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The year 2026 will be a year of renewal for BMW. As we all know, the manufacturer in Munich will be bidding farewell to Toprak, who's switching to the MotoGP. At the same time, they've decided not to renew with Michael van der Mark.
Picking up the baton for the two riders will, therefore be, Danilo Petrucci and Miguel Oliveira. If the agreement with the rider from Terni had already been announced in the summer, the Portuguese rider will have to wait until next week.
That said, BMW continues to believe in the Superbike, and that's why they want to renew their commitment. According to the latest rumors, and what was shared with our Speedweek colleague, Sebastian Fränzschky, top management at the Munich-based manufacturer has contacted Johnny Rea with the aim of including him in the Endurance-related program and also in the development program as a test rider.
In fact, Johnny is a rider who needs little introduction - endowed with great experience and sensitivity - who could become useful in the developing the M 1000 RR in view of the future. At the same time, BMW has to deal with the current situation related to its riders: Guintoli is 43 years old and it's complicated for him to return to racing. Besides him, there are also Reiterberger and Odendaal, whose future is yet to be determined.
Certainly Rea isn't entirely keen on the idea of hanging up his helmet for good, and this could become an opportunity to be seized. And we can't forget Van der Mark, who could be diverted towards contributing to the cause regarding the World Championship.
There are enough irons on the fire, so all they need to do assess how the situation develops.
