[kropotkin thinks...] - WorldSBK 2024 Preview, Part 4: Kawasaki - Green with envy?

[Ninjette Newsbot]

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WorldSBK 2024 Preview, Part 4: Kawasaki - Green with envy? It’s all change for Kawasaki in 2024 with Jonathan Rea having departed and a new structure left in his wake. Kawasaki dominated WorldSBK for the best part of a decade but now, as Steve English assesses, it would be easy to be left looking enviously at others

Unparalleled success brings with it impossible pressure. From 2012 onwards Kawasaki expected success. Race wins were the norm and even titles were almost guaranteed. That ship sailed over the last few years and now the Provec Racing run operation has been rebuilt for the 2024 season.

Losing their star rider Jonathan Rea meant that a rethink was in order. Alex Lowes retains his spot in the squad, but Axel Bassani brings in fresh eyes and a fresh attitude. The Italian isn’t in racing to make friends and that’s a good thing. His style has meant that he’s grudgingly respected by rivals. That hard-nosed approach might be what Kawasaki need in the post-JR age.

For 2024 the biggest change in Kawasaki isn’t the new regulations, although 500rpm and new crankshaft weights won’t do any harm. The biggest change is internal. The structure of the team remains the same, but with Lowes moving to Rea’s side of the garage the atmosphere is different. After four years with Marcel Duinker it will be a new sensation for Lowes to turn right upon entering the pit box and to see Pere Riba staring back at him waiting for feedback.

Taking the lead


Steve EnglishThu, 22/Feb/2024 - 15:10

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