The BMW M 1000 RR Hits The Track In WSBK guise

In the world of litre-class superbikes, BMW moved the goalposts with its original S 1000 RR back in 2010. Then, a couple of years ago, the RR received its most comprehensive update yet, including the addition of an 'M Package' variant featuring carbon wheels and a lithium-ion battery. Cut to 2020 and BMW has turned things up yet another notch with the M 1000 RR, complete with aerodynamic winglets and a 212PS. The big M has now hit the track for the first time, ahead of its eagerly-anticipated WSBK and BSB debut next year. This could not have come at a better time, with the standard S 1000 RR just coming off a slightly underwhelming season, outgunned by the 218PS Honda Fireblade and 221PS Ducati Panigale V4R.

In addition to the M being more powerful than the S, BMW has also managed to make it lighter, at just 192kg (kerb). Of course, the race bike will be even lighter, doing away with lights, mirrors, indicators and other such pesky legalities. It should also manage to pump out a few more ponies, courtesy of a free-flowing exhaust system not restricted by emission norms. At the helm in races next year will be former WSBK champion Tom Sykes and young dutchman Michael van der Mark. In addition to the global stage, the M 1000 RR will also go racing on the domestic stage, competing in the British Superbike Championship with the Synetiq TAS Racing team, OMG Racing, and the FHO Racing teams.