The IDM remains the home of the four-time IDM Superbike champion, but Markus Reiterberger is now heading back to Asia once again. “I’m excited to have a new opportunity this year in the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) and to remain part of the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team in the FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC),” Reiti announced on his Facebook page. And the 28-year-old Bavarian with a strong affinity for BMW explains: “Three years ago, I also competed in the ARRC and won the season opener in Sepang. Unfortunately, the season was cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic.”
In the run-up to signing the contract, there was a hint of wistfulness in his words, but one thing was clear: “I have to make sure I keep moving forward.” And he’s looking forward to the near future. He described a level of competition similar to that in the IDM: “The Japanese are extremely involved. Races are held exclusively on MotoGP circuits.” Secretly, Reiterberger hopes to be able to squeeze his BMW in among the Asian riders. The motorcycle has been further improved for 2023.
Deep down, though, he still harbors the hope of being able to race in a Superbike World Championship event again someday. “Maybe with a wild card—that would be absolutely awesome, of course. At least I can hope for it.”