BMW out for more top places in Brno

The fortunes of the two BMW Motorrad Motorsport riders could not have been more of a contrast at Brno in 2009, as Troy Corser took a strong top five finish while Ruben Xaus broke his femur, putting him out of action for some time. This time around the official BMW squad arrives in the Czech Republic in great shape, with Troy Corser having already taken not one but two podium finishes on the S1000RR, and with Xaus making progress towards the top places again, step-by-step.

A recent official test for Corser and Xaus in Imola went well, even if Xaus had to stop early on day two to rest the leg he hurt in a collision with another rider at Misano in round eight.

Corser is looking forward to Brno as much as any race this year, and hopes to put his unrivalled experience to good effect from first to last.

"I'm confident going into Brno. Last year I earned my best result of the whole season there when I finished in fifth place," said Troy. "The bike has come a long way since this time a year ago. I like the track itself a lot, as it suits my riding style. The set-up you run here is quite unusual. There are corners that you brake into going downhill and others which you brake into uphill. That means you have to find a compromise."

Ruben, an 11-times WSB winner, knows Brno will be a key race for him in 2010. "Things are actually looking good," said Ruben. "The bike is improving all the time and we're getting really good power from the engine, which is important with all the inclines at Brno. I hope that things fall into place. It was here that all the problems started last year with my crash and injury. Things just haven't run smoothly since then. I hope that we can draw a line under this unhappy time at Brno. For me it's critical that I find my rhythm over the next few race weekends."