BMW Motorrad Italia SBK Team. Test Infront. February 21st-22nd, 2011. The BMW Motorrad Italy team head to the track in Australia with the Superbike and test in Spain with Superstock

Phillip Island, February 20, 2011 – The BMW Motorrad Superbike Italy team is arrived in Australia, where on Sunday, February 27 the 2011 World Superbike Championship kicks off at Phillip Island. James Toseland and Ayrton Badovini will be riding for the team, taking part in the first of a two day collective testing programme at the Australian circuit next Monday.

The Italian team will make its World Superbike Championship race debut after winning the FIM Superstock 2010 Cup with Badovini, but has taken part in only two tests in Portimao before flying to Australia. Despite poor weather conditions for the Portuguese test, riders were able to give valuable information to the engineers, who, even with tight timescales, were able to evolve the development of the bike.

Serafino Foti, sporting director of BMW Motorrad Superbike Italy team said: "We cannot wait to start the World Superbike Championship, although we are under no illusion, having not done many tests. We hope we have potential with our current set-up. I have left our Superstock team to fly to Australia and I am very happy with the way they conducted our first test. Thanks to a change to favourable weather Sylvain and Lorenzo had a long time on track and produced very good results. Barrier knew the bike because we ran in 2010, while Lorenzo is adapting quickly to the four-cylinder machine. With the junior team we will be back on track on 17 and 18 March in Motorland Aragon, along with the Superbike squad."

Good weather enabled the BMW Motorrad Italy Superstock team to test at the Circuit de Cartagena. Lorenzo Zanetti and Sylvain Barrier have ridden many laps of the Spanish circuit. It was the second time out for the Italian, who along with his French teammate, is defending the Cup won in 2010. However it was Barrier’s first test on the bike for the Italian team.

Lorenzo Zanetti said: "I'm pleased that I have even more confidence with the team and the bike. The good conditions allowed us to try various settings and I must say that I am fine with the four-cylinder engine.

Sylvain Barrier said: "I already know the BMW S 1000 RR as I rode it last year too, but it is always important to have time on the bike, especially to establish a good relationship with the team."

The pre-season Superbike testing ahead of the first race will take place next Monday and Thusday at Phillip Island (Australia)