Every turn is a decision
If you not only want to push yourself to the limit on the racetrack, but also to accompany others there, you need more than speed. You need depth, sensitivity – and the knowledge of how to turn speed into confidence. This is exactly what the BMW Motorrad Racetrack Instructor Programme offers: training that enables experienced riders to pass on their enthusiasm for racing to others – professionally, in a structured and well-founded way. Riders become mentors. Skills become expertise. And speed becomes responsibility.
We met Marian Pivniceru at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia. He is a passionate racer, reigning Romanian Superbike Champion (2024), BMW Motorrad Instructor – and one of 24 participants from six nations who took part in several intensive training days on the way to becoming certified as a BMW Motorrad Racetrack Instructor.
"Motorsport has always been part of me"
"Motorsport has always been part of me"
For Marian, racing is more than just a hobby – it is both a vocation and a life lesson. "I've always been fascinated by everything to do with motorcycles," he says. "But the racetrack has particularly grabbed me – it's the biggest challenge physically and mentally."
He took his first step towards BMW in 2020 when he discovered the S 1000 RR: "I knew immediately that this was my bike. And that has proven true to this day." He particularly appreciates that the machines can be completely tailored in terms of electronics and geometry to suit every riding style and rider individually. Today, Marian works as a BMW Motorrad Instructor and finds joy in exactly that: "When I see how my advice helps the students, and they come off the track with a big smile – that is the best feeling."
Responsibility instead of just speed
The Racetrack Instructor Programme focuses not only on speed, but also on responsibility: it’s about turning excellent riders into empathetic coaches. This is exactly what Marian loves about the training: "The programme is unique – not just technically, but also on a human level. It brings together people from very different backgrounds who have one thing in common: a love of performance bikes."
Training takes place with models such as the S 1000 RR and the M 1000 RR, combined with content from areas such as riding dynamics, suspension set-up, mental training, accident prevention, nutrition and technology. Electronic assistance systems such as DTC, ABS Pro or the Race Pro settings also play a central role.
Every student has a lock – and I'm looking for the key.
”Marian Pivniceru
Racing driver and BMW Motorrad instructor
Teaching methods are at the heart of the training programme. How do you teach complex techniques in an understandable and safe way? Marian has his very own approach to this: "I first analyse where my student is – and build on that. Step by step, always adapted to the individual level. Everyone has their own pace. It's about finding the key that unlocks the potential."
Mental strength and physical condition are just as important as riding technique. "Every millisecond counts on the track – and every cell in the body has to be ready. Nutrition and regeneration are therefore just as crucial as a good set-up."
From student to teacher
A special moment for Marian during the Racetrack Instructor training was the change of role: "Suddenly I was no longer just a participant but was supposed to analyse and coach another person. At that moment, I realised that this was my next chapter."
Today, he is convinced that anyone who wants to take part in the training programme not only needs riding skills, but also personality. "You have to be prepared to take responsibility – for yourself and for others."
His advice to anyone thinking about the training: "Be honest with yourself. It's not about being the fastest but about accompanying others safely and competently. If you want that, you will not only grow in this programme but also become part of something bigger."
As a Racetrack Instructor, you become part of something bigger.
”Marian Pivniceru
Racing driver and BMW Motorrad instructor
