BMW ahead of the MotoGP and SBK stars at Suzuka – Reiterberger “super happy!”

The BMW works team (Reiterberger, van der Mark, Odendaal) heads into the 8 Hours of Suzuka race weekend brimming with confidence. Following a strong performance on the first day of testing , the team set the fastest time in the final official test on Wednesday, thereby sending a clear message to the competition.

For BMW works rider Markus Reiterberger, this strong form doesn’t come as a complete surprise, but the level of competition against the Japanese works teams certainly does. “We’re really, really happy,” the German told SPEEDWEEK.com in an exclusive interview. “It was clear to us that we’d taken a huge step forward at Le Mans and another at Spa. That’s why we hoped, thought – and somehow also knew – that things would go just as well at Suzuka.”

Reiterberger is hoping for a dry race

After the two days of testing, it was, of all teams, a European side – the BMW works team – that finished ahead of the star-studded Honda and Yamaha works teams. “The fact that we finished ahead of the Japanese manufacturers’ works teams in the test did come as a surprise to us, though. We were in good spirits and were able to step it up a notch again today.”

Whilst BMW was already on a par with the favourites in dry conditions, Reiterberger sees room for improvement in wet conditions. “We’re not too bad in the rain either, but there’s still a bit of catching up to do. We hope it stays dry.”

BMW aims to beat the Japanese on their home turf

The Bavarian is convinced that his team has a realistic chance of competing at the very front this time. “I think we have the chance this time to hold our own against the big names. We’re very proud of what we’ve achieved so far.”

Reiterberger also highlights the special significance of a top finish at Suzuka. The Japanese manufacturers have a wealth of experience on their home circuit and are able to test there far more frequently than the European teams. “Here in Suzuka, the Japanese works teams can test day in, day out. For a European manufacturer, a podium finish here is like a victory,” emphasised the BMW rider.

Markus Reiterberger auf der Werks-BMW

Foto: FIM EWC

Last year, BMW missed out on a top finish due to an incident. This time, things are set to be different. “Last year, we unfortunately lost out due to a crash. This year, we can fight for victory. That’s not at all far-fetched. It would be a confirmation for us to continue leading the works team, which is our goal.”

Reiterberger therefore has just two wishes for the rest of the race. “We need good weather and hope that bad luck doesn’t catch up with us again. Then everything’s looking really good.”