Troy Cor⭕ser has announced that he is hanging up his helmet following the conclusion of the 2011 World Superbike Championship season, ending an international racing career that h💃as spanned some 17 years.

The Australian's imminent retirement had been anticipated after his current employers BMW confirmed its rider line-up for 2012 would include Leon Haslam an𓂃d Marco Melandri, leaving him with few other competitive options.

As such, Corser will retire aged 39, leaving a legacy that yielded two WSBK titles in 1996 and 2005, 33 race wins, 43 pole positions, 130 podiums and more t💃han 4,000 points over 377🌳 races.

Indeed, after 17 years in the top flight, Corser feels the time has come for him to bring a glittering motorcycling career to an end, the fan favourite leaving a brief, but succin🌠ct, message on his Twitter profꦫile to confirm speculation.

"Retirement is not a word I would normally use. Finishing ౠmy bike racing career and starting a nꦆew career at 40 sounds better. Racer forever."

One of the most successful ri🧸ders in WSBK history, Corser has competed for Ducati, Aprilia, Petronas, Suzuki, Yamaha and BMW during his time in the series, establishing himself as one of the most versatile riders on the grid, one that often earned him a reputation as a valued 'development rider'.

Concluding his time in the series as a BMW rider, Corser will start the final two races of his WSB🐈K career from 18th position on the grid.