Former Moto2 star and Aprilia WSBK rider Jordi Torres has signed to ride for the new Althea BMW squad in 2016 and will partner IDM champion Markus Reiterberger.

The team have penned a two-year agreement with BMW Motorrad who will provide technical support, engines and electronics. Althea will be responsible for the development of the bike during the season and manage the sporting and logistical aspects of its participation in the series.

“I’m delighted to cooperate with BMW Motorrad Motorsport,” said team boss Genesio Bevilacqua. “Each team member is fully committed to this new challenge and, now, we’re ready for the first day of the 2016 season. Next week, the team will be in Jerez for the shake down of the new bikes, the first small steps on what will be a long journey. I’m very looking forward to repaying the trust that BMW Motorrad Motorsport has put in my team in the form of good performance on the racetrack during the 2016 season.

“Our two riders, Jordi Torres and Markus Reiterberger, already showed to be fast and consistent. Jordi has been named rookie of the year in the WSBK Championship 2015, despite he already won two times the CEV series before entering the WSBK Championship last year. Reiti also won two titles in the German IDM championship, he’s young and talented rider and is, finally, the return of a German rider in the World Superbike Championship. I strongly believe they both will be very soon fast and consistent.”

The team will shakedown the bikes at Jerez over two days, starting on November 23 and will join the Ducati, Yamaha, Honda and Kawasaki teams.