After the successful 2021 season, victory in Most (CZE) and second place overall in the FIM Endurance World Championship (FIM EWC). The BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team is now concentrating fully on preparations for 2022.
Team manager Werner Daemen has taken the team to Almeria in Spain for the first three-day winter testing session. A new face is in action on the #37 BMW M 1000 RR alongside Markus Reiterberger (GER). Ilya Mikhalchik (UKR) and Kenny Foray (FRA): Jéremy Guarnoni (FRA).
He will be the new teammate for Reiterberger, Mikhalchik and Foray for the upcoming 2022 season.
Team-mates
The 28-year-old Frenchman Guarnoni is a familiar face in the Endurance World Championship. He appeared in his first FIM EWC race at 18. Competing in the 2012 Bol d’Or in Magny-Cours (FRA).
With FIM EWC he was since 2018 and became world champion in the 2018/19 season.
He was also the 2010 Superstock 600 European champion before competing for many years in the FIM Superstock 1000 Championship.
Where he claimed third place in the championship on two occasions. And got to know his new teammates Reiterberger and Mikhalchik.
Guarnoni spent a season racing in the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) in 2014.
The BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team is using the test in Almeria. To continue optimising the #37 BMW M 1000 RR. New components and setup solutions are being evaluated.
Together with tyre partner Dunlop, the team tests a range of tyre options. Guarnoni also can use the testing to familiarise himself with the motorbike and the team.
Three race dates have already been confirmed for the 2022 season in the FIM EWC. The season starts on 16th/17th April with the 24 Hours of Le Mans (FRA). The 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps will take place on 4th/5th June.
And the 8 Hours of Suzuka (JPN) will return to the FIM EWC calendar on 7th August. Further race dates are yet to be confirmed.
Quotes on the Almeria test
Werner Daemen, Team Manager BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team: “It has been a fantastic year for us, our first full year in FIM EWC. And very proud of the whole team and everyone at BMW, as we finished second in the championship together.
I think we deserved that, especially the victory in the final race. We are here testing for 2022 already. We have a lot to do over the next few days, but I am thrilled with our setup. Markus, Ilya and Kenny are excellent guys and top riders. Jéremy Guarnoni is new to the team.
Have been a fan of his since day one. He is a real endurance rider and an excellent addition to the group. We have already had a lot of fun, which I feel is very important.”
Jéremy Guarnoni: “Have anmuchnt impression of the bike. The performance was unbelievable, and I immediately felt good about it. Also thrilled with the team, which is very professional.
Feel excellent about the mechanics, crew chief, and teammates. I already knew Ilya, Markus and Kenny as opponents, and now they are my teammates. That is cool. Sure we can achieve great things next season, and I am looking forward to it.”
More quotes
Markus Reiterberger: “Firstly, after a good season in 2021. We know exactly what we need to work. Very pleased that we still have a test this year.
That is very important for us, as it allows us to lay important foundations for the coming year. I am pleased to welcome Jéremy – another strong rider and a former world champion – to the team.
The first day of testing was tiring for everyone, as it was freezing, and there was a lot to test.
We got through most of the programme, but there are still a few important things to do. The initial impressions are promising.
With the improvements we can still make. Believe we will make up that one position we missed out on this season. I am very confident and pleased to be part of the team.”
Ilya Mikhalchik: “It feels perfect to be able to start preparations for 2022 this year. Firstly, I would like to welcome our new team member, Jéremy. I hope we can achieve some good results together. He is a very experienced endurance rider, and I think we will learn a lot from each other.
I am thrilled to ride with him on the team and this bike. We have made a few improvements. I think we have a good overall package, with which we can win.
We showed that in the last race. We are now testing a few things to give ourselves an even better chance. I believe we have the potential to challenge at the top next year.”
Kenny Foray: “Our winter test is very early, but that is very good for us. The new bike is even better than the old one. It is delightful to ride. I am hoping for an excellent year for the whole team. If I can contribute to us improving, then I am ready.”
via BMW Motorrad
