Last Update: 28 October 2021
The Spanish circuit of Albacete was host of an historic event supported by BMW Motorrad: the first ever FIM Women’s Road Racing Training Camp. Promoting the presence of women in all motorsport is one of the FIM’s (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) many objectives. This year focus was extended to road racing with a view to involving more women in the sport. The Women In Motorcycling Commission organised a professional training camp at Albacete to give female riders the opportunity to train with high-spec motorcycles and professional coaches on a major racing circuit.
Approximately 24 women riders enjoyed the track on the BMW S1000 RRs provided for the event at Albacete; a collaboration between BMW Motorrad collaborates and the FIM.
BMW Motorrad provided the bikes for this innovative event and the experts of BMW Motorrad HP Race Support ensure preparation of the bikes trackside. The ladies were coached by Ismael Bonilla (ESP), a former Grand Prix rider in the 250 cc class, and US racer Shelina Moreda.
“We knew that the girls are fast but we had no idea that they could do so extremely well. Ismael, who in 2010 was the first rider in the world to win an official race with a BMW S 1000 R at this very same track, highlighted that he really had to push hard to stay at the pace of the fastest riders”, said Nita Korhonen, FIM Women In Motorcycling Commission Director. “Now we know that we are on the right track in our efforts to bring more women into racing and that we can also fascinate spectators as these girls showed that they can really race and go fast. We want to say a big ‘Thank you’ to BMW Motorrad for supporting us. It was great to be provided with the powerful BMW S 1000 RRs. The girls were really excited by the bikes and how easy they were to handle despite their 1000 cc capacity” she added.