WSBK, BMW is under the spell: “we did not expect such progress, but Toprak Razgatlioglu changed the situation”

The BMW ROKiT WorldSBK team has truly transformed its image in 2024, not only thanks to the arrival of Toprak Razgatlioglu, who propelled the team to the top, but also by a notable change in atmosphere and dynamics within the team. A new lease of life which propels the Bavarian brand to the summits of Superbike and which gives it the necessary confidence to consider other stages in its sporting project.  

Since the performance of Marco Melandri in 2012, no other driver had managed to place BMW as high in the World Superbike Championship rankings, as a solid and exciting Toprak Razgatlioglu, currently in third position, after the Phillip Island and Barcelona events. Melandri had been close to winning the title, leading the championship three races before the end, but had finished third.

The level of competitiveness of Razgatlioglu no longer needs to be proven, but his teammate Michael van der Mark is also showing encouraging signs of progression, recording five top 10s in six races so far, including a remarkable fourth place in Spain.

« The machine has undeniably improved during winter. We did not expect such progress after the challenges encountered in Australia and Catalonia. Toprak was a game changer. We have been participating in the world championship since 2016, with podiums, pole positions, and victories in sprint races, but Toprak took the project to a whole new level, " explain Shaun Muir, the team leader, in an interview with speedweek.

At BMW, Michael van der Mark and Toprak Razgatlioglu debrief together, collaborate and communicate continuously

« It took time to reach this level, as has been the case for other manufacturers. Yamaha took many years before winning consistently and winning the championship. I understood the importance of factory support for medium-term planning »continues the BMW man.

The harmony between Razgatlioglu et van der mark, already teammates at Yamaha in 2020, contributes positively to the working atmosphere within the team.

« When Toprak joined us, we had to say goodbye to Scott Redding. Michael has a different approach, which largely motivated this decision,” continues Muir. " Michael and Toprak debrief together, collaborate and communicate continuously. This intensity of working together is not visible on television. I don't know if Bulega and Bautista at Ducati or Locatelli and Rea at Yamaha have such a relationship. But it's the way we operate and for me it's a crucial aspect. The team is now very united and this is the result of in-depth work. The teams are perfectly synchronized. We are on the right path "He assures.