Kawasaki WSBK Tests, Online Launch Date

Date posted on March 23, 2021

The Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT) finished their pre-season tests using the exciting new model Ninja ZX-10RR at Portimao in Portugal and Jerez in Spain March.

Jonathan Rea statements after Portimao Test: “It has been a positive test because looking at the weather forecast before we arrived we were not sure how much track time we were going to get. But we did 48 laps today. I felt good with the bike and I was immediately quite fast. The Portimao circuit did a good job of the new asphalt as well. I was able to try that out but more importantly we focused on the bike set-up and confirming some major items that we will start the season with. We played around with gearbox ratios and final gearings and worked with electronic strategies for managing the power. I feel quite comfortable with that now and we were able to achieve very good lap times. The latest seat unit arrived so we focused on the aerodynamics of the bike, getting a comfortable riding position. With the new seat unit, and the wing tunnels in the rear of it, we were able to get some really good info. We did some back-to-back testing with the old fairing and the new fairing, in addition to the new seat unit. We were able to see that the 2021 version had some extra speed in a straight line, which was quite encouraging. Now we can pack up happy and healthy and move on.”

Alex Lowes statements after Jerez Winter Test: “I am really happy to be back on the bike for these two afternoons with the team. I was not sure how much I would be able to do with my shoulder but we did a lot of laps – 65 I think on the final day – and I was able to continue the work that we started with the new package in November. This was positive because we did not know if we could be on a good enough pace to start working – but we were. We literally picked up where we left off, the pace was good and we found some positive steps with the bike. Also, with my riding, as I have been focusing in the winter to be smoother on the exit of the corners. It was a really positive test and we ticked all the boxes we had set out for these two days. We are looking forward to the official test now in Montmelo. A big thank you to Kawasaki, KRT and all the team for putting this extra test on for me, after missing two with the injury. I am really happy to get 2021 back underway.”

Meanwhile, KRT has just announced the date for the team’s official launch via online social media platforms. It will be on March 30, 19:00 Central Europe time.

The 2021 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship is now set to open at MotorLand Aragon from the 21st to the 23rd of May.