BMW Motorrad will exit World Superbikes at the conclusion of the 2013 season.

BMW Motorrad has announced it will quit the FIM World Superbike Championship (WSBK) at the end of the 2013 season, just five days after claiming its 11th race win since entering the class in 2009.

The Munich factory issued a statement detailing the brand’s ‘strategic realignment’, which will see its focus and resource pool switched to other motorsport activities, including an international customer sports program from 2014 onwards.

The move is the second stage of planning which saw the brand withdraw its effective factory presence at the conclusion of 2012, handing the reins to the GoldBet-sponsored Feel Racing team, based in Italy.

“BMW Motorrad Motorsport will end its involvement in the World Superbike Championship after this season”, said Stephan Schaller, general director BMW Motorrad. “This is consistent with the strategic realignment of our brand.

“BMW Motorrad will now focus on the further expansion of the very successful product portfolio over 500cc, the expansion of product segments under 500cc, e-mobility and the development of market potential in emerging economies like Brazil and Asia.

“BMW Motorrad will remain involved in motorsport and in doing so we will focus on the international customer sport in all its facets. I want to thank everybody who has supported us on this long and successful journey.

“Only those who act consistently today are well prepared for the challenges of tomorrow,” said Schaller, in summation.

Andrea Buzzoni, the general manager of BMW’s WSBK effort, said he was sorry about the decision but understood it from the brand’s wider perspective.

“The team is a very professional and motivated group of people and I am sure they will continue to do everything to end the season on a high note”, said Buzzoni.

“Twenty thirteen is a good year, the atmosphere within the team is great and also our riders, Marco Melandri and Chaz Davies, are doing an excellent job. We are satisfied with the current results and, of course, we will keep working hard.

“Therefore I am convinced we can celebrate more successes with Marco and Chaz as the season goes on. I am sorry about the decision, but I understand the strategic decision making of the company. I want to thank all the people who are involved in this project.”

BMW’s focus on its global customer sports program comes with the continued success of the BMW S 1000 RR, and now the HP4.

Next Gen Motorsports’ Glenn Allerton rode the S 1000 RR to its first domestic championship win in 2011, and is leading the way on the HP4 in 2013.