BMW Reveals S1000RR WSBK Race Livery

The German manufacturer is making its return to international motorcycle racing with the new S1000RR. Troy Corser and Ruben Xaus will pilot the new machine which sports a white paint scheme with red and blue detail.

This great adventure began not so long ago but now we are about to take part in our very first World Superbike Championship race and it is an exciting moment for us all, says Berthold Hauser, director of BMW Motorrad Motorsport. I firmly believe we have two great riders Troy Corser and Ruben Xaus and a very committed and enthusiastic team.

Corser and Xaus are scheduled to take part in the second portion of the final WSBK pre-season test, Feb. 21-22 at the Phillip Island Circuit in Australia. Factory Ducati, Yamaha and Honda teams will also take part in that two-day session. The Aprilia and Kawasaki factory teams are already at Phillip Island for the first round of the test along with Stiggy Honda, Ducati DFX and Honda Althea.

A native of Australia, Corser has seven victories at Phillip Island and holds the official lap record of 1:31.826. The two-time WSBK champion had the 11th fastest time at the January test at Portimao, Portugal, but he will look to put up a better performance on his home track which will host the 2009 WSBK season opener on March 1.

I am particularly impressed with the power my BMW produces, which you certainly need at a fast and flowing circuit like Phillip Island, which has one of the highest average speeds of any race track in the world, says Corser. Also, chassis set-up is critical, as you need a machine that will fight all the forces at play including some ferocious winds that sometimes come off Bass Straight.

Thats what Ill be concentrating on this weekend, and well continue to work hard as a team. Im confident well be really competitive by the time Phillip Island comes around, as its going to be a momentous occasion for BMW.