BMW Confident Bonovo Will Stay in WorldSBK Despite Rumors of Manufacturer Change
The Bonovo Action team is at a crossroads in the World Superbike Championship (WorldSBK). During FP1 of the British WorldSBK round, Bonovo team manager Michael Galinski expressed hope that the team would continue in the series next year. This statement came after the previous confirmation that Bonovo would leave the championship next season.
Galinski said, “It’s a shame that we have to end this project with BMW. We are not happy about this, but I have been racing my whole life, and, for sure, we are considering all possibilities. I’m sure we will stay in the paddock next year. Nothing is clear at the moment as we are looking for sponsors, but we have a project that is getting better and better, and I think with another factory, yes.”
These statements left many fans and analysts speculating about a possible manufacturer change for Bonovo. However, Marc Bongers, Director of Motorsport at BMW Motorrad, offered a different perspective on the situation.
In response to Galinski’s comments, Bongers stated, “They are not stepping away from BMW. Unfortunately, they are stepping away from the championship. It is what it is. We have to respect their decision, and unfortunately, we have to cope with it. Bonovo has been a great help in bringing us back to the top, where we fortunately are at the moment.”
Bongers also mentioned that BMW will continue with just two factory bikes next season and that there will be no other factory team. BMW has established its test team, which will provide support in the background.
The situation is complex. On the one hand, Bonovo has expressed dissatisfaction with the need to end their current project with BMW. On the other hand, BMW seems to have accepted Bonovo’s decision to leave the championship and is preparing to continue with a reduced structure.
The uncertainty about Bonovo’s future in WorldSBK reflects the financial and logistical challenges faced by racing teams. The search for sponsors is crucial for the survival and success of teams. Galinski is optimistic about finding a solution that will allow Bonovo to stay in the paddock, potentially with the support of another manufacturer.
Meanwhile, BMW focuses on maintaining its recent success in the championship, supported by its test team. The collaboration between BMW and Bonovo has been fruitful, but changes in the competitive landscape are inevitable.
The 2025 WorldSBK season promises to be interesting, with the possible continuation of Bonovo in the championship, perhaps under a new banner. Fans and racing analysts will be watching the developments closely as BMW and Bonovo navigate this transition period.
