BMW Australia has revealed that 2008 Australian Superbike Champion Glenn Allerton will make a shock switch to the S 1000 RR in this year’s Viking Group ASBK title chase.

Allerton will ride for Hepburn Motorsport, the team which former ran KTM’s factory team under the ESG banner last season, and looks forward to the season.

“We are very excited to have Glenn and Hepburn Motorsport competing this year on the S 1000 RR,” Tony Sesto, BMW Motorrad manager commented. “We are confident the RR is the best bike and Glenn is an incredibly talented rider, together we are looking forward to an exciting year of racing.”

The team had their first taste of the HP Power Kit equipped S 1000 RR recently at Phillip Island, impressing Allerton and prompting team owner Wayne Hepburn to make the switch for the season ahead.

“We have to race this bike this year!” Allerton enthused. “The electronics make the bike so easy and smooth to handle and the gear shift feels seamless. There has been some serious development with the traction control system – it’s the best I have ever used.”

Allerton also tested alongside the BMW World Superbike Team at Phillip Island recently, impressing with quick laps despite a near standard unit.

“Today is our first day on the bike, we only fitted the race glass yesterday afternoon,” Hepburn explained. “So far we just focused on getting Glenn comfortable on the bike, adjusting the seating position and so on. We couldn’t believe how quick he was straight out of the blocks.

“With Glenn riding the S 1000 RR we are aiming high for 2011, we will be genuine contenders for race wins and the championship.”

Hepburn Motorsport will be supported by BMW Motorrad Australia, Maxima Race Oils, Ohlins Suspension, Akrapovic Exhausts, Procon Group, Dynomotive, Zoom Recruitment, Kroozetune, JAT Engineering and Alpine Performance in 2011.