BMW rider standings after 7 rounds, 14 racesRuben Xaus, BMW Motorrad - 16th
Troy Corser, BMW Motorrad - 17th
Had Kyalami and Miller Motorsports Park gone a little more to the form book, then BMW could head into the second half of their first World Superbike season feeling rather positive about their experiences so far.
As it happens, 16th and 17th in the standings for
Ruben Xaus and
Troy Corser don't make for particularly pleasant reading, although the performances have been significantly better than their results perhaps suggest.
Qualifying has been a particular bane, but not just because the S1000RR struggles over a single lap. Indeed, 'Mr Superpole' Corser has shown to be quick in the first phase of qualifying, only to be unable to match that just a few minutes later.
The races have proven to be a better indicator as to what BMW are capable of, with both Xaus and Corser often finishing considerably better than their starting positions. Currently Xaus holds their best finish of seventh, although Corser did record a fastest lap at the Phillip Island season opener.
The bike has been reliable too and while its outright speed isn't quite comparable with the front runners, BMW have come a long way from the first test that saw them prove almost three seconds adrift of the leaders.