Spielberg. The Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria, served as the backdrop for the presentation of the winner’s car for the 2024 BMW M Award. On Thursday evening, BMW M GmbH unveiled the high-performance car that will be awarded to the fastest qualifier in MotoGP™ at the end of this season. With the all-new BMW M5, BMW M GmbH continues its over 20-year tradition of honoring the achievements of the BMW M Award winner with a prize in the form of a groundbreaking, innovative BMW M vehicle. The winner’s vehicle was unveiled during the Motorcycle Grand Prix of Austria by Dan Rossomondo, Chief Commercial Officer at MotoGP™ rights holder Dorna Sports, and Axel Mittler, Marketing Manager MotoGP™ at BMW M GmbH.

The all-new BMW M5 combines the proven qualities that have made M the most powerful letter in the world with pioneering technologies. The legendary high-performance sedan BMW M5, with 40 years of history under its belt, is entering its seventh model generation and powering into a new era. The executive model from BMW M GmbH now has an electrified drive system for the first time. A model-specific version of the M HYBRID system gives the new BMW M5 maximum output of 535 kW/727 hp and peak system torque of 1,000 Nm (737 lb-ft). The combination of a high-revving V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology and an electric motor, plus power transfer courtesy of an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and M xDrive all-wheel drive, enables acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.5 seconds. The new BMW M5 made its world premiere in July at the Festival of Speed in Goodwood, UK, with its global market launch set to begin in November 2024.

“For more than two decades, BMW M GmbH has rewarded the winner of the BMW M Award with an amazing automobile, and the M5 this year is no different. Beyond looking spectacular, it is full of groundbreaking technology, which perfectly embodies what MotoGP also stands for: performance, passion, and innovation. The BMW M Award is a key pillar of our decades-long partnership, a highly coveted prize among our riders, and a testament to how much BMW M GmbH values their achievements on the track. We are eager to see who will be the proud owner of the new BMW M5 this year.”

– Dan Rossomondo, Chief Commercial Officer at MotoGP™ rights holder Dorna Sports

“The all-new BMW M5, following the BMW XM Label Red from the 2023 season, is the second BMW M Award winner’s car with an electrified drive system. It represents BMW M’s enthusiasm for future technologies,” added . “The new BMW M5 is the current flagship of our model lineup and only had its world premiere a few weeks ago. We are very excited to present this brand-new high-performance model as the winner’s car in the BMW M Award even before its market launch. It’s going to be an exciting race for this award, and we wish all the MotoGP riders the best of luck.”

– Axel Mittler, Marketing Manager MotoGP™ at BMW M GmbH

Following the presentation, the two MotoGP™ riders, Aleix Espargaró und Raúl Fernández, had the opportunity to get a closer look at the new BMW M5 during laps around the Red Bull Ring.

The new BMW M5 is on display in the paddock during the Motorcycle Grand Prix of Austria. Another highlight is also on show: the new BMW M5 Touring, which just had its world premiere in Pebble Beach, California, is also being showcased in Spielberg.

Since 2003, the BMW M Award has recognized the MotoGP™ rider with the best qualifying results. Riders earn points for their qualifying positions at each Grand Prix weekend, mirroring the points system used in the races. The rider who accumulates the most points by the end of the season wins the coveted BMW M Award. The record holder for the BMW M Award is Marc Márquez, who won the accolade seven times in a row from 2013 to 2019. In the past two years, Francesco Bagnaia has claimed the prestigious prize.

For more information about BMW M GmbH, the involvement as the ‘Official Car of MotoGP™’ since 1999, the BMW M5 Sedan and the BMW M5 Touring, see: www.bmw-m.com