Corser hails landmark first BMW podium

Troy Corser has declared his run to third position in the second World Superbike race of the day at Monza as one of his 'best ever rides' as he recorded a maiden podium for the BMW team.

Having hinted at the bike's podium potential at both Valencia and Assen, Corser seemed unlikely to break the German manufacturer's duck at Monza after qualifying down in 12th position.

Indeed, having been out paced by team-mate Ruben Xaus on the way to a modest eighth in race one, Corser seemed even further out of the reckoning.

Nonetheless, having picked his way through the carnage at the start of race two, Corser became embroiled in the lead group and while he would drop to fourth briefly, the retirement of Cal Crutchlow would promote him back to third.

Holding onto that position all the way to the chequered flag after deciding to play it safe behind Leon Haslam - whose Suzuki was leaking water -, Corser was thrilled to bring new success to the fledgling BMW team.

"I knew that a podium was possible after Assen," said Corser, who hasn't stood on the rostrum since Portimao 2008. "The bike has been working better for me recently and I expected a podium here or at the next round. I'm extremely happy with the bike's performance today, particularly in the second race. I was able to race the track and not think about what I was doing.

"For me, race two today was one of my best ever rides. I made a good start and for a moment I thought I was going to get all the way to the front. I was smart going into the first chicane and made sure I got through it safely.

"Later, when I was behind Leon, I got water on my visor and thought it was raining. I used all my tear-offs before I realised that the water was coming from Leon's bike!

"I thought his bike might blow up, so I eased up a little because I didn't want to get caught up in any crash, but that allowed him to just pull away a little. I chased after him as best I could in the last couple of laps and we had a really good fight. In the end, he just had enough to beat me to the line, but it was pretty close.

Although he retains seventh in the overall standings, Corser is now just 18 points adrift of third overall. Furthermore, he is just four point shy of his overall tally from the 2009 season.

"Today has been a fantastic day for us all at BMW and I want to thank everybody involved, including the people back at the workshop. I knew this bike had potential and now that we've taken our first podium, I'm sure that there'll be more to come."