, Reiterberger crossed the line in first place on the #37 BMW M 1000 RR, greeted by jubilant celebrations from the team on the pit wall. Rival YART finished the race in third place and was therefore beaten by four points in the World Championship standings.

Markus Reiterberger, BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team: “We’ve finally done it. Unfortunately, we had a bit of bad luck last year, so I was a bit nervous during the final stint. But it’s finally worked out. I’m so happy for my team-mates: they were incredibly strong, just like the whole team. I can hardly put into words how we feel right now. Ever since I started out in this sport as a four-year-old boy, my only dream has been to become world champion one day. Now we’ve finally done it. I’d like to thank everyone who has always had my back over the years, who has caught me when I’ve fallen, supported me and repeatedly encouraged me to keep holding on to my goal – above all my parents, but also my friends, my whole family, my supporters, sponsors and helpers, and everyone who is part of this dream. I’d like to dedicate this world championship title to all of them, but especially to my grandparents and Waldi. Thank you.”