Superbike: BMW leaves at the end of the season, Melandri and Davies remain on the sidelines next year

Like a bolt from the blue, BMW today announced that this will be its last year in Superbike. The Bavarian manufacturer, which already at the end of last year had reduced its commitment in the world series derivatives by closing the internal team and this year relying only on the Italian importer's team, has now decided that after 5 years in SBK it is time to say stop. This leaves the two riders Marco Melandri and Chaz Davies stranded. Even if the rumors at this point speak of a Melandri will ride an official Aprilia next year in place of Eugen Laverty.

“BMW Motorrad Motorsport will end its involvement in the World Superbike Championship at the end of this season – explains Stephan Schaller, General Director BMW Motorrad – This step is consistent with the strategic realignment of our Brand. BMW Motorrad will further focus on expanding its product range, now beyond 500cc, into sub-500cc segments, e-mobility and developing market potential in emerging economies, such as Brazil and Asia . Only those who act consistently today are prepared for the challenges of tomorrow. BMW Motorrad will maintain its involvement in motor sport by focusing, at an international level, on customer sport, in all its forms. I want to thank everyone who has supported us on this long and successful journey."

“The team is made up of extremely professional and motivated people who, I am sure, will continue to do everything they can to finish the season at a high level – comments Andrea Buzzoni, General Manager BMW Motorrad WSBK – 2013 is a very good year, the climate in the team is exceptional and our riders, Marco Melandri and Chaz Davies, are also doing an excellent job. We are satisfied with the results achieved so far and, of course, we will continue to work hard. Therefore I am convinced that we will reap new successes with Marco and Chaz later in the season. I regret the decision, but I understand the company's strategy. I want to thank all the people involved in this project."

In reality the news of an abandonment of the Bavarian house had been in the air for some time and as anticipated by Motosprint, in Moscow, on the occasion of the last SBK race, There was an increasingly insistent rumor in the paddock that Marco Melandri will ride an Aprilia next year. For a couple of races the manager of the Ravenna team had been teasing Gigi Dall'Igna who, however, responded diplomatically to those who asked for confirmation or denial on this news: "It's too early to talk about 2014", but now that BMW has made his farewell official, the deal will close soon. Melandri will obviously go to the official team and will almost certainly take the place of Eugene Laverty who has never impressed in these two seasons.