The Kawasaki WorldSBK Team is in Australia and is preparing to carry out two intense days of official tests at the Phillip Island circuit on February 17th and 18th.
After the team presentation in the beautiful setting of “Ruote da sogno” in Reggio Emilia, Manuel Puccetti’s Team was a guest at the Kawasaki headquarters in Akashi, Japan for a visit that represented the seal of the promotion to an official team. Technicians and riders were able to visit the numerous facilities of the Japanese company as well as the very interesting museum that houses not only the bikes that have made the history of Kawasaki, but also many of the productions in the aeronautical, railway, earthmoving and more.
Once they reached the Phillip Island circuit, work immediately began to set up the garage and prepare the two bikes with which Superbike rider Garrett Gerloff and Supersport rider Jeremy Alcoba will carry out two days of testing, during which they will adapt their Ninja ZX-10RR and ZX-6R to the Australian track, in view of the first round of the two world championships, which will be held from 21 to 23 February on the track that extends along the coast of the Pacific Ocean. Despite the January tests being hampered by the weather, both in Jerez and Portimao, the two riders were able to start getting to know their bikes and the team, but these two days in Phillip Island will be very important both for a first direct comparison with their opponents, and to better prepare for the first races of 2025.
Manuel Puccetti – Team Principal
“We were invited to the Kawasaki Heavy Industries headquarters in Akashi, Japan and it was a unique experience and a great satisfaction for our entire team, which from this year officially represents Kawasaki in the top category, Superbike. We met the main institutions of the Japanese company and in addition to the production units of the motorcycle sector we were also able to visit some plants of the other activities of the large Akashi company. The visit to the “Kawasaki World” in Kobe was particularly appreciated, where the most significant vehicles are exhibited, produced not only in the motorcycle sector. Now we are in Australia, ready for the two days of tests that will complete our winter testing program, in which we have put a significant effort, both technical and economic. Gerloff has already shown good potential, while Alcoba probably needs more time, also to definitively solve the problem with his left hand”.
