Tackling a favourite circuit for both Althea BMW Racing Team riders, Rafaelle De Rosa and Jordi Torres are ready to take the desert by storm as they continue to develop their S1000RR machines. De Rosa has the experience of the race last year, following his STK1000 title victory whilst it is the only circuit Torres has won around in the WorldSBK series so it holds a good feeling for both riders.

Italian De Rosa has had a tough season getting to grips with the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship, however he states how he has enjoyed riding the Althea machine and looks forward to taking on the Losail International Circuit with the machine for the final time of 2017. Making his debut around the track last season following his title victory, he has a year of experience under his belt and hopes to thank his team for their hard work this season.

De Rosa explains: “I'm pleased to go to Qatar, where I raced for the first time last year and completed a good race. The bike suits the track and I like the layout. I hope I can do something to repay the work done by the team, seeing as we’re already at the final round. In view of the fact that the season’s almost at an end, I want to thank Genesio and the entire Althea team for their help and support this year.”

Tackling his favourite track under the floodlights, Torres takes a positive attitude to the desert for the final round of the season as he hopes to end on a high. With strong levels of grip around the 5.3km circuit, he feels that if he can rely on less electronics then he will be able to be more competitive. Searching for redemption from his heartbreaking loss around Misano back in June, he will be hoping for a strong final round at a circuit which suits his riding style.

"I really like the Losail track,” begins Torres. “Where we race at night, and I’m confident that we’ll be able to do well. It’s a wide track that offers good grip and where there is less need for traction control and anti-wheelie systems. So maybe, with less reliance on the electronics, we can be more competitive. The track suits my riding style anyway and so I’m keen to see what we can do…”

Don’t miss any of the WorldSBK racing action from the Acerbis Qatar Round from 2^nd – 4^th November, as the Althea BMW Racing Team are out for a strong fight in the desert, all on the WorldSBK VideoPass.