Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK have lifted the covers on the 2019 ZX-10RR at an official presentation held at Silverwater Resort, with reigning World Superbike Champion Jonathan Rea and new recruit Leon Haslam showing off the full racing strip of what has been the fastest production bike in the world for the past four years.
The defending champions revealed the colours on their new bike in a much-awaited presentation at Silverwater Resort, a venue located just a few miles away from the inaugural circuit on the 2019 calendar. Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit hosts the final days of pre-season testing this Monday and Tuesday before the season kicks off later in the week, the first time we’ll see the new KRT livery in action.
Dressed in full racing gear and sat onboard their dazzling green and black machine, both men shared their thoughts ahead of that first race. Haslam, who is facing his first full season in WorldSBK since 2015, opened proceedings: “I’m just waiting to wake up, it’s like a dream. I had 9 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 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”.
The four-time world champion followed and explained the key to extending the Japanese manufacturer’s domination: “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”
Speaking on the new bike, Rea added: “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!”