BMW Motorrad GB unveils line-up for Boxercup 2002.

BMW Motorrad GB has confirmed its team line-up for this year's International BoxerCup, the one-make series that supports the MotoGP and World Endurance Championships.

Current World Endurance Champion Brian Morrison will campaign a BMW R1100 S in the series where he will be joined by racing journalist Gus Scott and 18-year-old Junior Superstock sensation, Richard Cooper.

BMW's International BoxerCup series was inaugurated in France in 1999 and has since grown to become arguably the most exclusive one-make motorcycle race series in the world. Under the guidance of former GP star Randy Mamola, the BoxerCup championship has attracted top class riders of the calibre of former 500 GP World Champion Kevin Schwantz, 125 and 250cc World Champion Luca Cadalora and World Superbike star Stephane Mertens - the current champion.

In 2002, British race fans will get a chance to see a round of the BoxerCup on home soil. For the first time, the season kicks off at Donington Park on 28 April as a support race to the British Superbike Championship. New recruit Brian Morrison will be especially keen to make his mark at the circuit and start the series on a high note.

"I'm really looking forward to racing the R1100 S this year, " said the 41-year-old Scot from Kirkcaldy, who brings over 20 years of racing experience into the team. "I've seen a few BoxerCup races and the standard is high, especially with riders the calibre of Stephane Mertens on the track. He's going to be the man to beat this year and I'll be doing my best to bring the trophy back to the UK for BMW Motorrad Great Britain."

Racing journalist Gus Scott had the opportunity to race in one of the BoxerCup rounds last year. He enjoyed it so much that he has signed up to contest the entire series in 2002.

"I've wanted to be involved in the championship ever since I first watched a race in Estoril a couple of years ago," he explained. "When I was offered a ride in the 2002 series, it was an opportunity not to be missed because it has to be the most elite one-make series around."

Morrison and Scott will be joined by Richard Cooper, who finished second in last year's British Junior Superstock Championship. He hasn't raced the R1100 S yet, but has already ridden the boxer twin at Mallory Park and is looking forward to pre-season testing at Valencia in March.

"I'm really looking forward to starting the season," he said. "I've been watching the BoxerCup series on Eurosport and it looks fantastic. I've also been competing in one-make classes over the last few years and I like the idea that the challenge is all down to the rider. The results are based on the rider's skills and not on what brand of bike you ride and how many expensive parts you've added to it."

According to BMW Motorrad GB's Marketing Manager Kevin Pascoe, having an official presence in the International BoxerCup will help raise the profile of the series in the UK and give BMW riders a chance to see just what the R1100 S is capable of in a racing environment.

"Our involvement in the BoxerCup series has given us the opportunity to display the R1100 S in a true sporting context and we're delighted to have secured a round of the championship in the UK," Pascoe said. "With so many changes happening around the race paddock, it's a great time to be involved."

In addition to substantial prize money, the winner of the 2002 International BoxerCup championship will take home a BMW M Coupe, while second and third placed finishers will win BMW R1150 GS Adventure and F650 CS motorcycles respectively.

International BMW Boxer Cup 2002 - race calendar:

28 April - British Superbike (Donington Park) 1 June - GP Italy (Mugello) 15 June - GP Catalunya (Spain) 29 June - Dutch TT (Netherlands) 13 July - Spa 24h race (Belgium) 20 July - GP Germany (Sachsenring, Germany) 10 August - Speedweek (Oschersleben, Germany) 14 September - Bol d'Or (Magny Cours, France)