Four-way Fight Forms for 2025 BMW F 900 R Cup Title
A fierce fight is forming for the 2025 BMW F 900 R Cup with just 26 points splitting the top four riders as the season reached its midway point during Round 5 at Thruxton.
The one-make BMW series, which comprises a field of identical 105hp F 900 R roadsters battling it out on the support package for the British Superbike Championship [BSB], is now in its third year and is targeted at aspiring and experienced riders.
The BMW F 900 R Cup race weekend comprises of two heats that split the 42-strong entry list into 21-rider races, before a final ‘Main Race’ that involves all riders and is worth more points.
Five rounds into the nine-event season, Nikki Coates (LDC BMW by FPF Racing) holds sway at the head of the standings with two main event victories, achieved at Snetterton and Brands Hatch GP.
However, his advantage has been eroded by experienced ex-BSB podium winner Barry Burrell (Halliwell Jones Motorrad) whose victory during the most recent Thruxton event whittled Coates’ lead down to just four points.
Moreover, it’s tight at the top in general with Josh Corner (Chasin’ The Racin’) and Kieran Smith (Bowker Motorrad/Bathams Racing) also within close contention a mere 21 and 26 points shy of the lead respectively.
Both riders have formed their title tilts on a foundation of consistency so while each is still chasing a first Main race win this season, they remain well poised with four events and 11 races (six heats, five main races) remaining.
The BMW F 900 R Cup breaks the mould of most motorcycle racing series’ by utilising a naked roadster platform as the base for it machinery. Indeed, while fully faired sportbikes are commonplace on the racetrack, sport-inspired roadsters are arguably more relevant among the motorcycle-buying public.
As such, the BMW F 900 R Cup – with boasts vast grids and thrills with its elbow-to-elbow action – is a veritable showcase for how capable roadsters can also be in a racing environment.
Previous title winners of the BMW F 900 R Cup include Richard Cooper and Thomas Strudwick.