Super shakedown for Corser and Xaus

From BMW

While many of the other World Superbike teams were testing in Portimao, BMW opted to use Valencia circuit as the venue for Ruben Xaus and Troy Corser's debut on their new WSBK bikes on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The conditions were superb throughout the two days and both riders were happy with the progress made by the end. Each rider had two S1000RRs, with slightly different characteristics, and started the first day adjusting the riding positions, handlebars and footpegs and generally trying to get comfortable with the bike.

Neither rider used any qualifiers or supersport tires, but managed good lap times on standard race rubber. Corser is no stranger to four-cylinder bikes, so it was no surprise that he was faster than Xaus, managing 1:35s on the second day. His riding style is very different to the Spaniard, but that means that the technicians have been able to collect a variety of data and feedback, which will stand them in good stead for the next test.

"I didn't think I would feel as comfortable on bike as I did at this stage," Corser said. "Already, I am getting to feel that this is my bike and that has surprised me a bit, but makes me happy. The actual base of the bike is good and I think that we will be able to work on all the different areas and make it a good package. The bike feels very stable on the straights and it handles well, so if we can put the whole package together, I think we can be competitive.

"No problems for me today, except right at the end of the test when a bird hit me at high speed - I mean I was going fast, but the bird wasn't! I saw it on the track between turns one and two and expected it to fly out of the way, but it just started flapping when I was almost on top of it. It hit me just under my throat, between my collarbones and the impact took my breath away. I was obviously still feeling the impact for a while because I nearly crashed a few corners later. I was sore in the evening, but it could've been much worse."

"I have many years on a twin and now I have to learn a new bike and everything that goes with it," Xaus explained. "Normally, I am a stop and go type of rider. I brake late, then turn, then give it gas and go, but this bike has got good power and I have to understand how to use it and get my mechanics to set the bike up for my style."