The long wait is over. After months spent preparing the Kawasaki ZX-6R at both their base in Reggio Emilia and at the tracks during winter testing, Kawasaki Puccetti Racing and its rider Can Oncu were out on track at Phillip Island in Australia today for the first free practice sessions that mark the start of the 2023 Supersport World Championship.
The young Turkish rider took part in two test days at the Australian track earlier this week, in preparation for the opening round and so today he was able to begin with the set-up he had defined in the tests.
During the morning’s first session, and in cool, sunny conditions, Oncu set a best of
1’34”044 to place fifth.
In the afternoon, the Turkish Kawasaki Puccetti Racing rider improved on his earlier time to record a 1’33”975 with which he placed sixth in the day’s combined standings. Tomorrow he will back out for Superpole and the first race of the season.
Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit – Victoria – Australia
Supersport World Championship
Combined free practice results: 1) Bulega (Ducati) – 2) Manzi (Yamaha) – 3) Huertas (Kawasaki) – 4) Caricasulo (Ducati) – 5) Spinelli (Yamaha) – 6) Oncu (Kawasaki)
Can Oncu
“Today we worked hard to improve the performance of our bike and now we need to carefully analyse all the data so that we can take a step forward in Superpole and the race. I know we can do it and so I’m optimistic going into tomorrow. I hope to have fun and run a good race, to start this championship in the best possible way.”
