Kawasaki confirms three riders for WSBK
Vermeulen, Sykes and Lascorz confirmed for expanded three-rider Kawasaki WSBK team in 2011Kawasaki is keen to capitalise on its all-new ZX-10R for the 2011 World Superbike championship with a three-man team.
The race team will retain Tom Sykes and Chris Vermeulen, adding Joan Lascorz to the list, who has been promoted from the Kawasaki Supersport team.
Australian former MotoGP rider Chris Vermeulen struggled in 2010, injuring his leg pretty badly but is recovering well and is upbeat about the new ZX-10R race bike.
"I am working hard to get ready for next year. Kawasaki has been great; they have stood behind me and given me great support," said Vermeulen. "With three riders Kawasaki is keen to move forward and Tom did a great job on the 2010 bike at the end of the year.
"It is all good to see, and I have already had a close look at the new bike. It looks cool and it certainly seems to be working well already. It’s exciting and I can’t wait to get on the new bike," enthused the Australian.
Tom Sykes was also very happy to be signed on with team green for another year, after team boss Paul Bird got the go-ahead from Kawasaki for three riders to run factory-spec bikes.
"It’s great to be staying with Kawasaki as a manufacturer and ride for the Paul Bird team again for 2011.We have done some good work together this year and exceeded some of our expectations, so it is nice to stay with PBM Kawasaki team in what will be an important year for us all.
"The new bike is already showing massive potential in testing and we have a lot of sessions planned through the winter. Roll on 2011!" said Sykes.
And what about the new kid on the block, Spanish-born Lascorz? Here's what he says about the move up into World Superbikes: "It’s my dream to continue my relationship with Kawasaki and now I have the chance to ride in World Superbike, on an exciting new machine.
"I am recovering well from the injuries I picked up in Silverstone and I am looking forward to getting on the Superbike as soon as I can. I want to say thank you to Kawasaki for the help and support and I hope to repay them with good results in my rookie year in WSBK racing," added Lascorz.
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