BMW has put together what it calls its 'dream team' for the 2009 World Superbike Championship, after officially revealing that it has signed double title-winner
Troy Corser to compete for the squad next season.
The news confirms what was predicted by
Crash.net more than two months ago [see separate story –
click here], with the Australian set to join Spaniard
Ruben Xaus on the riding front for the German manufacturer's new entry into the series.
Current Yamaha Motor Italia star Corser's anticipated deal with BMW Motorrad is for two years, and today's announcement ends months of speculation as to who would partner Xaus aboard the all-new BMW S1000RR when the Bavarian marque makes its WSBK bow.
The experience and development expertise of the 36-year-old - Corser was the first rider to win the WSBK crown with both twin (1996) and four cylinder (2005) machinery, and also holds an all time record of 42 pole positions from his 301 starts - will be a significant boon to BMW as it bids to find its feet in one of the most hotly-fought championships in the world.
"With Troy and Ruben, I feel confident we will have the best riders possible for our start in the World Superbike Championship," underlined BMW executive vice-president of development and model lines, Peter Mueller.
"Troy has unrivalled experience in the series and that, together with Ruben's exuberance, is our 'dream team' and the combination we wanted, right from the start of this project. I feel sure that their knowledge of the series will definitely help us become competitive very quickly.
"I am delighted that Troy is joining our team," echoed Berti Hauser, director of BMW Motorrad Motorsport, "and that our jigsaw is now complete. He was in our minds from the start and I am very happy, because I believe he and Ruben are the best combination of riders for our new challenge.
