An historic day for the Cremona Circuit, which is hosting the production-derived championships for the first time. This is a home round for Kawasaki Puccetti Racing, in that the team’s HQ is located just a few miles from the track.
At this Italian round, Tito Rabat’s Ninja ZX-10RR KRT Factory Replica features the historic ELF livery, similar to that used in the 80s by “Rocket Ron” Haslam. Iconic graphics that celebrate the partnership between Total Italia and Kawasaki Puccetti Racing.
Overnight rain meant that the track was still damp for the morning’s first session. Together with his team, the Spaniard therefore elected to play safe and sit out the session.
The second session ran in the afternoon in fully dry conditions. Rabat was able to put in a very strong performance, setting a best of 1’29”976, with which he placed fourth overall. A result that confirms the competitiveness of both the rider and his bike, so ably prepared by the team’s technical staff.
Tomorrow the Spaniard will be back on track for Superpole and Race 1.
Cremona Circuit – Italy
Superbike World Championship
Combined free practice results: 1) Lowes (Kawasaki) – 2) Petrucci (Ducati) – 3) Bulega (Ducati) – 4) Rabat (Kawasaki) – 5) Iannone (Ducati) – 6) Bautista (Ducati)
Tito Rabat
“We completed some test sessions at this track in May and I immediately felt comfortable. Today I had similar feeling, and the bike performed really well too. Today’s result is great, but we need to continue in this way tomorrow. I think we can take another step and move even closer to the front. At a track that is new to everyone, we have shown that we have the potential to run at the front, which makes me and the team very happy.”
