Kawasaki works intensively on race set-up at the Superbike test in Jerez – in terms of lap times, the former champions are only fourth in the standings
The gradual decline of Kawasaki continues. At the pre-season test in Jerez (Spain), none of the three Kawasaki regular riders made it into the top 10 (see test report). Alex Lowes was 1.180 seconds behind and finished in eleventh position. Team-mate Axel Bassani lined up in 15th position, 1.604 seconds behind
Lowes surprised everyone with the second-fastest time in the opening session on Wednesday, but was already a long way behind sensational rookie Nicolo Bulega (Ducati), who was clearly in front on both days at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto.
Alex Lowes only managed 31 laps on Wednesday due to an upset stomach, but felt much more comfortable on Thursday. “We had a good working day on Thursday. We are trying to improve the bike with used tires. That was our main focus,” explained the new Kawasaki team leader.
Kawasaki sacrifices qualifying performance for better consistency
“On fresh tires we lost some performance, but I think that’s what we have to do with our bike, because in qualifying and Superpole we were always very fast. But over a race distance we lack a little bit,” analyzed Lowes.
“To be honest, it felt pretty good on the second day. As the conditions were consistent, everyone was fast. You always want to get better, but after being sick on the first day, 82 laps was a decent day’s work. I’m very happy,” said Lowes, summing up the two days of testing in Andalusia.
The results of the first exchange of blows show that Kawasaki is further away without Jonathan Rea than last year. Rea finished the test in second position. The switch to the Yamaha R1 is going according to plan
New Kawasaki rider Axel Bassani recognizes first progress
Successor Axel Bassani continues to work on adapting his riding style to the Kawasaki ZX-10RR. “We have tried many things, many different set-ups and different tire options. We have worked intensively,” reports the Italian.
“We are starting to understand what I need to change and how I need to change my riding style. The final part of the second day was good. We managed to make progress,” said Bassani, recognizing positive aspects. “I think we worked well and had a good test, now we have a lot of data that will help us to improve in Portimao. “
In addition to the two factory riders, test rider Florian Marino also completed a few laps and tried to help with the development of the ZX-10RR. Compared to last year, Kawasaki has slightly modified the engine and made use of the new freedoms in the regulations. Apart from that, there are no major innovations at Kawasaki
The third Kawasaki regular rider, Tito Rabat from the Puccetti team, was also unable to set fabulous times. The Spaniard rode the factory machine provided by Kawasaki 2.291 seconds slower than the leader
