Barry Veneman to substitute for James Toseland on the BMW Motorrad Italia SBK Team at the Assen race, the third event in the Superbike World Championship

San Donato Milanese, 6 April 2011 - Barry Veneman (34), a native of the Netherlands, has been selected by the BMW Motorrad Italia SBK Team to substitute for James Toseland, who is still recuperating, for the next events in the SBK World Championship.

The Dutch rider has a fairly good amount of experience in international championships and, since he is quite familiar with the local circuit, which is also one of his favorites, he will be able to provide valid support to the Team in setting up the bike for the 15-17 April event.

Barry Veneman’s esperience includes a season in the MotoGP World Championship, riding a two-stroke 500, as well as various races in the Supersport World Championship. In addition, with Suzuki in 2010 he won the 24 Hours of Le Mans, as part of the Endurance Championship, after also taking third place in 2008.

Veneman has acquired a good knowledge of the BMW S 1000 RR, with which he raced – and will race again in 2011 – in the German IDM Championship; he has also participated in several developmental tests with the Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport.

Barry Veneman was born in Zwolle (Netherlands) on 22 March 1977; he is married and has two children.

His favorite tracks are Phillip Island (AUS) and TT Assen (NL).

His favorite motorcycle is the BMW S 1000 RR.

Major results:

• 1998     Dutch Supersport 400                                          Champion
• 2001     500cc MotoGP Championship                            24th
• 2002     Dutch Supersport 600                                          Champion
• 2003     Dutch Supersport 600                                          Champion
• 2005     World Supersport                                                   12th after injury
• 2007     World Supersport                                                   8th
• 2008     World Supersport                                                   8th
• Podium finish – 2008 World Supersport Magny Cours (FR)
• Winner – Le Mans 24 Hour World Endurance

Ufficio Stampa BMW Motorrad Italia SBK Team
email: bmw.sbk.press@sbk.service-bmw.com
web: www.press.bmwgroup-sport.com

Danilo Coglianese
BMW Motorrad Italia Communication & PR
danilo.coglianese@bmw.it