BMW X6 M Takes to the Track as MotoGP Riders' Battle for M3 Sedan

MULGRAVE, AUSTRALIA – July 21, 2009: Ahead of the recent international media launch last week, the new BMW X6 M will be deployed along side the M6, as the official safety vehicle for this season’s MotoGP.

The X6 M is due to land on Australian shores at the end of the year, boasting a staggering 408kW and 680 Newton-meters of torque generated from the new M TwinPower Turbo engine. The X6 M will form an integral part of BMW Group Australia’s M model offensive that will also include the X5 M.

As a long-term associate partner of the MotoGP, BMW M GmbH will also reward the fastest qualifying rider of the season with a BMW M3 Sedan to take home.

The MotoGP pilots’ battle for pole position is not simply about obtaining the best starting position in the subsequent motorcycle road racing championship, but also about winning the BMW M award. Next weekend (17 – 19 July 2009) the Sachsenring will be the setting for the spectacular contest for the fastest lap time. During the qualifying prior to the ninth of a total of 17 rounds in the current racing series, the riders can collect further points in the seasonal assessment for the BMW M award.

Currently, three riders are the favourites to win the BMW M Award in 2009. Having taken the lead in qualifying points, Jorge Lorenzo from Spain (168 points) will be on the starting grid at the Sachsenring, followed by the current world champion Valentino Rossi from Italy (149) and Casey Stoner from Australia (142) who has already tasted success the past two years.

The BMW M Award has been in existence since 2003. Every season, prior to the first qualifying round, the best test rider is determined, and following the final race, a second title is awarded to the qualifier with the most points obtained over the entire year. At the start of the season, Casey Stoner managed to achieve the best lap time at Jerez in Spain. At the end of the testing sessions he was presented with a BMW 135i Sauber Team Edition for his superior performance.

This world road racing championship, known as the MotoGP, is one of the most attractive and spectacular sport events worldwide. The current racing season comprises 17 rounds held on legendary tracks throughout the world. The “top echelon” of motorcycle sport features four-cylinder, four-stroke engines with a cubic capacity of up to 800 cc and a power output of more than 200 bhp. Depending on the route, the bikes reach top speeds of 320 km/h and more.

“With our involvement in these fascinating motor sport events we are able to reach a target group that is crucial for BMW – motorists who are also motorcyclists,” comments Thomas Schemera, head of Marketing and Sales at BMW M Automobile.

“This motor sport offers fascination, emotionality, high-tech and internationality – aspects that are closely associated with the BMW brand. This is why we feel so at ease here.”

BMW will also provide vehicles to the organisational team of MotoGP, including a BMW M5 Touring for the safety director, a BMW M3 for the race director, a BMW X5 for the stewards and a BMW 330i Touring as a medical car. Furthermore, additional BMW X5 vehicles will be available for the VIP courtesy shuttle service.