Since 2003, the MotoGP rider with the best qualifying results throughout a season has been awarded a BMW M car. In 2013, BMW celebrates the 15th year as “Official Car of MotoGP” and the 10th anniversary of the BMW M Award for the best MotoGP qualifier. To mark the occasion, the carmaker announced that this year’s BMW M Award will be an M6 Coupe.
The car was revealed at the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez over the weekend.”“The BMW M Award is very important within the MotoGP, as all riders look forward to it,” said Carmelo Ezpeletam CEO of MotoGP promoter Dorna Sports. “BMW M provides a better model every year, and this year even Dorna is surprised. For sure the riders are keen on discovering the new car and will come to see it for themselves”
The prize car is not an average M6 Coupe as it features an exclusive “Frozen Black Metallic” paintjob and matt-black, double-spoke 20-inch M light alloy wheels. No technical modifications have been implemented, with the TwinPower Turbo V8 engine developing 560 PS (552 hp). The car is fitted with carbon ceramic brakes and has interior features such as M multifunctional front seats, “Merino / Sakhir Orange” leather upholstery, the navigation system Professional, a head-up display and carbon fiber trims.
For the BMW M Award, riders are awarded points at each Grand Prix weekend depending on their positions in qualifying. Pole position is rewarded with 25 points, second place on the grid earns 20 points and third place scores 16 points – right down to one point for 15th. The BMW M Award goes to the rider with the most points at the end of the season.
Past winners include Valentino Rossi and Casey Stoner (each winning three BMW M Awards), Jorge Lorenzo (2) and Nicky Hayden (1).
By Dan Mihalascu
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