Press Launch for the presentation of the BMW Motorrad Italia Superbike Team 2011

The Autodromo di Monza was the setting, on Monday 17, for the official launch of BMW Motorrad Italy Superbike team which will compete in the World Superbike Championship 2011 with its riders James Toseland and Ayrton Badovini.

Bernhard Godmeier, Head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport, explained the Italian team, that won the FIM Superstock 2010 Cup with Badovini, will make its debut in the World Superbike with direct backing from the BMW parent company, and also announced the Italian team will be using the same electronics as the BMW Motorrad team and in future will also have use of the same evolution of the engine.

“Twenty ten was a particularly satisfying year for BMW Motorrad Italy. - Said Andrea Buzzoni, Director of BMW Motorrad Italy - As well as victory in the Superstock 2010 FIM Cup, we also took the lead in the motorcycle sector of the Italian market. Now we have this new challenge with the full support of our parent company from Munich, and can also count on a team of experienced engineers and very strong riders.”

Serafino Foti, team manager of the BMW Motorrad Italy Superbike Team, said: "I am very motivated about getting on track with this very prestigious brand, using the experienced technicians and also the strong riding team.

Early next week we will meet most of the competition we have to face at a group test in Portimao, and that will be the beginning of the real challenge. "

Comments from the riders, who are also highly motivated, were: “This year I’m finally feeling okay physically - said James Toseland - and am really motivated by having a competitive bike. Another real boost for me is the chance to work with a group of people who have already conquered the bike world.”

“I have raced in Superbikes - said Ayrton Badovini - and I know how important both the bike and the team are. I think this season we have a great package and I do not want to miss this opportunity.”

BMW Motorrad Italy will also be represented in the FIM Superstock Cup – a category which it won in 2010 - with Lorenzo Zanetti and Sylvain Barrier.