The Buildbase BMW team have further strengthened their line up in the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship by confirming today (Wednesday) that Ian Lowry will be joining them for the 2011 season alongside John Laverty.

Lowry has already been a strong contender in BSB and came close to lifting the British Supersport Championship in 2007. In 2009 he progressed with the Relentless Suzuki by TAS team to BSB and instantly impressed with some gutsy performances that saw him end the season as top rookie and fifth overall in the title chase. Last year he experienced the Spanish Moto2 class and was also called up for the Kawasaki World Superbike team, but now he is eager to return to unfinished business in BSB.

Lowry said:

"I'm pretty excited to be honest. I met with Stuart Hicken of Hawk Racing over in Ireland but he didn't tell me what he was working on. We had a meeting at the Motorcycle Live show, where the team made its debut, and we both said we wanted to race together. I heard that he was joining forces with BMW Motorrad and I was keen to get involved. The bikes have been very competitive; they dominated both the Superstock and BSB-EVO championships last year, so it's a brilliant opportunity for me. I think the British tracks really suit the S 1000 RR's chassis and setup, so it's just a matter of getting a few miles under our belts and getting ready for the year's racing."

Buildbase BMW Motorrad Team Principal Stuart Hicken said:

"I've watched Ian's progress with interest for three years now, especially in WSBK towards the end of 2010. He rode very well and didn't crash a lot, which is a good sign! I ran into him again at the Sunflower Trophy meeting in Ireland at the end of 2010 where he beat John Laverty. I think there will be a healthy rivalry. I can see that John and Ian will push each other to the limit - and not too many times over it, I hope! I'm looking forward to a great season - and I think they can both help Barry on the EVO bike. Their knowledge will be invaluable to our BSB-EVO challenge too."