Wollongong's Troy Corser splits with BMW

By Sam Hall
Updated November 6 2012 - 12:49am, first published October 3 2011 - 10:11am

Wollongong World Superbike rider Troy Corser's future has been thrown into uncertainty following his team's decision to part ways at the end of this season.BMW Motorrad will replace Corser with former 250cc World Champion Marco Melandri, as well as retaining Englishman Leon Haslam.The decision has prompted suggestions that the 39-year-old may hang up the leathers before Christmas or take on a development role, however there has been no official word from the Corser camp.A test rider position seems highly feasible given that the No 11 has played an intrinsic role in developing the BMW S1000R since it was first debuted in World Superbikes three years ago.BMW Motorrad motorsport director Bernhard Gobmeier said "a joint decision" was made with Troy to look at future options."Troy has made a vital contribution to establishing and further developing the team and the RR over the past three years - we would like to thank him for this," Gobmeier said. "We are working on ensuring that Troy maintains his links with BMW Motorrad."Troy is inseparably associated with the development of the first BMW Motorrad superbike, and we want to take this into account."Corser struggled for grip during Sunday's Magny-Cours round of the World Superbikes, finishing ninth in both 23-lap races. Spain's Carlos Checa wrapped up his maiden World Superbike championship with a clean sweep across the weekend."We have been strong and consistent all weekend, and in all honesty I was hoping for better results," Corser said. "Two top 10 finishes on paper is not so bad, but with the pace we have shown we all expected a little bit more. Still we have some good information to work with going into Portimao in two weeks' time."A veteran of the sport, Corser has won two World Superbike Championships (1996 and 2005) and has ridden for almost every manufacturer during his 17-year stint. He has also picked up championships in the AMA Superbikes (1994) and Australian Superbikes (1993) categories.Corser will turn 40 in November.

Subscribe now for unlimited access.

$0/

(min cost $0)

or signup to continue reading

See subscription options

Get the latest Wollongong news in your inbox

Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date.

We care about the protection of your data. Read our Privacy Policy.