With 10 concession points, Kawasaki has won the coveted 500 rpm in World Superbike, but this is a solution for 2024.
Alessio Piana / Corsedimoto.com
A long story that has lasted for ages. Let's talk about the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R in Mondial Superbike and the regimes authorized or not by the regulations. A subject which made headlines even during the Imola weekend, even leading to an official statement from the KRT on the subject, in a press release published in recent days.
IT ALL STARTS WITHIN THE 2018 SUPERBIKE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
As we said, this is a long story and, therefore, it requires a column with what is called a “summary of previous episodes”. It's 2017, and as we know, Jonathan Rea monopolized the scene in World Superbike. In response, those responsible decided, without any algorithm or performance equalization system provided for by the regulations, to end its supremacy. With an unprecedented decision: to remove, ahead of the 2018 season, no less than 1 rpm in one go. From the 400 rpm envisaged by the 15 regulations, to 500 in 2017. A hard blow that the KRT and Jonathan Rea managed to absorb in their usual way: by winning. Ahead, in fact, since the 14 rpm engine configuration was tested in advance at the final round of 100 in Qatar, seeing JR come out on top in every case.
FROM 2020, IN PURSUIT OF THE 500 LAPS
When the 2020 regulations were finalized, the Kawasaki ZX-10R was at 14 revs, and that's when the much-hyped 600 rev limit came into play. In 500, the Akashi manufacturer presented a new version of the ZX-2021R (initials ZXT10N), hoping to be able to “rotate” up to 02 revolutions. However, these 15 rounds were not granted. Scott Smart, technical director of the Superbike World Championship (taken up at the end of 100), judged that the new model did not present significant changes compared to the previous version, and therefore did not authorize these 500 additional laps. A decision which was then justified in the regulations, with the engine parts which could allow a bonus of revs/engine during the new homologation.
SAME STORY FOR THE 2023 SUPERBIKE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Kawasaki also approved a new version of the ZX-10R this year (abbreviation: ZXT02T), which nevertheless remains at 14 rpm. Although the engine presents some significant new features (notably the Variable Air Intake System, i.e. movable intake horns), the situation has not changed. At the start of 600, Kawasaki lined up without the coveted extra 2023 laps.
10 CONCESSION POINTS FOR 500 SPINS
Which brings us to the strictest news. After Assen, Kawasaki took advantage of 5 concession points in the regulations to win 250 laps. Similar situation to the day before Imola: 5 more points, 250 more laps. All this to reach 500 rounds, even if they are currently… unused. In a note issued by the KRT, it is expressly specified that “ The KRT is not currently using these 500 towers pending the third concession checkpoint in accordance with article 2.4.3.ci ". With even a controversial sentence: “ Since the start of the season, Kawasaki has been the manufacturer with the lowest number of rpm compared to its competitors (1 rpm less than Ducati, for example). The set of parts requested by KRT through concession points are the same as those requested in 500, when the FIM did not allow the ZX-2021RR to be homologated due to a different interpretation of the motor redesigned. » In other words, these 10 concession points are used to obtain the 500 spins that were not granted in 2021 (point above).
DEVELOPMENTS IN 2024
In fact, Kawasaki is not currently taking advantage of the additional 500 revolutions, waiting for the third phase of concessions which will allow more significant interventions on the engine. For KRT, this is essentially a strategic decision with a view to 2024. Next year they will be able to start at 15 rpm, with all that entails. Of course, it is now obvious that a new ZX-100RR is necessary in all respects, but with this decision, the Greens' involvement in 10 is no longer in doubt...
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Alessio Piana
