10 January 2016

BROOKES AND ABRAHAM JOIN MILWAUKEE BMW IN WORLDSBK FOR 2016

Reigning British Superbike Champion Josh Brookes and former MotoGP star Karel Abraham will take to the WorldSBK grid next season as team-mates in the new Milwaukee BMW team.

Both Brookes and Abraham will ride BMW S 1000 RRs built by Shaun Muir Racing and backed by Milwaukee Power Tools after a three-year extension to their title partnership deal was agreed.

BMW Motorrad Motorsport will provide support and technical know-how, and its experts will work alongside the team throughout the whole season, along with engines and electronics. The team will be responsible for the development of the bike during the season, and manage the sporting and logistical aspects of its participation in the series.

Australian Brookes last raced in WorldSBK nine years ago and is looking forward to going back on to the global stage to race against the best Superbike riders on the planet.

"I'm excited to be back in WorldSBK and to go there with the same team I won the BSB title with is perfect. I haven't raced a BMW before but the bike and factory are proven, and I am certain it will be competitive," said Brookes.

"Having the support of BMW Motorrad Motorsport is crucial to our efforts and having their experts on site with us will be a big help. We will test early in January before heading to Phillip Island and I am looking forwardto riding in front of my home fans."

Czech Republic rider Abraham spent the last five years in MotoGP, scoring points regularly, but sees WorldSBK as the next stage in his career.

"Moving to WorldSBK with a team like Milwaukee BMW is hugely exciting. It will also be a challenge as I haven't ridden a Superbike and a lot of the tracks will be new but I am sure that we will be able to get up to speed quickly," said Abraham.

Team principal Shaun Muir concluded: As a team, the support and enthusiasm shown by BMW Motorrad Motorsport was hugely confidence-building. They know exactly what we need to be competitive and the level of backing has made our decision to join them much easier.