ARRC China: Zero points for Markus Reiterberger / ARRC

Instead of hunting Easter eggs, Markus Reiterberger had to travel to France, where tests have been taking place at Le Mans since today before the start of the World Endurance Championship. A trip to Buriram, Thailand, was more straightforward in March. The Bavarian wants to defend his title there in the ARRC, the Asian Superbike Championship, and only recently reached an agreement with his team.

Or rather with the series coordinator. Because they had successfully run their six races in Asia on a permanent collision course with the World Endurance Championship. But the EWC is Reiterberger’s priority and only competing in one or two races in Asia as a joke was not enough for the Bavarian. But the organizer was aware and in the end what was left was a scheduling conflict. While the ARRC continues in China at the end of April, the EWC season starts at the same time in Le Mans. So Reiterberger will be missing in China, meaning zero points in the title race are guaranteed.

ARRC looting was already under control in Buriram. Because of the voluntary decision to defend their title, the team had to improve. The test, training and racing were difficult due to limited preparation. Reiterberger raced in Thailand with the production engine and was unable to show his potential in race 2 due to a brake disc failure. Positions 6 and 7 were manageable.

“The conditions were not good, but I wanted to at least try,” was his conclusion after the trip to Thailand. “We gave everything. Thanks to the team, especially to Fabio and Dirk, my two assistants from the alpha race.” He returns to Asia for the third ARRC event at the MotoGP track in Motegi (Japan).

In three weeks, the FIM Endurance World Championship will start the 2024 season and the 24 Hours of Le Mans Markus Reiterberger will be there again, who will be part of the BMW Motorrad World Team as in previous years. Last year he finished the season in third place with his teammates. The World Cup Championship is the announced goal for the new season.

A lot has happened during the winter. BMW has further improved the M 1000 RR. Tire supplier Dunlop brings new developments to the racetrack. And there were also some adjustments in the team. New to the event is former Superbike world champion Sylvain Guintoli, who will form the BMW works team alongside Ilya Mikhalchik and Reiterberger.

“I hope that we can improve again this year,” were the clear words of Reiterberger. “Last year we were on the podium three times and ended up third overall. We want to fight for the World Cup. That’s why we are here. Some of the staff are new and we also have a new teammate. I hope that we can all grow together as soon as possible and create a good team so that we can be on top of last year’s success and get closer to our dream of winning the World Cup. This week we have a test to prepare for the start of the season. Le Mans is a circuit that we all know very well. I am hoping for good weather, which is not offered this time of the year.”

Due to ARRC’s inevitable ground zero in China, Reiterberger has a lot to do in Asia if he wants to win the title again. He can no longer afford to make any kind of mistakes for the rest of the season.