ROKiT BMW Motorrad has officially unveiled its 2025 WorldSBK team and bike in a highly anticipated launch event held in Berlin.
This event marks a significant milestone for the team as they prepare to defend their title in what promises to be an exciting season.
The spotlight was on Toprak Razgatlioglu, the reigning champion, who showcased the new BMW M 1000 RR, adorned with the coveted #1 plate that signifies his status as the defending champion.
This season, Razgatlioglu will once again be joined by Michael van der Mark, forming a formidable duo for the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team.
The unveiling of the 2025 BMW M 1000 RR is not just a routine presentation; it represents a culmination of extensive development and innovation aimed at enhancing performance on the track.
Chris Gonschor, Technical Director of the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, highlighted that the new machine benefits from homologations made to its street version. These enhancements include an increase of six horsepower, improved aerodynamics, a redesigned fairing, and advanced electronics.
These modifications are designed to provide riders with greater control and speed, crucial elements in the fiercely competitive environment of WSBK racing.
The anticipation surrounding the new bike is palpable, especially as FIM officials are scheduled to arrive in Berlin at the end of January to complete the homologation process.
This step is critical as it ensures that the bike meets all regulatory requirements before it hits the track for its first race at Phillip Island on February 22-23.
Toprak Razgatlioglu expressed his excitement about the new machine and his determination to defend his title, stating that using the #1 plate is a significant honor for him and reflects the hard work put in by the entire team.
“I think everyone likes it like this,” Razgatlioglu said. “When I use the #1, I’m feeling more pressure but normally I don’t like it. I’m using it for BMW because this was a lot of teamwork; finally, we got the title, and we are Champions.
“The #1 looks nice with the BMW. I hope we keep it at the end of the year, this is the important thing. Last year, I didn’t think about any targets, but I did an incredible job. This year, I’m just thinking about Phillip Island and some races I didn’t win.
“I need to win now. Especially at Phillip Island, I’ll try to win there. Everyone’s very strong and working hard. I hope we get the title again.”
The unveiling event also showcased Michael van der Mark, who enters his fifth season with ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team. Van der Mark’s experience will be invaluable as he supports Razgatlioglu in their quest for championship glory.
“It was nice to be here after one year,” van der Mark said. “In this last year, we could see that a lot of people became fans of not just Toprak but of BMW and our entire WorldSBK project.
“It’s fantastic to be here, and it’s nice to start the season that way. Everything is looking fantastic and now I just want to race the bike.
“We finished last season so strong with the double podium, I think this is where we should start. I want to get as many podiums as possible.
“I think the ultimate dream of everyone in the team is to have the riders’, the teams’ and of course the manufacturers’ championship. That would be a nice goal and if we continue like last year, it should be possible.”
BMW’s ambitions for 2025 WorldSBK extend beyond merely defending their Riders’ Championship title. The team has set its sights on clinching both the Riders’ and Manufacturers’ Championships this season.
ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team Principal Shaun Muir emphasized that after last year’s success, expectations are high, and they aim to build on their achievements. The introduction of new regulations adds an extra layer of complexity to their strategy; however, BMW is confident in their ability to adapt and excel.
“The fuel flow regulation is going to make in impact for everybody, we don’t underestimate the opposition at all, we know the strength of the other manufacturers,” said Muir.
“We know specifically riders like Nicolo Bulega and Alvaro [Bautista] (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) are going to be very strong, so we don’t underestimate our competition and have full respect for their abilities.”
The 2025 WorldSBK season launch event was not only a platform for unveiling the new bike but also an opportunity for team members to express their enthusiasm and commitment for the upcoming challenges.
Sven Blusch, Head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport, articulated the team’s collective goal: to return to the top step of both championships.
“It’s a different mindset we have now, from being the hunters, to now being the hunted, so far it feels really good,” said Blusch.
“I think if you come in as the Champion you always want to be the Champion again, there’s the Manufacturers’ Championship as well, which we were not able to win last year, and now we are going for sure for both, we are going all-in.”
As Razgatlioglu prepares for his second season with ROKiT BMW Motorrad after an impressive debut year where he secured the championship title, he faces additional challenges this year due to injuries sustained during off-season tests.
Although he is expected to recover fully by race day, missing crucial pre-season testing could impact his preparation. Nevertheless, his resolve remains strong as he aims to replicate last year’s success.
