BMW have this morning announced that former MotoGP man Marco Melandri will team up with Leon Haslam in their factory World Superbike squad for the 2012 season after signing a two-year deal at Magny-Cours, making it the most top-heavy team in the paddock (think about it...).

Melandri was left high and dry after his current Yamaha team pulled its factory-backed effort out of the series for next year. Both Italian Melandri and team-mate Eugene Laverty were looking for work which Melandri seems to have found.

“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," said BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director Bernhard Gobmeier

“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.”