Lucas Mahias and Kawasaki Puccetti Racing have completed two days of testing (25-26 March) at the Barcelona-Catalunya Circuit in Spain. This was the French rider’s final test before the official WorldSBK and WorldSS test sessions that will play out at Motorland Aragon on 4-5 March, so on the Monday and Tuesday prior to the opening race weekend of the season.
All 2022 Superbike riders were present for this test although the weather was only favourable on day one; Mahias and his technical staff were nevertheless able to complete all their scheduled work. Unfortunately, Lucas crashed and badly damaged his Ninja in the afternoon, which prevented him from the concluding the second and final session, although the rider himself was unhurt in the incident. His best lap time was a 1’41”688, which saw him place seventh on the time sheets.
Day two started with a dry track and Mahias set a 1’41”744 during the morning’s session. The Kawasaki Puccetti Racing would undoubtedly have improved on this reference during the afternoon, but the second session brought rain, which forced riders and technicians to finish up early.
The two-day test was nevertheless positive, Mahias and his team focusing particularly on the suspension and the Frenchman once again showing to be very comfortable with new supplier Ohlins.
The team will return to the track for official testing on 4-5 April at Motorland Aragon in Spain.
Manuel Puccetti: “Although we weren’t able to exploit the final session, this test was important, and we’ve been able to continue the work we began last time out at Misano. Yesterday afternoon Lucas seriously damaged the bike, but our technicians worked until late last night to repair it so that our rider could return to the track for this morning’s session. The lap times have been positive, as has the work we’ve completed, so I’d say we’re ready for the official tests and the opening round at Aragon”.
Lucas Mahias: “We could have done without yesterday’s crash because we were working really well and the times were dropping. But aside from that, and the rain that ultimately interrupted our work, we leave Barcelona in the knowledge that we’re on the right track. My feeling with the bike has significantly improved and I feel ready for the start of the championship. Thanks to my team for having worked so hard to sort my bike.”
