BMW Claims Historic FIM EWC World Championship with Bol d’Or Victory

The BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team secured its first FIM EWC world title after winning the 2026 Bol d’Or with the #37 BMW M 1000 RR.

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The BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team has been crowned the 2026 FIM Endurance World Championship (FIM EWC) winner after securing a dominant victory in the season-ending Bol d’Or at Le Castellet, France.

Riders Michael van der Mark, Markus Reiterberger and Steven Odendaal took the #37 BMW M 1000 RR to victory in the 24-hour race, securing BMW Motorrad’s first FIM EWC world championship title and making the German manufacturer the first European motorcycle manufacturer to win the championship. The title is also the first endurance world championship for the team, Team Manager Werner Daemen and the three riders.

BMW’s victory marks a significant shift in a championship that has historically been dominated by Japanese manufacturers. Endurance racing has traditionally placed a strong emphasis on reliability, durability and efficiency, areas where established Japanese machinery has enjoyed considerable success.

At the 2026 Bol d’Or, however, BMW combined the M 1000 RR’s outright performance with strong fuel efficiency. The #37 machine was able to complete longer stints than its closest rivals, allowing the team to save a pit stop over the course of the race.

The BMW also benefited from its performance on the long Mistral straight, helping the team build and manage its advantage without requiring the riders to maintain maximum pace throughout every stint. BMW ultimately finished the 24-hour race one lap ahead, bringing the team its first EWC world title.

From Last Year’s Disappointment to Championship Glory

The victory was particularly significant after what happened at the same circuit in 2025. BMW had been in position to secure the championship at last year’s Bol d’Or, only for a technical failure less than 30 minutes before the finish to end its title hopes.

One year later, the team returned to Le Castellet and completed the job. The #37 BMW M 1000 RR had been a consistent title contender throughout the 2026 season. At the 24 Heures Motos at Le Mans, BMW led for much of the race before problems dropped the team down the order.

The team bounced back with a victory at the 8 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, before van der Mark, Reiterberger and Odendaal finished third at the Suzuka 8 Hours.

The Suzuka podium was another milestone, marking the first podium for a European manufacturer at the Japanese endurance classic. Heading into the Bol d’Or, BMW had reduced its championship deficit to 19 points behind YART Yamaha, setting up a title fight that was ultimately decided at the season finale.

BMW’s Third World Championship in Three Years

Markus Flasch, Head of BMW Motorrad, described the championship as another milestone for the manufacturer, following its two WorldSBK titles.

“My warmest congratulations to the entire BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team and everyone at BMW Motorrad Motorsport who made this possible. We are more than proud of you! The third World Championship title for our BMW M 1000 RR within three years, and another milestone for BMW Motorrad. After the two WorldSBK titles, we are now World Champions in endurance racing as the first European manufacturer. This requires performance and efficiency, but above all it requires passion. Everyone has truly earned this title.”

For Reiterberger, the victory marked the end of a difficult wait after last year’s late-race disappointment: “Finally, we have done it. Last year we had a bit of bad luck, so I was a little nervous during the final stint, but in the end, it worked out.”

Van der Mark also highlighted the progress made by BMW and the team throughout the season, particularly after the setbacks at Le Mans.

“Finally, we have done it. Last year we had a bit of bad luck, so I was a little nervous during the final stint, but in the end, it worked out. I’m so happy for my team-mates: they were incredibly strong, just like the whole team. I don’t know how long I’ve been racing in this series with BMW, and I can hardly put into words how we feel now. I’m so grateful to everyone – and now let’s celebrate.”

The 2026 championship adds the FIM EWC title to the BMW M 1000 RR’s growing international racing record, marking another major achievement for BMW Motorrad in just three seasons.