Melandri signs deal with BMW
Added on Monday, October 3rd, 2011 by Carole Nash Editor
Melandri signs deal with BMW
Marco Melandri will partner British rider Leon Haslam in the 2012 World Superbike Championship, after agreeing a deal with BMW.
Melandri, a former Ducati, Yamaha Tech 3, Kawasaki and Gresini Honda MotoGP rider, has signed a one-year contract with BMW to form what appears to be a very strong rider line-up for 2012.
The Italian, who will finish second in the championship, was left in limbo earlier this year after Yamaha announced that they will be pulling out of the World Superbike championship.
“We are really looking forward to working with Leon and Marco. I am convinced we will have arguably the strongest rider’s line up in the Superbike World Championship field,” said BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director, Bernhard Gobmeier. “We are delighted to have two riders who are both hungry and experienced for the coming season. That is the next important step for our team.
“Marco has performed brilliantly this season, even during difficult periods. He impressed us in his first season in the championship, and we are pleased to be able to welcome him into our team.”
