Bimota leaves WSBK series

Bimota have failed to meet the criteria for minimal production numbers for World Superbike homologation because of which they will retire from racing in the WSBK EVO class. This announcement comes two weeks after Dorna and the FIM allowed Bimota two more weeks to meet the required criteria which they weren’t successful in achieving. The governing bodies of WSBK had drastically reduced the homologation requirements for both Bimota and Erik Buell Racing with an intention of drawing more manufacturers to the series. The previous rule stated that manufacturers had to produce 3,000 units in two years that was reduced to just 1,000 units but Bimota wasn’t able to achieve even the reduced numbers. 

Bimota was pinning its hope on the BB3 which was powered by the powerplant sourced from the BMW S1000RR. But the underpowered and small production facility couldn’t churn out enough bikes for WSBK homologation with many buyers cancelling their orders owing to delay adding to the company’s woes. The final nail in the coffin was the Bimota BB3’s Rs 32 lakh steep price tag and the fact that one can get hold of the BMW S1000RR HP4 and save some bucks meant most buyers stayed away from it. This means Bimota riders Ayrton Badovini and Christian Iddon will also have to start job hunting but it is rumoured that they would race for Belgian racing outfit Alstare.