BMW's World Superbike race team boss Andrea Dosoli believes the S1000RR ridden by Leon Haslam and Marco Melandri has not yet achieved its full potential and expects to remedy that over the 2012 season which kicks off at Phillip Island at the end of the month.

Dosoli, who was drafted in to the German firm after Yamaha pulled out of WSBK, reckons the team need to realise the bike's full potential, step-by-step, to close the gap on competitors but says his riders can podium at the first race.

“I can see that the potential of the bike has not been used 100 per cent yet. We know that our competitors are very strong, and a few of them have proven winning machinery. Our first target is to use the potential of the bike to the full to reduce the gap to our competitors, step-by-step," he said.

"I believe that from the first race we could try to fight for the podium, and then we would like to improve the bike’s performance to give our talented riders a tool which allows them to fight for first position.

“I believe both riders have chosen this team and its ambitious challenge because both wish to be a proud part of it. What I expect from both is that they work hard, always give 100 per cent, and be motivated every time they go out on the track. I have no doubts about their talent.

"We need their input to develop a winning package together. To win races requires a combination of factors. So now we need to put these factors together, to improve together, to grow together. I expect our riders to be part of this project, to contribute together and grow together.”