Since 1999, BMW has been the official car of the MotoGP. BMW and Dorna Sports have just agreed on a deal that will extend this partnership until 2016. BMW presented the official cars of the 2011 season to Dorna Sports this morning at a presentation in Munich. Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta and President of BMW M Division Dr. Kay Segler were both present for the presentation.
"I'm thrilled to be able to announce this renewal between Dorna and BMW, which is a worldwide symbol of quality and performance in the same manner as MotoGP and which reinforces the status of the World Championship as a globally referenced and highly respected brand," said Dorna CEO Ezpeleta.
"BMW's presence is already extremely well established in MotoGP, having been a central part of the daily routine of the World Championship at each Grand Prix. The importance of BMW to MotoGP has been regularly highlighted by its role in key areas of the World Championship, and the fact that both Dorna and MotoGP can rely on BMW for the foreseeable future is of huge benefit to the safety and quality of our sport."
BMW will provide a total of six Safety Cars, two Safety Bikes, and nine VIP Village Shuttles at all European MotoGP rounds as the official car of the MotoGP. For the overseas rounds, BMW will be sending the two main safety cars and a safety bike.
BMW's fleet of safety cars will be led by the new BMW 1 Series M Coupe and the X6 M. BMW will also be providing a hybrid car as part of the Race Direction fleet.
BMW will also continue to give the prestigious BMW M Award. The BMW M Award is awarded to the best-performing rider in qualification in the premier class. Last year, Jorge Lorenzo took home the award, which happened to be a BMW M3 Sedan. This year, the winner will receive a BMW 1 Series Coupe.
BMW will see a lot of exposure this year in the MotoGP. Now only will they get recognition for being the official car of the MotoGP, but they will also have a large presence in the MotoGP paddock, the VIP village, at tents in public areas, and with track side advertising.
