Reiti is the champion in Asia!

A Bavarian is the champion in Asia. Markus Reiterberger has secured the early title win in the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC). At the fifth of six season events in Zhuhai, China, “Reiti” won both races from pole position on the BMW M 1000 RR of the Onexox BMW TKKR Racing Team. With this achievement, he is uncatchable in the championship at the season finale in early December in Thailand.

On the Zhuhai International Circuit, China’s oldest racetrack, Reiterberger once again entered uncharted territory. He used Friday’s practices to familiarise himself with the course, and with the fastest time of the day, he hinted that he was in top form in Zhuhai. In qualifying, Reiterberger set a new track record with his BMW M 1000 RR. In the first race, he secured a controlled victory, and when he also won the second race, he clinched the championship.

The motorsport world turned its attention to Macau last weekend. As part of the 70th Macau Grand Prix, the 55th edition of the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix took place, and the race on the spectacular Guia Circuit street course ended with a top-four lockout for the BMW Racers. Leading the pack was Peter Hickman, who raced his BMW M 1000 RR of FHO Racing BMW Motorrad Team to his fourth Macau victory. Davey Todd (Burrows Engineering / RK Racing) and David Datzer (MTP Racing by ZERO UP Penz 13) secured second and third places on the podium. Hickman’s teammate Josh Brookes completed the success for the BMW M 1000 RR in his Macau debut, finishing fourth.

“It was once again a great weekend,” he said. “Everything was perfect in the race on Saturday: the team, the bike, the equipment, the tyres, and even the track were perfect. We set an impressive pace. For the second race, we tried something new, and although it didn’t go as well, we won the race. That is always important to gather data.”

Of the 14 races held in this ESBK season, Lopes won no fewer than nine. Additionally, he secured three second-places and one third place. “I just have to thank everyone,” said Lopes. "Our team manager Eduardo Salvador, who always believed in me and our work; the team, the mechanics, Dunlop, and everyone who supports me. Thank you!”

When the 2023 season in the Canadian Superbike Championship (CSBK) kicked off in May at Shannonville, BMW racer Ben Young lined up on his Van Dolder’s Home Team BMW M 1000 RR as the defending champion. When the season ended in September, also at Shannonville, Young was crowned champion again, celebrating his third title win in the series. In between, there has been an exciting season with some setbacks but most of all a fantastic comeback. At one point, Young was trailing in the championship by 36 points, but he mounted a comeback with his BMW M 1000 RR, winning five consecutive races. Two of those victories came in the first two races of the Shannonville finale. That was sufficient to secure the title before the final race of the year. Furthermore, Young, along with fellow BMW rider Sam Guerin and others, secured the manufacturer’s title for BMW. In an interview, we talk to Young about this stunning year.

The 2023 season was the first one for Nelson Major on the BMW S 1000 RR and with the Tecmas Racing Team in the French European Bikes Championship (FR EU). It could not have gone better than it did, with an early title win. The year started with a victory in the opening race at Le Mans, followed by an impressive series of more wins and podiums. That allowed Major to build such an advantage in the championship that he secured the championship crown already at the penultimate round of the season at Carole. In the 14 races held this season, champion Major claimed seven wins and five further podium finishes. Only on two occasions, did he not step onto the podium. Let’s hear from him about this great season.