BMW Motorrad's project manager Chris Gonschor stated that despite the difficulties experienced in the 2026 season, the manufacturer's motorcycle maintains its competitive nature. The German manufacturer indicated that instead of making radical decisions for the 2027 season, they will focus on adapting the motorcycle to suit different riding styles.
Emphasis on BMW's Competitive Nature
Chris Gonschor responded to criticisms that BMW is only successful with Toprak Razgatlıoğlu. The German manager reminded that the motorcycle can achieve competitive results with different riders.
We can discuss this issue for a long time; everyone has their own opinion. But I do not see it this way. When we evaluate the season, we showed that we could fight for the podium even with a rider who did not have number 54 in the grid. This proves that BMW is a competitive motorcycle.
Gonschor added that this does not mean BMW is a motorcycle that makes it easy to get on the podium. According to him, rival manufacturers presented very strong packages in the 2026 season, and success was achieved by riders who utilized these motorcycles in the best way. BMW's goal is to make the motorcycle compatible with different riding styles to increase rider performance.
Season Difficulties and Development Process
Chris Gonschor explained that the 2026 season was shaped by technical issues starting in the winter testing. He stated that changes in temperature during European tests and the cold transition during the first days in Australia affected the team's plans. Although BMW achieved podiums in some parts of the season, they could not maintain this performance throughout the entire year. Gonschor said that the fact that two of the main riders missed a significant portion of the championship made it harder to develop the motorcycle.
My assessment that this is a motorcycle capable of fighting for the podium did not change. We showed this at the beginning and the end of the season. We could not achieve the same level in the middle of the season, but our riders were injured, and it was difficult to show that.
He also acknowledged that Danilo Petrucci struggled to gain confidence on the motorcycle. The manager stated that the team did its best to support the Italian rider, and they also anticipated Petrucci's return to the track shortly after his injury.
Discussion on the New Chassis Change for 2027
BMW is considering a new chassis homologation for the 2027 season. Chris Gonschor expressed that the importance of the chassis change is exaggerated in some comments. Gonschor stated that they are focusing on rigidity and structural properties on the new chassis, and that the basic geometry of the motorcycle will remain within the homologation rules.
If you want to change something, you need data and time. If you make an important change, it may take several years to understand whether you achieved the desired result. You must have a solid foundation to decide to make a fundamental change. This season is not the right season to make a radical decision.
According to Gonschor, BMW should strive to make its motorcycle faster, lighter, and easier for all riders to use every year. However, this must be done through long-term development work, not hasty decisions.
Brad Binder's Adaptation
Gonschor stated that predicting the next year due to changes in the Superbike world will be difficult, and the new season will be both interesting and challenging from a manufacturer's perspective. He spoke positively about the performance of BMW's new rider, Brad Binder.
I am sure it will be fast. But the motorcycle will be new for us manufacturers because we will face all these changes. Miguel and Brad already know the behavior of the Michelin tires. We cannot directly compare MotoGP and Superbike tires, but some general impressions might be familiar to them. This can also help them adapt.
BMW aims to create a package that maintains the foundation of the current motorcycle while better responding to the needs of different riders for 2027. Gonschor's statements indicate that the German manufacturer is focusing on the ongoing development process rather than linking the difficulties of 2026 to a single rider or the motorcycle's core concept.
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Go to sourceCompiled by Şükrü Utku Poyraz
