Andrew Irwin has made a dramatic switch to the SYNETIQ BMW team ahead of the 2021 season, preparing to campaign the all-new M 1000 RR after signing for TAS Racing.
A three-time BSB race winner during the 2020 season, 26-year-old Irwin will move to BMW Motorrad’s official BSB team as he bids to build on some impressive performances since moving into the Superbike class.
Irwin said: “TAS has a lot of racing history and is a team I’ve always looked up to, so there’s lots of motivation to be competing at the sharp end of British Superbike on the SYNETIQ BMW next season. I’ve raced against the BMW this past few years and have seen first-hand the potential of the package.
“I can’t wait to get started now on the all-new M 1000 RR. I’m still young in terms of my Superbike career and not yet quite the finished article, but I’m hungry to learn and keep improving and together with the SYNETIQ BMW team; I believe we can do that.”
Team Principal Philip Neill commented: “To be honest we are very excited at the opportunity to work with Andrew and having watched his progress this past few years, he is clearly a potential future champion. Personally, I admire Andrew's determination on track and his professional attitude off it, so this will be a perfect fit for SYNETIQ BMW.
“Andrew’s desire to join us at TAS Racing was extremely motivating and this made the decision very easy when the opportunity became available. The new 2021 BMW M 1000 RR will be a massive asset to our championship challenge in BSB and it was clear from the first conversation with Andrew, his motivation to represent BMW Motorrad on this new machine was extremely high. There is already a buzz in the air at SYNETIQ BMW. We can’t wait to get started.”
Scott Grimsdall, BMW Motorrad National Marketing & PR Manager, concluded: “BMW Motorrad are delighted to continue supporting TAS Racing in 2021, the seventh successive year as the official BMW Motorrad supported British Superbike team. The 2021 ride line-up is one of the strongest we have ever had in the championship with clear ability and hunger for race wins in the British Superbike class. Following on from a challenging 2020, we are looking forward to the team competing at the front of the field onboard the all-new M 1000 RR Superbike.”
The second rider in the SYNETIQ BMW line-up for the 2021 season will be announced next week.