Team manager Guim Roda analyzed the 2022 Superbike World Championship, clarifying what Kawasaki was missing. For Rea everything seems ready for significant improvements.
About Matthew Bellan de Motoracing
The year 2022 of Kawasaki ended with last week's test in Jerez, where Jonathan Rhea et alex lowes were only able to ride one afternoon and did not take full advantage of the two days planned. However, the team has gathered some useful information for the 2023 Superbike World Championship.
The manufacturer Akashi wants to win the title again and will provide its riders with a more competitive Ninja ZX-10RR. Johnny signed a contract until 2024 in exchange for precise technical guarantees. He still feels like a top rider capable of capturing the SBK world crown and is waiting for his demands to be met. Then you can win or lose, but he wants to be able to play his luck until the end. In 2022, he has repeatedly felt powerless compared to his rivals.
« The 2022 season was the one where Johnny Rea fought the most with the Kawasaki«
Guim Roda explained in an interview with the official WorldSBK website what the limitations of the Ninja ZX-10RR were during the last season: “ we had a little more trouble than the others – he admits – when there was not enough grip on the track. This occurred mainly in summer with hot conditions. We need to improve particularly in this area. Of course, we also need to progress in terms of engine power. We need to understand how to close the gap to be more competitive, especially with Bautista and his ability to get the most out of the Ducati. We must work hard and respond ».
The team manager of Kawasaki has clear ideas about what needs to be improved to enable Sale to be in the fight for the Superbike world title again: “ it is - he added - the season in which Johnny fought the most. Unfortunately, he couldn't regain the title, but I think it was the year in which he put the most effort and we should be able to provide him with a better package to be more comfortable against his rivals ».
Stem has confidence before 2023. He once again sees the Kawasaki Racing Team as the protagonist with a Ninja evolved compared to the last championship. We will have to wait for the test of January 25-26 in Jerez for the first confrontation with Ducati et Yamaha . There we will understand if the men in green have done their homework.
