Kawasaki bring only detail improvements to the first test of the year – Jonathan Rea is eager to see what the Kawasaki engineers have been able to improve on the ZX-10RR
The first WSBK test of the year takes place on Wednesday and Thursday. The Kawasaki and Honda factory teams will test in Jerez. Jonathan Rea and Alex Lowes will try the detail improvements of the Kawasaki ZX-10RR. For Honda, the aim is to help rookies Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge get used to the superbikes. Puccetti Kawasaki rider Lucas Mahias will also be taking part. Stefan Bradl gains experience with the MotoGP Honda.
Superbike record world champion Jonathan Rea will not start a new season as defending champion for the first time since 2015. The Kawasaki rider had to hand over the starting number 1 to Toprak Razgatlioglu (Yamaha) during the winter. Razgatlioglu and Yamaha will not test until February (to the WSBK test overview).
The role of the hunter gives Rea new motivation. After the narrow defeat in the exciting duel with Razgatlioglu last year, Rea wants to recapture the WSBK crown. Kawasaki only modified details of the ZX-10RR over the winter. Big leaps are not to be expected.
Can Kawasaki improve the ZX-10RR further?
“At the end of last year we had a very productive test in Jerez,” the former World Champion looks back on the December test. “It’s always good to go back and make comparisons. The guys at Kawasaki were able to look at the data and look for improvements. We’ll see the results in a few days. “
It is not yet clear that Rea and Kawasaki will use both days of testing. Each year the WSBK riders have only ten test days at their disposal. “There are two test days planned in Jerez. Depending on what the weather says and how we progress, we will only use one day and save the other for a later date,” explained Rea.
The Briton is fully recovered for the 2022 WSBK season. Rea refrained from travelling during the winter months. “I spent the time at home recovering. I haven’t travelled at all since my last test. So it’s been pretty productive in terms of preparation. I feel refreshed and I’m looking forward to riding again and meeting the guys,” Rea said.
Alex Lowes faces important third Kawasaki season
Kawasaki teammate Alex Lowes faces his third season with the team. After a promising first Kawasaki season, 2021 was disappointing. A series of injuries set Lowes back.
“I was able to recover well and enjoyed spending time with my new family,” notes Lowes, who became a father to twins. “Now I feel fresh and ready to get back to work with ‘Team 22’. I’m excited to test the new ideas from Marcel (Duinker), my crew chief, and the guys. “