These three riders from the IDM are a force to be reckoned with: Markus Reiterberger and Ilya Mikhalchik will once again compete with the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team in the FIM Endurance World Championship in 2021. Javier “Xavi” Forés rounds out the rider lineup as a new addition.
This means that three IDM Superbike 1000 champions will be going full throttle together in the World Endurance Championship. Between them, the trio has won a total of six titles in Germany’s top road racing series. In 2014, 35-year-old Spaniard Xavi Forés kicked things off. Bavarian BMW rider Markus Reiterberger won in 2013, 2015, and 2017. He is 26 years old and has also faced off against Forés in the Superbike World Championship. The 24-year-old Ukrainian Ilya Mikhalchik claimed the IDM title in 2018 and 2019.
The BMW factory team led by Team Manager Werner Daemen will continue to race under the number “37.” Regular driver Kenny Foray will also remain on the team. However, the Frenchman will now serve as a reserve driver. The team faces major challenges. Already in its debut season last year, the team immediately established itself among the front-runners. In four of the races held, the team secured two podium finishes, and remained in contention for the title until the season finale.
“I think we currently have the best riders in the endurance category on our team,” says team manager Werner Daemen. “This year, we’re adding Xavi Forés, one of the best sprint riders in the world. We should now be well-equipped to, hopefully, finish on the podium in every race. By the end of the season, we want to be at the very top of the championship standings.” Markus Reiterberger, by the way, was closely involved in the tire development process.
The 2021 season consists of five events and kicks off on April 17–18 with the 24 Hours of Le Mans (FRA). On May 23, BMW’s home race—the 8 Hours of Oschersleben (GER)—is on the schedule. The series continues on July 18 with the 8-hour race in Suzuka (JPN). The 24-hour classic Bol d’Or will be held on September 18–19 in Le Castellet (FRA), before Estoril, Portugal, once again hosts the season finale with the 12-hour race on October 16.