Milwaukee BMW have this morning announced a three-year deal for Gulf Oil International to join them as a major sponsor ahead of the team’s first full World Superbike season, which kicks off with a test at Jerez on Tuesday.

The agreement will see the iconic oil giant enter WSBK for the first time in its long history of motorsport, in what will also be the maiden WorldSBK season for title sponsor Milwaukee and holding team Shaun Muir Racing.

“This is a very exciting time for the entire team, riders and sponsors. The final piece in the jigsaw has come together with the signing of Gulf. Obviously a partnership with a global lubes and fuels company is essential for any WorldSBK team, and we look forward to the benefits that working with Gulf and its products will bring,” said team principal Muir.

“The Gulf partnership – with fuel stations in 21 countries and lubricant business in over 100 countries – gives the team a truly global partnership and I feel we now have all the ingredients needed to mount a serious challenge in the World Superbike Championship. No one is underestimating the size of the challenge, but we are ready and we are focused. The guys have put in an enormous amount of hours and effort to get to this position, and we can’t wait to get on track now.”