BMW announced today that it will send a factory backed team to compete in the Isle of Man’s Superbike and Senior TT’s. This announcement ends over 30 years of the Bavarian brand’s absence at the Isle of Man. For Austrian-based KTM, this will be their first time running at the Isle of Man TT. The KTM RC8 R will be entered in the Superstock, Superbike, and Senior TT’s. More after the jump.
For BMW, the TT will strictly be a German affair as BMW test rider Rico Penzkofer, a German himself, will take the helm of the S1000RR Superbike. This will be Penzkofer’s second trip to the Isle of Man. In 2009 he finished 33rd and 30th in both Supersport category races. Talking about the opportunity to race again around the Isle of Man, this time with factory support, Penzkofer said the following:
“To be representing BMW on their return to the TT is a tremendous honour for me and after my debut last year I can’t wait to return to the Mountain Course. Riding the Superbike will obviously present a new challenge but the bike is superb and that, combined with my own improved knowledge of the course, should see us able to make a good impression. Troy Corser and Ruben Xaus have proved in World Superbikes that the bike is competitive and we hope to do the same at the TT.”
For the Austrian contingency, this will be their first time on the Manx Island, as they hope to further promote their KTM R8R Superbike. James Edmeades will take the helm of the RC8 R, and has assailed the Mountain Course in 2006, 2007, and 2008. Talking about his involvement with KTM and the 2010 Isle of Man TT, Edmeades said the following:
“The opportunity to become the first KTM rider at the Isle of Man TT Races is a tremendous honour for me and after the three great years I enjoyed between 2006 and 2008, I can’t wait to get back on the Island. The KTM RC8R is a superb bike and I’m sure it will perform well around the course with its excellent handling qualities.”
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