Richard Cooper replaces Ruben Xaus at BMW for Nurburgring race

Britain’s Richard Cooper has been drafted into the factory BMW WSB squad for this weekend’s race at the Nurburgring in Germany. Twenty six year old Cooper will replace Spaniard Ruben Xaus who suffered a broken femur at the Brno race five weeks ago.

Cooper currently competes in the British Superstock championship but has already proved his ability on a Superbike when he led the Mallory Park BSB race in July where he eventually finished fifth. Cooper continues his long association with BMW who he has ridden for in World Endurance and the BMW Boxer Cup.

Despite having no experience in WSB, Cooper has at least tested the BMW S1000RR at the Lausitzring so has some knowledge of the race bike.

He said: “This ride is like a dream come true, but I am under no illusions about the massive task waiting for me this weekend. I have never raced at the Nurburgring before, but at least I have tested the S 1000 RR race bike, so I have some knowledge of it before going out for my first laps.
“My first impressions of the bike were very good and I was surprised and pleased how smooth it felt and how good the power delivery was. I will be under no pressure from the team this weekend and all they want me to do is ride the bike and try and enjoy the experience.
“Ruben and I are very different physically  – I am a lot shorter and weigh a lot less – so my first job is to get the bike set up for me.”

Xaus remains focussed on making his return to the series at round 12 of the championship at Imola on 27th September. The Spanish rider remains on crutches, but believes he can be fit by the end of the month.
He said: I didn’t want to come to the Nurburgring and ride at only 80%. I cannot put my full body weight on my right leg, so it is better that I sit this one out because I will then have another three weeks and be much stronger for the Imola race at the end of September. It would be a disaster, if I raced this weekend and did some more damage, but I shall miss getting on the bike for sure – especially as it is the team’s ‘home’ race.”

Regular rider Troy Corser will arrive at the Nurburgring full of confidence given the ever improving performance of his S1000RR. At Brno last time out, Corser led both races with a best result of fifth. In 2008 onboard the Yamaha, Corser fought for the race win with Noriyuki Haga and the Australian is confident his BMW will work well at the twisty and undulating circuit.

He said: ” I like the Nurburgring and it has been a good circuit for me in the past and, after a recent tests and the race in Brno in the last round, I am really looking forward to this coming weekend. There is going to be a lot of interest and attention on us this weekend because it is the team’s ‘home’ race and all of us want to do well for our fans and our sponsors.
“I’m happy that Richard is stepping in this weekend for Ruben. I have met him a few times, especially at Brands Hatch recently. He’s young, fast and good prospect for the future and I’m sure he’ll do a good job for the team. I’ll give him whatever helps he needs and although he’s young (and looks even younger!) he’s pretty experienced already, so maybe he won’t need it!