Kawasaki launches 2019 WorldSBK team

Kawasaki Racing Team lifted the covers on its updated 2019 ZX-10RR WorldSBK machine at an official presentation in San Remo, near Phillip Island, on Saturday, February 16.

Defending four-time world champion Jonathan Rea and new recruit Leon Haslam were both on hand for the presentation, dressed in full racing gear and aboard their dazzling green and black machines.

Updates to the 2019 ZX-10RR, which have focussed on the valve train and crankshaft, are already to Rea’s liking with the Northern Irishman the fastest in recent European testing.

“I kind of love her already from pre-season testing! We’re going to build our bond, and slowly but surely, we’ll fall in love. Hopefully we can make a nice story!,” Rea said.

And the key to continuing his domination of the production based series?

“What I’ve learned with my experience over the year is to stay calm and focused with my team. We have the best crew in the business, the best motorcycle underneath me. I feel like the pressure is always on me, I need to find my way with the bike. Once we did that last year we were absolutely unbeatable.”

Haslam, who is facing his first full season in WorldSBK since 2015, said: “I’m just waiting to wake up, it’s like a dream. I had nine good years in WorldSBK but I’ve never had an opportunity like this. To be involved with KRT, Kawasaki, joining the team that has dominated the last four years… I just can’t wait, I want to start racing now”

“Just to step into a winning package, a winning team with (crew chief) Marcel and all the guys, it just takes a lot off of me. I can just concentrate on myself and try to get the most out of me.”

Haslam, the 2018 British superbike champion, and Rea will join the rest of the 2019 WorldSBK field in a final shakedown test at Phillip Island on February 18-19 ahead of the opening round back at the 4.45km grand prix circuit from February 22-24.

MORE: WorldSBK preview: Phillip Island