Aussie Troy Corser is coming close to BMW's first WSBK podium.

Australia’s Troy Corser continues to close in on an elusive maiden podium for his factory BMW as the 2010 Superbike World Championship makes the first of its three Italian appointments at the high speed Monza circuit this weekend.

Corser’s ever-improving BMW was fast in the last round at Assen, which has only increased his optimism ahead of Monza – a circuit that rewards high horsepower and torque.

“At Monza there are two keys – good acceleration and good brakes,” said Corser. “The circuit is in effect a succession of long straights and tight corners. At Assen we were really quick on the straights. If we can build speed quickly out of the corners and look after our tyres over the full race distance, I’m very confident we can have a good race weekend.”

Corser and Spanish teammate Ruben Xaus joined a number of other World Superbike regulars in a two-day test session at Misano last week, with the Wollongong rider spending a lot of time to fine-tuning his brake set-up ahead of the punishment it will receive at Monza.

Corser is one of four Monza race winners in this year’s field, with the select group also including fellow Aussie Chris Vermeulen.

Both riders won a race apiece in 2005, boding well for Corser as he aims to crack the first podium for the German manufacturer in just its second season of WSBK competition.