BMW Motorrad Motorsport has confirmed its second rider for the 2012 FIM Superbike World Championship: alongside Britain’s Leon Haslam (28), 29-year-old former MotoGP rider Marco Melandri (ITA) will ride the second BMW S 1000 RR for the team from Munich and Stephanskirchen.
BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director Bernhard Gobmeier says: “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. 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.” Gobmeier adds: “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.”
Profile: Marco Melandri
Date of birth: 7th August 1982
Place of birth: Ravenna (ITA)
Place of residence: Ravenna (ITA)
Family status: Engaged
Height: 1.66 m
Weight: 60 kg
Hobbies: All kinds of motorsports, cycling, music
Passion: Bikes
First bike: Malaguti Grizzly 50ccm
First race: 1989, Mini-Bikes, Cattolica (ITA)
Career highlight: 250ccm World Champion (2002), 2nd MotoGP (2005)
Superbike World Championship record: 22 races, 12 podium finishes, 3 wins, 5 second and 4 third places, 1 pole position, 3 fastest race laps
Website: www.marcomelandri.it
Source: http://superbike-news.co.uk