Dorna and BMW extend agreement

From motogp.com

Dorna Sports and BMW have reached an agreement to extend the German manufacturer’s position as the Official Car to MotoGP until 2016, thus prolonging what has been a highly successful and strong partnership since its beginnings in 1999.

In its role as Official Car of the MotoGP World Championship BMW M will continue to provide a total of six Safety Cars, two Safety Bikes and nine VIP Village Shuttles at all European rounds, while for the overseas Grands Prix the two main Safety Cars and one Safety Bike will make the trip.

In 2011 the fleet will be led by the new BMW 1 Series M Coupe and the X6 M, and in an exciting new development BMW will also provide a hybrid car as part of the Race Direction car fleet, incorporating further a green-aware approach into the logistical management of the World Championship.

The renowned BMW M Award will also remain a feature of the World Championship, rewarding the best-performing rider in qualification in the premier class at the end of the season. In 2010 World Champion Jorge Lorenzo collected a brand new BMW M3 Sedan after consistently leading the way, and in 2011 the lucky winner will receive a new BMW 1 Series M Coupe.

“I’m thrilled to be able to announce this renewal between Dorna and BMW," said Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta, "which is a worldwide symbol of quality and performance in the same manner as MotoGP and which reinforces the status of the World Championship as a globally referenced and highly respected brand.”