The FIM Superbike World Championship once again stops at a historic venue this weekend. The eighth round of the 2011 season will be held from 8th to 10th July at the “Automotodrom Brno” in Brno, Czech Republic.
This time, however, the BMW Motorrad Motorsport team will only be at half strength, with only works rider Leon Haslam (GBR) able to race. Injury means his team-mate Troy Corser (AUS), whose three victories in Brno make him – along with Max Biaggi (ITA) - the most successful Superbike World Championship rider at this racetrack, must take a break this weekend. The Australian broke the ulna and radius in his lower left arm in an accident two weeks ago at Motorland Aragón (ESP). Troy’s recovery is making good progress, following an operation to set the clean breaks with two titanium plates and twelve screws. The team and he came to the joint decision that he would not return to action in Brno, as health and safety must take priority. Troy will most probably make his comeback at the next race weekend in Silverstone (GBR) at the end of July.
Leon is currently testing with the team in Mugello (ITA) in preparation for the coming race weekend and rest of the season. BMW Motorrad Motorsport test and development rider Steve Martin (AUS) is also in action there.
Last weekend, Leon and his BMW S 1000 RR were at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed in Chichester (GBR), where he took part in the renowned hillclimb with other big names, including the legendary John Surtees. Troy visited the BMW Motorrad Days in Garmisch-Partenkirchen (GER).
After seven of thirteen race weekends, Leon currently lies sixth in the riders’ championship on 120 points, with Troy in fifteenth place on 55 points. Together, the pair has already picked up 175 points for the BMW Motorrad Motorsport team. In the constructors’ championship, towards which only the best result from each race counts, BMW lies in fourth place on 153 points.
Leon Haslam:
“We have not done a lot of testing between the last few races because they were all back-to-back. From Monza we went to the USA, to Misano and Aragón. When we left Monza we thought we would have the chance to win a race in the coming weeks. But the races were pretty tough and we struggled. It was quite difficult. So it is good to be able to get back into the swing of things with a test and set a few things straight for Brno.
It is a circuit I am looking forward to go to, because Ruben and Troy had good results there in the past. I am looking forward to riding there with the BMW because it might suit the characteristics of our bike.”
Troy Corser:
“The BMW Motorrad Days at Garmisch-Partenkirchen were good fun. Everybody was quite relaxed, having a good day. I was pretty busy signing autographs and giving interviews.
My arm is recovering well. The operation went very, very well with no complications at all. Now we need to give the bone time to strengthen underneath the plate. The doctors said that I should nearly be back to full strength in time for Silverstone. Unfortunately, however, Brno has come too soon. I will probably end up coming to Brno just to be there, but not to ride. For Silverstone, however, I will be 100 percent ready.”
Bernhard Gobmeier, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director:
“After having experienced some difficult race weekends we want to turn over a new leaf again at Brno. It was good to have a little break after our journey overseas to the US and the back-to-back-races at Misano and Aragón. It gave the team time to catch its breath. Unfortunately Troy will not be with us at Brno, but our priority is that his fractures heal completely and he gets back to full fitness. We are in close contact and are happy that his recovery is progressing quickly. He will most probably be with us again at the Silverstone race weekend at the end of this month. We took the decision that nobody would ride Troy’s bike in Brno.
We used the break to improve the areas, in which we recently had some issues. At the moment we are also testing in Mugello before travelling to the Czech Republic. The circuit in Brno should suit our BMW S 1000 RR as its layout demands a lot of engine power. We are going to Brno with a lot of confidence.”
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