Ruben Xaus with his trademark 111 race number.

The Spaniard with his factory BMW S 1000 RR.

Described as one of the most naturally gifted riders of recent times, Ruben Xaus first burst onto the World Superbike scene in 2001. His career since then has included countless podiums, victories, fastest laps and pole positions. In 2009, the Spaniard embarks on a season of discovery with the BMW Motorrad Motorsport squad, looking to use his vast experience to help propel the newly formed team towards the top of the timesheets.

At the age of 14, Xaus first experienced the thrill of motorcycle racing, initially on dirt bikes and later on road bikes in the 125cc Catalan Championship, 125cc Solo Criterium and the 80cc Catalonia Supermoto Championship. His obvious talents enabled him to forge a successful career in motorcycle racing - a career that has included stints in MotoGP, the World Supersport Championship, the German Pro-Superbikes Championship, and of course the World Superbike Championship.

For 2009, Xaus will use his experience and talent alongside Troy Corser with series newcomers BMW Motorrad Motorsport. "The decision to join BMW Motorrad Motorsport was not really a difficult one because this was a chance to work with an official team and it provided a fresh start," he comments. "The fact that this is a factory team and the fact that we are all starting from scratch was attractive to me. Also, I realised right from the start that the team is highly motivated and very determined, and I am proud to be part of all this."

During his World Superbike Career, Xaus has started 154 races, taking 35 podiums and 11 race wins. His best World Superbike season came in 2003 when 15 podiums - including seven race victories - just wasn't quite enough to beat his Ducati team-mate Neil Hodgson to the title. He ultimately finished the season in second position overall. Following his superb performances in 2003, Xaus moved to MotoGP for 2004 and 2005; however technical problems blighted his time in the series, prompting a move back to the World Superbike Championship in 2006.

Throughout his career, Xaus has been applauded for his impassioned displays and unrelenting on-track spirit. It's this character, together with team-mate Troy Corser's vast experience, that he believes will help BMW Motorrad Motorsport in its rookie year. "I bring Latin passion - 'sangria Espanola' - to the team," says Xaus. "I ride from the heart and have the ability to make a good fight. This is a good balance with Troy's huge experience."

Despite clearly being deeply passionate about the sport, Xaus reveals that staying cool when the going gets tough is an equally valuable asset - and a quality that BMW Motorrad Motorsport has in abundance. "I like the German mentality of this team because they are cool and clinical about what they are trying to do and always willing to put in the hard work no matter what the situation," he reveals.

This hard work is already beginning to pay off for BMW Motorrad Motorsport following a positive start to the season. With two top ten finishes in the opening two rounds of the season for both Xaus and Corser aboard the S 1000 RR, the rookie team has already attracted widespread praise for its seamless entry into the World Superbike Championship. Xaus explains that the early signs are encouraging: "The bike felt good from the start (at Phillip Island). When you chase the top lap times, it's harder for sure, but our race pace was really good and that's a very positive sign.

"The S 1000 RR is good but it's important that we improve and keep on improving. Of course, we all want more and we are all working to that end, but I believe that there is a lot more to come."

The next round of the 2009 World Superbike Championship takes place in Valencia on April 5 when the BMW Motorrad Motorsport team will look to continue its strong start to the season in one of the most competitive race series' in the world.