BMW test new Superbike

BMW have tested their new Superbike at the first 2009 WSBK test at Algarve in Portugal.

BMW Motorrad Motorsport rider Troy Corser took part in the first trial of the year 2009 superpole procedure and ended up sixth quickest in the first official WSBK test at 4.592 kilometre Autodromo Internacional Algarve in Portugal.

His time, on equivalent rubber, was just 4 tenth of a second slower than Briton Shane Byrne (Ducati) and a great sign of things to come. Conditions throughout the three days were generally appalling and dry track time was very limited. But, despite the tricky conditions, the team gained a lot of useful information and continued to make good progress. The three-day tests also saw a try-out of the new Superpole procedure, in which three separate sessions are used to determine the grid positions.

Troy finished eleventh fastest in the overall standings and sixth in Superpole, whilst Ruben ended 25th in both the general classification and Superpole. Briton Shane Byrne (Ducati) ended quickest overall, with a lap of 1:43.294, with Ben Spies (Yamaha) second and Noriyuki Haga (Ducati) third.

Troy Corser (overall best lap – 1:44.261)

"Overall, it’s not been too bad a test, though we could’ve all done with better weather and more dry track time. We had a chance to get through some of the stuff we hadn’t managed to test before, including different links and geometry settings. The clutch is now fine and our main area of work here was to get the throttle response the way I want it. We just need to smooth it out a bit, but these are early days with the bike and we all know that we have a lot to do. Once we do that, I will be more comfortable on the bike and be able to push a lot harder".

"But I am already pleasantly surprised at how quickly I can go even though I’m not completely comfortable on the bike and that bodes well for the future. I did my best lap on race rubber and although we could’ve done with more general practice instead of trying out a new Superpole procedure, in a way it was quite good giving it a try-out because we all learned a lot about what has to be done and how quickly it has to be done. I hope our next test is dry and we can keep up our good progress"

Ruben Xaus (overall best lap – 1:46.128)

"I started the tests with some ideas about which direction I wanted to go, but I soon realised that I have to adapt my riding style to this bike. It’s been a long time since I’ve ridden a four cylinder bike and a long time since I’ve ridden a bike that’s got real power. The BMW is very strong and I must learn how to best ride it so that I can get the most out of it. I had a couple of small get-offs but, apart from a slightly battered finger in my left hand, no injuries. Today’s crash happened when I hit a wet patch on an almost dry track and I was highsided without any warning."

"I am not bothered at all about lap times at the moment, because I need to understand the bike more before I can push hard. I just have to be patient, continue working hard and everything will improve"

Berti Hauser (Director BMW Motorrad Motorsport)

"Conditions were not easy during these three days, so all credit to Troy, Ruben and the team for all the good work they managed to do in this time. Troy is feeling a bit happier than Ruben at the moment, but that’s normal because Troy has a lot more four cylinder experience. It is encouraging that our bike continues to show its potential. The whole team is looking forward to the next test, and hopefully better weather."