The German manufacturer BMW had two new motorcycles homologated in February 2023: the basis of the M1000RR for Superstock and the one with the addition “Competition”, which is only permitted within the framework of Superbike regulations.
In the first free practice session on Friday followingnoon, we briefly saw Michael van der Mark’s BMW with the new front wheel cover and air-guiding fins on the oil pan.
“The wheel cover, we call it wheel cover, prevents inflow at the front wheel and thus ensures better airflow around the fairing,” explained BMW Motorsport Director Marc Bongers when meeting SPEEDWEEK.com in the Phillip Island paddock.
The only downside: when there is a lot of wind, like in FP1 on Friday, there is more lateral surface. That’s why BMW quickly dismantled it. The homologation allows the wheel cover, but its installation is an option and not a must.
Because no production motorcycle has an oil drip pan, BMW speaks of an “engine spoiler”, the regulations are relatively free in this regard, but are nevertheless described in many points.
“Because that’s where the exhaust system is, you basically have to keep the shape of the production motorcycle,” Bongers explains. “How wide, how high, distance to the ground and more. Our fins are basically air baffles. According to the regulations, no contact pressure may be generated in this area, the measures are aimed at reducing resistance. »
As far as BMW’s performance in Australia is concerned, the Dutchman doesn’t build castles in the air. “We don’t have the pace to win,” Bongers remarked. “Here I see us in the top 6, that should be achievable. Phillip Island is always very special and normally has little meaning for the rest of the season. »