Corser and Haslam shape up in BMW's wind tunnel
The team also worked on optimising the aerodynamic efficiency of the wind shield of the 2011 BMW S 1000 RR. The data collected will now be analysed in detail. Based on these results, the bike will be prepared for the next winter test that takes place at the end of November in Jerez.
"The riding position is a main factor for the aerodynamic efficiency of the overall package of rider and bike", says Rainer Bäumel, Technical Director Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport. "The positions of the head and the upper body, of elbows, knees and feet can have an enormous influence on the drag, and subsequently on lap times. Of course, there is not one position that is the optimum for all riders, because it all depends on so many different individual factors, beginning with height and stature. The intensive work in the wind tunnel enabled Troy and Leon to find out what riding position is the best for them personally."
"At the same time we try to improve the aerodynamic efficiency of the bike as much as possible within the strict technical regulations", Bäumel continues. "This is why we evaluated several different shapes and positions of the wind shield. We collected a lot of valuable data that will help us with the set up of the bike for the next tests."
Troy and Leon now continue their physical preparation for next season. From today on they are taking part in the BMW fitness camp, where they are joined by Team BMW Motorrad Italia SBK riders, James Toseland and Ayrton Badovini, and BMW offroad riders.
