Troy Corser concluded the first act of his new chapter with BMW in World Superbikes with a mixed final round of the season in Portugal.

The Australian was eager to end his first year with the fledgling German manufacturer on a high, but after qualifying in eighth during Superpole, Corser would retire from the first race before finishng ninth in the second.

Leaving him 13th in the overall standings, Corser was pleased with the performance of the all-new S1000RR through 2009, the bike showing notable improvements as the year wore on to establish itself as a regular top ten contender.

Indeed, while Corser was somewhat disappointed not to get on the podium in his maiden season, he still considers a best of fifth place at Brno, two stints leading races (also at Brno) and a fastest lap on the bike's debut outing in Australia as a successful debut.

“I guess I am a bit disappointed with how the races went because the bike has improved and I really wanted two good finishes and end the season on a high. But considering everything and the fact that the bike is brand new and this is the team's first year, I think we should all be happy about how it has gone.

Pointing out that both he and team-mate Ruben Xaus have been forced to carry out development through the race weekend, Corser is confident the team's newfound experience will see them prove podium challengers at least in 2010.

“The bike has potential for sure and we're really not far away from where we want to be. It's not easy developing the bike during a race weekend and I think we just need more laps and more time on the bike, so we can solve any problems we find.

“At the start of the year the power delivery was a bit aggressive and the team worked hard to make the bike more ride-able and user friendly. Ruben and I noticed a big improvement in July and since then the improvement has continued.

“I am ready to put in heaps of laps before next season because I know that the bike can get on the podium. With a bit of luck, that might have happened this year, but we all know that next year it is more than a possibility and that's what we will be fighting for right from the first time out.”

Corser last raced with a new team in 2003 when he competed with Foggy Petronas, the former champion finishing 12th overall with a best finish of fifth on home ground.