BMW MOTORRAD:

A day of hard graft in Magny-Cours today, saw Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport rider Troy Corser grab a pair of top ten finishes. He finished ninth in race one and tenth in race two, and left the 4.411kilometre circuit satisfied, but not entirely happy. His team mate Ruben Xaus continued to fight his pain and was rewarded for his efforts by a strong 11th in race one and a 12th in race two. Today’s race wins were once again split between American Ben Spies (Yamaha) and Japanese rider Noriyuki Haga (Ducati). Spies won the opener, with Haga second and Max Biaggi (Aprilia) third. Behind Haga in race two was Biaggi, with Jonathan Rea (Honda) third.

Troy – Race 1: 9th, Race 2: 10th
The bike’s progress continues every time we go out – and that’s good news. The improvement is steady, but I guess both Ruben and I would like much more – but then we are racers! My results today are OK and I supposed it’s probably what was expected, but I am a little disappointed because we are so close to a great result and I’d like it to happen sooner, instead of later. This weekend the bike wanted to wheelspin and wheelie and we have to control these things if we want to progress more quickly. My crew chief told me that my race distance time today would have been good enough to win the race last year! That surprises me, but it shows just how competitive the series is this year and the strength of our rivals.

Ruben – Race 1: 11th, Race 2 :12th
Sometimes racing is a bit frustrating and today was a bit like that. Our bike has a big potential and we are working hard to realise that potential and challenge the leaders more often. It’s a bit frustrating because Troy and I realise that there’s so much more to come from the bike and we want it now. Clearly, I am not fully fit at the moment, so to finish 11th and 12th in my condition shows that the bike is a very good one. Today I had some small problem keeping the bike on the line that I wanted. This was my first four cylinder race at Magny and that, together with my physical condition, meant that I would always be playing catch-up today. Now I’m looking forward to going back to my physio and getting fitter and stronger for Portimao.

Berti Hauser (BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director)
It is good to have both our riders back together again and I am happy that our progress continues. Both riders did perfect jobs in this very competitive series. Our goal for the year was the Top 10 and I’m happy that we are on target and now we’re all looking for ward to the next step which should be in Portimao.