Australian superbike legend and two-time world champion Troy Corser will debut the new BMW superbike at the opening round of the 2009 season, at Phillip Island, February 27-March 1. Corser will be joined by Ruben Xaus, also a long time championship contender, as team-mate.

When the S 1000 RR takes the grid, it will be the first time in decades that the German marquee has conte3nsted a motorcycle race at anything like this level. Much is riding on the event, which is the culmination of several years of change within the company, during which it has produced more performance-oriented models and tried very hard to shake its old pipe and slipper image.

BMW Australia is marking the evnt by hosting a marquee at the race meeting.

"BMW Motorrad's debut in the 2009 Superbike World Championship is very exciting, not only for BMW but also for our BMW owners, enthusiasts and motorsport fans. Having a dedicated facility will really allows us to capture that unique passion and provide our guests with a complete experience." said Cameron Cuthill, General Manager - BMW Motorrad.

"We are very fortunate, not only do we have one of Australia's best riders aboard the new superbike, Phillip Island will also host the international debut of this amazing bike", he added.

BMW says that, for Corser, the chance to debut the all-new BMW S 1000 RR Superbike in front of his home fans is one that he will cherish for many years to come.

"Everyone who has been involved in the design and development of the BMW S 1000 RR have worked extremely hard and at this very early stage of its development everyone is very happy with the progress being made", said Corser.

"Being able to race the bike for the very first time in front of my home crowd and especially at a track like Phillip Island will be an honour. The team has a strong Australian feel about it as I have Tom Larson working with me as my Chief Engineer, so we're both hoping to do well over the weekend."

Practice for the opening round of the championship begins on Friday morning (February 27), with the two World Superbike Championship races scheduled for Sunday afternoon (March 1)

If you are a BMW owner or enthusiast who would like to be a guest at the corporate hospitality facility, three day tickets are available for purchase at $645 per person and can be obtained by contacting Motorrad Events on (02) 4227 4583 or via email motorradevents@bigpond.com

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