Badovini takes stock of new BMW machine

Following an up-and-down experience in 2009, Italian Ayrton Badovini is looking forward to his new challenge with the BMW Motorrad Italia team in this year's Superstock 1000 FIM Cup. Despite the fact that recent testing for the new team in Portugal was hampered by bad weather, the former WSBK rider was pleased with his new mount. "It's clear that the S 1000 RR was born a good bike," he said. "Throughout my career I've had opportunities to step onto many new bikes, but they were not in the right stage of development, while with this one I immediately felt at ease. It's got a wide margin for improvement and my first impressions were positive, especially in engine power delivery". This year Badovini will be working with the members of the reigning champion Superstock 1000 team. "They are all very professional and it is obvious why the team run by Serafino Foti have won titles. They approach Superstock with total commitment and they have a perfect working method. My aim is to go for the title obviously. Together with the team's technicians we're taking things very seriously indeed and I think we have everything to get some good results". Badovini doesn't know his Superstock 1000 rivals particularly well, also because after he was forced' out of action half-way through the 2009 season, he totally switched off from Superbike. "For a certain period I couldn't even watch the races on TV, I knew I should have been there with the other guys and I refused to follow them. Now I know I'll be up against Berger, Giugliano, the BMWs and a couple of other new riders who as always will be the surprise of the championship".