Dorna Sports and BMW have reached an agreement to extend the German manufacturer’s position as the Official Car to MotoGP until 2016, thus prolonging what has been a highly successful and strong partnership since its beginnings in 1999.
This morning BMW delivered to Dorna Sports the official cars for the 2011 season, during a presentation in Munich and in the presence of Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta and President of BMW M Division Dr. Kay Segler.
In its role as Official Car of the MotoGP World Championship BMW M will continue to provide a total of six Safety Cars, two Safety Bikes and nine VIP Village Shuttles at all European rounds, whilst for the overseas Grands Prix the two main Safety Cars and one Safety Bike will make the trip. In 2011 the fleet will be led by the new BMW 1 Series M Coupe and the X6 M, and in an exciting new development BMW will also provide a hybrid car as part of the Race Direction car fleet, incorporating further a green-aware approach into the logistical management of the World Championship.
BMW’s exposure will not just be through its provision of vehicles, as recognition via trackside advertising, stands in the public access areas, a strong presence in the VIP Village and a service centre in the MotoGP Paddock will also enforce its association with MotoGP.
The renowned BMW M Award will also remain a feature of the World Championship, rewarding the best-performing rider in qualification in the premier class at the end of the season. In 2010 World Champion Jorge Lorenzo collected a brand new BMW M3 Sedan after consistently leading the way, and in 2011 the lucky winner will receive a new BMW 1 Series M Coupe.
Speaking about the renewed partnership, Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta said: “I’m thrilled to be able to announce this renewal between Dorna and BMW, which is a worldwide symbol of quality and performance in the same manner as MotoGP and which reinforces the status of the World Championship as a globally referenced and highly respected brand.”
“BMW’s presence is already extremely well established in MotoGP, having been a central part of the daily routine of the World Championship at each Grand Prix. The importance of BMW to MotoGP has been regularly highlighted by its role in key areas of the World Championship, and the fact that both Dorna and MotoGP can rely on BMW for the foreseeable future is of huge benefit to the safety and quality of our sport.”
[Source: MotoGP ]
