BMW Mororrad in Italy's venture into the Superstock FIM Cup started in the best possible way, with Ayrton Badovini winning his debut with the S 1000 RR in the first race of 2010 at the Autodromo Algarve in Portimao (Portugal).

Taking the lead, Badovini gained some meters on his main rival, Frenchman Maxime Berger (Honda). However, on lap three Berger overtook the rider from Biella and moved into first place. Ayrton was not to be beaten and after a couple of attempts he was back in the lead on lap seven.

On lap 11 Berger made another move to overtake Ayrton at the end of the start/finish straight, however, he was going too quickly and went off the track. The rider for BMW Motorrad Superstok Italy went on to win and finished 2.7 seconds ahead of the Frenchman.

Unfortunately the team's other rider, Daniel Beretta, went off in the early stages of the race but luckily was unhurt.

Serafino Foti, team manager of BMW Motorrad Italy Superstock team said: "We are all happy. Berger has shown, as expected, he will be one of the top competitors throughout the season. Now we shall enjoy this win and I want to take this opportunity to thank all those who believed in this project. On Monday we will start working for Valencia. "

Ayrton Badovini, pilot: "I guess it's all going well!. It was a difficult race because Berger has improved a lot since the test. I used all my experience to put him under pressure. Our bike can still improve a lot and I am confident of what we are going to achieve. "

Andrea Buzzoni, director of BMW Motorrad Italy. "It was an exciting debut for BMW Motorrad Italy taking part in motorcycle racing for the first time. It was a good weekend with the team working effectively and professionally. Ayrton has shown a great ability to concentrate and stay cool in the race. We are sorry for Daniel, who still has the chance to
show his talent in the future. "

The second round of the Superstock 1000 FIM Cup will take place on the weekend of the 9th to 11th April at the Spanish circuit in Valencia.

RACE:
1. Badovini A. (BMW S1000 RR) 21'18.245 (155,193 kph) - 2. Berger M. (Honda CBR1000RR) 2.744 - 3. Baz L. (Yamaha YZF R1) 13.154 - 4. Barrier S. (BMW S1000 RR) 13.800 - 5. Bussolotti M. (Honda CBR1000RR) 15.304 - 6. La Marra E. (Honda CBR1000RR) 15.861 - 7. Giugliano D. (Suzuki GSX-R 1000) 16.727 - 8. Antonelli A. (Honda CBR1000RR) 17.334 - 9. Petrucci D. (Kawasaki ZX 10R) 20.558 - 10. Savary M. (BMW S1000 RR) 22.386.

CHAMPIONSHIP STANDING
1. Badovini p. 25 - 2. Berger p. 20 - 3. Baz p. 16 - 4. Barrier p. 13 - 5. Bussolotti p. 11. Manufacturers: 1. BMW p. 25 - 2. Honda p. 20 - 3. Yamaha p, 16 - 4. Suzuki p. 9 - 5. Kawasaki p. 7.