BMW to join Superstock ranks

BMW has announced it is expanding its World Superbike operation after confirming it will enter the FIM Superstock 1000 Cup in 2010.

The manufacturer, which made its high-profile Superbike debut this season, will enter a team under the BMW Motorrad Italia banner.

Using the S1000RR as the basis to compete in the support series, the new operation will be fronted by Serafino Foti, the team manager of Superstock champions Ducati for the past three seasons.

"The BMW S 1000 RR is a splendid, high-performance sports bike and it represents the crowning of the strategy of dynamic expansion that BMW Motorrad has carried out in the last few years," said Andrew Buzzoni, BMW Motorrad Italia director.

"I'm really pleased that Serafino Foti will be the new team manager, Serafino will make available all of his experience in the new project."

BMW's arrival could see the number of manufacturers competing in the FIM Superstock Cup rise to nine after eight brands (Ducati, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Aprilia, Kawasaki, MV Agusta and KTM) participated in 2009.

BMW, which is currently only represented domestically in the German IDM Superbike series, is also rumoured to have been approached to enter the British series, as well as supply customer bikes to World Superbike teams.

Troy Corser and Ruben Xaus will once again ride for the factory BMW team in 2010.