BMW Technical Director Gonschor: How the World Championship package came about

With its victory at the Bol d’Or, BMW capped off the successful development of recent months and secured the World Endurance Championship title for the first time. For Technical Director Christian Gonschor, the triumph was the result of a complete package that showed virtually no weaknesses at the season finale in Le Castellet.

“The race went perfectly from the first lap to the last,” said Gonschor. The German emphasised that success in the World Endurance Championship requires far more than just a fast motorbike.

“In the World Endurance Championship, it’s important to be successful in both 24-hour and 8-hour races. It all comes down to the technology, the riders, the overall package and the people behind it – in Munich, in Berlin and among all our suppliers around the world,” explained BMW’s Head of Technology.

Le Mans setback made BMW stronger

BMW had to prove just how resilient this overall package is right from the season opener at Le Mans. There, a series of setbacks prevented a result that matched the team’s potential. Yet even in those difficult opening races, BMW secured vital points.

“In endurance racing, you have to stick together as a team. Even after setbacks like the one at Le Mans, we’ve secured important points together,” Gonschor reflected.

Chris Gonschor erlebte mit BMW Höhen und Tiefen, konnte am Ende aber jubeln

Foto: BMW

After that, the tide turned. BMW celebrated victory at Spa, followed by a podium finish at the Suzuka 8 Hours. By the time they reached Japan, it was clear that the M1000RR was now competitive even on a circuit where the Japanese factory teams traditionally perform particularly well.

“With the victory at Spa and the podium finish at Suzuka, we’ve shown what the team and the bike are capable of. To return home as world champions after such a dominant race weekend at the Bol d’Or is fantastic,” said a delighted Gonschor.

World Superbike experience helped secure EWC success

The Technical Director sees the experience BMW has gained in the Superbike World Championship over recent years as a key building block on the path to the world title. The insights gained there were also incorporated into the development of the EWC package.

Miguel Oliveira mit der BMW M1000RR

Foto: BMW

“We’ve also benefited from our Superbike experience and applied the ingredients and recipes for success from previous years here,” revealed Gonschor. The collaboration between the various departments was crucial: “Together with Werner Daemen’s team and BMW Motorrad Motorsport, we’ve found the perfect synergy.”

As a result, the endurance project benefited from the development that had also propelled the M1000RR to the top of the Superbike World Championship in recent years. At the Bol d’Or, BMW ultimately combined the bike’s performance with the reliability and efficiency required for a 24-hour race.

Gonschor praises the world champion trio

As well as the technology, Gonschor highlighted the performance of the three riders. Markus Reiterberger, Michael van der Mark and Steven Odendaal rode a flawless race at the season finale and confidently managed the lead they had built up in the closing stages. “Thanks also to our riders Mickey, Markus and Steven – they are an impressive trio,” said Gonschor.

For BMW, this brought the Bol d’Or full circle: Following a difficult start to the season at Le Mans, victory at Spa and a podium finish at Suzuka, the team delivered its strongest overall performance at the decisive season finale of all places – and crowned the development of recent years with its first EWC world title.

Weltmeister: Teamchef Daemen mit Reiterberger, Odendaal und van der Mark

Foto: BMW