The start of the 2025 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship is getting closer, and testing has already started, with the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team completing a one-day test at Jerez last year. At the team launch in Berlin this week, riders Toprak Razgatlioglu and Michael van der Mark spoke about their first impressions of the 2025 machine, which features revised aerodynamics, changes to the engine and more, while Team Principal Shaun Muir and BMW Motorrad Technical Director, Chris Gonschor, also explained what the riders had told them.
“IT’S A LITTLE BIT BETTER” – Razgatlioglu aiming to be fast out of the blocks
After claiming the 2024 title in stunning fashion, with 18 wins and 27 podiums despite missing two rounds, Razgatlioglu is aiming to defend his title with the #1 plate on his M 1000 RR. ‘El Turco’ was adapting to the BMW machine in the early phases of last year but, with a year of experience under his belt, is expecting to be fast from the start in 2025 despite changes to the bike and only one day of testing on it.
The Turkish star said: “We improved the grip a little bit, which is good as it’s what I need. We improved that a little bit and the electronics side. In general, I’m feeling very similar and there’s not a big difference. The fairing is a little bit different, and the bike feels more agile. This is a good step. In general, I know the bike. I’ve learnt it and I know the character. This is a big advantage for me for the new season. Last year, when we got to Phillip Island, I was still learning my bike. This year, I know it and I’ll start fast immediately. It’s a little bit better but we need to see with all riders; I rode alone at the test and only did one day. It looks not bad, but it was also very cold conditions. We need a hot conditions test. I’ll miss the first test at Jerez because my finger’s broken. Maybe I’ll go to Portimao but if not, we’ll see at the Phillip Island test. I’m excited to have the #1.”
“IT FELT GOOD STRAIGHT AWAY” – a good year for van der Mark in store?
Van der Mark had an injury-free year in 2024 and finished in the top six of the World Championship standings for the first time since 2021. He took a wet weather victory at a soaking Magny-Cours as he delivered a masterclass in the wet, while he also ended the year on the podium with his friend and teammate, Razgatlioglu. For 2025, van der Mark is aiming to start where he finished last year, and his first impressions of the new bike were also positive.
The Dutchman commented: “It was just one day but it was nice to get out on the bike. It was nice to get the first feeling with the new package. It felt good straight away. It’s always difficult, when you’re out on track alone, to compare with other bikes. The best thing for us is that the first impression and feeling for us was positive. Some small areas where we wanted to improve so we’ll see where we are in the first test at Jerez.”
“THEY HAD A SMILE ON THEIR FACE!” – work to do despite good first impression
Technical Director Gonschor was delighted with the initial feedback from the riders, but admitted there was still work to do to refine the package ahead of the season-opening Australian Round. He stated: “Luckily, they had a smile on their face! It was a very good first impression but, like always, the very first test with a new bike, new engine specification and a whole package gives you some homework and questions. Overall, they saw the potential of the bike and it has improved compared to last year. Nevertheless, you have to work hard to gain every improvement in every aspect and we need a bit more testing to be perfectly prepared for Phillip Island.”
“THEY FEEL GOOD AND HAPPY” – another strong year for BMW?
Gonschor’s thoughts were echoed by Muir, the Team Principal, who stated the feedback he received was that it was an improvement in the whole package and not one specific area. He said: “The M 1000 RR now has a 2025 upgrade. It’s got a complete new aerodynamic package complete with the bike. A lot of work has been done on this. The engine has been upgraded. It’s got a top-end cylinder head modification and other internals. Generally, that package is much more sophisticated for us. The test team have worked many kilometres on this bike. The first impression of Toprak and Michael was that no one specific area was an improvement; it’s the package felt stronger everywhere. We only did one day. The first impression from Toprak and Michael was that they feel good and happy.”
