Milwaukee BMW launch 2016 colours

On the eve of the first World Superbike round of the new season, Milwaukee BMW has launched its 2016 colour scheme at Phillip Island.

Making the much-anticipated step up to the world championship after recently winning the British Superbike series, Shaun Muir's SMR outfit will run Josh Brookes and Moto2 race winner Karel Abraham in the 14-round series.

Both riders acclimatised to BMW's S1000 RR at tests in Jerez and Phillip Island with reigning British Superbike champion Brookes placing 15th overall at the two-day Australian test and Abraham 21st.

At the launch on Thursday morning team owner Muir stated his team has 'faced every possible challenge' over the winter months as they switched from Yamaha machinery to BMW's S1000 RR.

"It's a proud moment for the team and our sponsors to unveil the bikes and riders to the wider public here at Phillip Island," said Muir. "The build up to this point in time has been tremendous. My team and riders have faced every possible challenge in such a short period of time. Logistically and technically we have ticked every box.

"In fourteen weeks we have gone from a domestic championship winning team to World Superbike contenders. With just six problematic test days behind us, we hit the track here at Round 1 in Australia.

"It's clear and obvious we are on the back foot in terms of on track performance, however I have every faith in the team and especially Karel and Josh that they will start to get the feel and understanding of the Milwaukee BMW 1000RR and results will follow. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank our sponsors for their support in this new exciting project."