Argomenti trattati
The ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team spent concentrated days at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimão, Portugal, conducting targeted development work on the BMW M 1000 RR. On 13th March 2026 the team ran detailed test programmes with riders Miguel Oliveira (POR) wearing #88 and Danilo Petrucci (ITA) riding #9, refining race configurations ahead of the season. These sessions followed an earlier run at the same venue on 9th to 10th March 2026, forming a coherent block of data collection that focused on long-run stability, aero balance and electronic management systems.
Alongside the on-track activities the team released a collection of high-resolution images documenting the test work. The media package is catalogued as photo ID P90632574 and was packaged with a LowRes version (83 KB) and a HighRes original (8.58 MB), referenced with the file note 14.03.2026. For journalists and fans who require further assistance, the BMW PressClub support desk is available from 9 to 17 CET via [email protected]. These visual assets accompany technical notes that explain the team’s goals for the Portimão sessions.
Testing objectives and approach
The primary mission at Portimão was to extract consistent race pace and to validate setup options under evolving track conditions. Engineers concentrated on the electronic control units, mapping both engine output and traction control, while also experimenting with multiple chassis setups to optimise corner entry and mid-corner stability. The approach combined short high-intensity runs to assess qualifying behaviour with extended stints that measured tyre degradation and cooling performance. Data capture relied on multiple lap-comparison tools and wireless telemetry so that the technical crew could cross-reference rider feedback with sensor logs in near real time.
Rider feedback and adaptations
Both Miguel Oliveira and Danilo Petrucci provided structured input that shaped setup choices during each session. Oliveira focused on front-end precision and braking confidence at turn-in, while Petrucci emphasised rear traction and drive out of slow corners — feedback that influenced suspension increments and electronic intervention thresholds. The team logged observations about throttle response, brake bite and chassis balance, translating subjective impressions into quantifiable parameter changes. This iterative rider-engineer dialogue is a core element of the ROKiT team’s methodology, combining on-bike sensation with the objective data from the bike’s instrumentation.
Technical items under evaluation
On the hardware front the session tested aero packages and wing configurations on the BMW M 1000 RR, assessing how small changes affected high-speed stability and braking behaviour. The mechanics trialled several suspension valving options and spring rates to identify an optimal compromise between agility and tyre conservation. Brake feel was adjusted through compound and pad variations, while the electronic suite — including traction control, wheelie control and launch settings — was tuned for different fuel loads and tyre conditions. Each modification was evaluated across multiple laps to ensure repeatability and to rule out variability from external factors like track temperature.
Electronics and software calibration
A significant portion of the test time was dedicated to the ECU mapping and sensor calibration. Engineers worked on throttle maps and traction intervention curves to create more predictable power delivery, especially when exiting slower turns and accelerating onto Portimão’s straights. The team also validated telemetry chains and tested fail-safe behaviours to ensure robustness during race conditions. Software iterations were trialled in short bursts to see immediate rider reaction, then validated over longer stints to confirm that changes did not induce unforeseen tyre wear or thermal issues.
Media access and practical information
Photographers and media representatives can download the official images linked to the team’s Portimão activity; the package is identified as P90632574 and the file note lists 14.03.2026. Available formats included the LowRes JPG (83 KB) and a HighRes JPG (8.58 MB), intended for editorial and publication use. For licensing or additional requests, BMW’s press support line is the point of contact, reachable at [email protected] during the hours indicated. Published images show the riders in action and the technical crew at work, offering a complete visual record of the ROKiT team’s preparation process.
In summary, the Portimão tests on 9th to 10th March 2026 and 13th March 2026 formed a focused programme designed to sharpen the BMW M 1000 RR for upcoming WorldSBK rounds. The combination of measured data, methodical hardware trials and precise rider feedback allowed the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team to address immediate concerns and set a baseline for future development. The publicly available photographic material and the structured reporting around these sessions provide a clear window into the team’s technical priorities and operational workflow.