WSBK: BMW is enthusiastic about Toprak Razgatlioglu but reframes Scott Redding who is thinking of Yamaha

As part of this weekend's Misano meeting, Marc Bongers, Motorsport Director of BMW Motorrad, shared his first impressions of the German manufacturer's decision to hire the services of Toprak Razgatlioglu in 2024. But he also talk about his current first driver Scott Redding in less engaging terms, since for the Englishman it was a reminder of the internal regulations in terms of communication...

BMW has yet to win anything this year on the track in WSBK but the brand has undoubtedly won the title of the best move of the year on the transfer market. The M1000RR will thus have behind its handlebars next year the flamboyant 2021 world champion of the specialty Toprak Razgatlioglu. A real war prize taken from a factory Yamaha which will not facilitate, in retaliation, the integration of the Turk at the end of the season, since the Iwata firm, via its representative Andrea Dosoli specified that before going to serve another brand, it will be necessary to complete this contract with the header stamped with the three tuning forks.

A setback which did not diminish the intensity of the joy of Marc Bongers, Motorsport Director of BMW Motorrad, on this first-class recruitment: “  It’s very exciting for us. » specifies the manager on wsbk.com. " This is a new challenge for us and for Toprak. We already have a group of efficient pilots, but it is certain that this collaboration will be of even greater added value. He is one of the best drivers in this paddock. What is particularly impressive is his dedication and his spirit of perseverance, which seem to correspond to our philosophy ».

Marc Bongers on Scott Redding: “ I would like to say that at BMW there are clear rules to respect in terms of communication »

The fact remains that from this current “group of efficient pilots”, one of the members will have to give up his place. Because there are only four BMWs to drive for now five drivers… On the 2024 line-up, bongers refused to name names linked to who could be the teammate of Razgatlioglu : " It's a little early, we still have to wait a few weeks. We will announce later how we will distribute our drivers between the teams ».

The fact remains that Scott Redding mentioned the fact that he had until July 15 to play an option which would confirm him in the ranks of BMW. But if the Englishman seems to have the upper hand, he no longer seems to be popular... The same Marc Bongers thus declared, on GP One this time : " Redding is a difficult driver to express his opinions and I think you all know that, as do we. In this regard, I would like to say that at BMW there are clear rules to respect in terms of communication ».

He adds : " the reason we took Scott is because he is a very talented driver. We had a good time with him in the middle of last season, with three consecutive podiums at Most, Magny-Cours and Donington and already at Assen he was very strong in race pace. We have since lost him, but I would like to emphasize that we are still looking for performance with him, even if we are struggling in this regard. Our goal is definitely to keep the strongest driver on our entire team ". And after this Friday in Misano, the strongest was Garrett gerloff...

The case of Redding could be an opportunity for revenge for Yamaha . It is in fact said thatAndrea Dosoli wants to sign the former world runner-up and 12-time Superbike winner, and a decision must be made before July 15. The Englishman has already won Superbike races, has experience at Ducati et BMW and he's a character who also inspires fans off the track. Redding thinks his chances at Yamaha are good. However, his manager Michael Bartholemy also speaks to the factory teams at Kawasaki et Honda, where there are also vacancies.