The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship has headed to Misano for a two-day test ahead of the latest round of action on the Adriatic Coast. The ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team have enjoyed a super start to 2024, with Turkish star Toprak Razgatlioglu starring onboard the M 1000 RR. Teammate Michael van der Mark has also impressed, currently sitting P7 in the Championship. WorldSBK caught up with BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director Marc Bongers to get his thoughts on BMW’s line-up for next year.

“BOTH PARTIES ARE PLEASED”: Bongers delighted with top form from Toprak

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Bongers is thrilled with the sturdy start made by Razgatlioglu at BMW. Having already been a podium finisher in six races so far this season, including three race victories, Bongers was naturally jubilant when asked to discuss Toprak’s season so far after the #54’s instant impact on the German manufacturer.

He said: “Both parties, Toprak and ourselves, are pleased with how things are going. We’re not in a rush. We’re a happy family. If you’re in a happy relationship, you don’t see any point in splitting up…we have a really happy atmosphere in the box.” Toprak himself discussed his happiness at being part of the BMW team, and he confirmed that he has a contract with the Bavarian outfit for 2025. He also discussed his appreciation of his teammate, Michael van der Mark, which you can watch here.

“STRONG RESULTS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SEASON”: van der Mark impresses on injury comeback

Like teammate Toprak, Dutchman Michael van der Mark has also impressed in the early stages of the 2024 season, sitting firmly inside the top ten in the Championship standings. The #60 rider has endured a horrid last couple of years, including a broken leg just last year, but has rebounded to enjoy a much more positive start to his 2024 campaign and has been fighting just outside the podium places.

Addressing van der Mark’s form, especially in the context of wider silly season rumours, Bongers had this to say: “Mickey’s shown strong results in the beginning of this season. I speak for the entire project that there’s no plans to split anything. We plan to communicate towards the end of June.”

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