Kawasaki Puccetti Racing concluded today on the Jerez de la Frontera track in Spain two days of testing with its Superbike rider Tom Sykes.
Although the rain heavily conditioned these two days of testing, allowing the English rider to get on his Ninja ZX-10RR only on Friday afternoon, the balance of these tests can be considered positive.
It was a first contact that was helpful to Tom get to know the new team and to start adapting the Ninja to his riding style. A total of 35 laps were covered by the former 2013 Superbike World Champion, the best of which in 1’40″949, one second off the best time of the day set by Jonathan Rea.
Although the work of the Italian team’s technicians had to be concentrated in a few hours, the updates tested concerned new STM clutches, new Brembo braking devices and new Marchesini rims, as well as naturally adapting the saddle, footrests and grips to the riding position by Sykes.
The next test will see Tom Sykes and Kawasaki Pucetti Racing again on the Jerez track at the end of January.
Manuel Puccetti
“Unfortunately we had to settle for a few hours in which the track was dry, but they were enough to be fast right away, and not far from the lap times of the official Kawasaki riders. Team and rider worked very well together, and Tom was quick to adapt to electronics that he hadn’t used for over a year. We managed to try many new things, which we will try again at the end of January here in Jerez. Sykes’ debut on our bike was undoubtedly a positive one, which gave enthusiasm to the whole team”.
Tom Sykes: “It was nice to be on familiar territory. The test itself, honestly? I was talking to a friend before the test and he asked me my expectations. I gave him my answer, and we went past that answer. I am really happy, to be honest, because all things considered, it was really nice to get to work with all the Kawasaki Puccetti Racing team to start the relationship. And just really try to understand some key points. Unfortunately there was a bit of disturbance from track conditions. The test was very compressed but, honestly, I was pleasantly surprised with the end result. From here we know we have got a clear plan. Overall, we know where we can work forward now. I am happy and looking forward to more time with the team and track time with the bike in the next test.”
