BMW pull wraps off liveried S1000RR

BMW has officially revealed the war paint it will use for its maiden World Superbike Championship campaign in 2009 just a few days before its first outing in Australia.

Unsurprisingly, the bike doesn't deviate too far from BMW's recognisable corporate colour schemes, with the combination of white, red and blue having been seen over the years in Formula 1, Le Mans and touring cars.

Even so, the bike is notable for having minimal sponsors on it, suggesting this is very much an in-house effort for BMW in terms of funding and development.

One of two manufacturers joining the series in 2009, BMW is nonetheless the first completely new brand to be making the jump in several years.

Hiring two of the most experienced riders in the championship, Troy Corser and Ruben Xaus, it is a combination that BMW Motorrad director Berthold Hauser thinks will see them challenging towards the front before long.

"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" he said.

"I firmly believe we have two great riders - Troy Corser and Ruben Xaus - and a very committed and enthusiastic team. Troy is the most experienced rider in WSBK and brings a lot of knowledge and information to the team.

"Although Ruben is not as experienced as Troy, he has so much enthusiasm for this project and I feel that he and Troy are a perfect combination. I am very pleased with the amount of progress we have all made in the past few months and now, like the whole team, I am really looking forward to this great challenge."

The fully-liveried bike is expected to be seen on track for the first time this weekend when BMW take part in their final pre-season test at Phillip Island.