BMW Motorrad Motorsport has confirmed it has signed Marco Melandri as its second rider for the 2012 FIM Superbike World Championship.
29-year-old Melandri will ride the BMW S 1000 RR alongside current team rider Leon Haslam who will be back for a second year.
BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director Bernhard Gobmeier said: "We are really looking forward to working with Leon and Marco. I am convinced we will have arguably the strongest rider's line up in the Superbike World Championship field.
"We are delighted to have two riders who are both hungry and experienced for the coming season. That is the next important step for our team."
Gobmeier added, "Marco has performed brilliantly this season, even during difficult periods. He impressed us in his first season in the championship, and we are pleased to be able to welcome him into our team."
Current team rider, Australian Troy Corser, has confirmed he will fall back to a promotional role with BMW with some part time racing in 2012.
