World SBK.com

30. Januar 2013

Since his rookie season in 2009, Jonathan Rea has established himself as one of the top riders in the FIM Superbike World Championship. Despite not having reached the ultimate goal of becoming World Champion yet, the almost 26 year old from Ballymena, Northern Ireland, has so far secured a total of 10 race wins and 29 podium finishes.

A much closer target, though, is available to Rea as the Pata Honda World Superbike rider has the chance, at the upcoming Season Opener of Phillip Island scheduled for February 24th, to mark his 100th individual race start in the series:

"I'm looking forward to Phillip Island", he told WorldSBK.com, "especially this year as race two will be my 100th World Superbike race. As far as wins go, I have a 10% strike rate in SBK which is OK, especially with the current level of the championship, but I would like to improve on it. I love winning races and I've enjoyed being in the World Superbike family for all my races so far. I'm with a great team and riding against great competitors, so I hope I can continue towards another 100 races after Phillip Island."

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30. Januar 2013

Italian Alex Baldolini, who finished a credible 6th equal in last year's World Supersport Championship, has signed to ride with the Lorini Honda team in this year's series.

The likeable rider made a great impact on the Supersport scene in his debut season and is looking to build on his sole podium of Misano when the 2013 gets underway in Australia in a few weeks time.

The Lorini Honda Team has been involved in both the Superstock and the World Supersport Championships in recent years and will be hoping that Baldolini can take them to the next level.

Speaking after agreeing terms, Alex Baldolini had this to say: "I'm very happy to join forces with Lorini Team next season and to take part in the 2013 season on board the Honda CBR600RR. I want to thank Honda Italia and Lorini brothers for having trust in me to ride such a competitive bike. Last Sunday I could test the bike at Vallelunga for a few laps and I'm really happy with the bike and the team. I can't wait to be in Phillip Island to test the bike again and begin the new season."

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30. Januar 2013

On Thursday, January 31st at 17.00 CET, Team Provec, the team managing the Kawasaki Racing Team in the 2013 eni FIM World Superbike Championship, will be unveiled in the most fashionable space in the city of Barcelona, the well-known FAD building - (A building for the Promotion of Arts and Design).

In this event, the team will introduce the 2013 Superbike racing project, the team's structure and the ultimate evolution of the bike from Kawasaki, the 2013 Ninja ZX-10R KRT. This bike, together with the British rider, Tom Sykes, was runner up in the 2012 World Championship. Tom and his team-mate, the French rider, Loris Baz, will be fighting for championship title this season.

According to Biel Roda, PR and Marketing Manager of the team: "This is a very special moment. On Thursday we will make the official presentation of the team and reveal the look of the 2013 bike. We face the season with huge reserves of energy and excitement. Kawasaki is providing all the trust, technical and human resources and, together with Motocard, we will be in a position to fight for top honours every race weekend".

The Communications Manager at Motocard, Sergio Ortiz added: "At Motocard we are proud of our involvement in the World Superbikes together with the Kawasaki Racing Team. We are excited with the results achieved during 2012 and we are expecting a challenging 2013. For sure we will keep investing in this cutting edge motorsport project and we wish to the team the very best for this new season".

Concluding on behalf of Kawasaki, Steve Guttridge, European Race Planning Manager, recognised the progress the team has made and the prospects for the new season. "Kawasaki fans across the world are anticipating another epic struggle this season. Our rider, Tom Sykes, missed out on Championship victory by just half a point last year. With Tom and Loris on board plus the growing experience of Team Provec, the engineering and technical facilities of KHI and the incredible emotional support of the Kawasaki fans, we hope to secure championship success in 2013."

Note: In addition KHI and Kawasaki Racing Team relationship plus the valuable support of Motocard; going forward in 2013 the team also rely on the technical and corporate support of partners such as: Adi Grupo, Elf/Total, Leo Vince, MRA and many others.

For the first time the entire event will be broadcast live through the Motocard Facebook page. See: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.Facebook.com/Motocard">www.Facebook.com/Motocard</a>

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31. Januar 2013

The Pedercini Team Kawasaki has completed a two-day test on the Spanish track of Almeria. The team took advantage of dry track conditions and good overall weather.

The new Superbike rider Federico Sandi made some good progress during the two days on board his Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R. Sandi got to grips with the bike at Almeria and he's now looking forward to the last pre-season tests at Phillip Island - when he will be joined by team mate Alexander Lundh - and the first round of 2013 eni FIM World Superbike Championship.

The Italian rider started to familiarize with the Ninja Superbike and he quickly felt more and more comfortable on the bike as the test progressed. Despite strong winds that disturbed his on track action during the first day, Sandi was able to complete over 100 laps in total.

"The test went really well" said Federico Sandi. "It was important to work with my new team and I'm happy because I got acquainted very well with all the guys in the team. I worked hard on my Ninja here at Almeria and I feel there is good room for improvement. We still have a lot to do, though, but it's been no doubt a positive start. I can't wait to test at Phillip Island and then to start the 2013 Superbike World Championship in the best possible way."

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1. Februar 2013

The Yakhnich Motorsport Team was on track early last week, alongside numerous WSBK and WSS teams, in a two-day test at Jerez. The team's rider duo of Sam Lowes and Vladimir Leonov had the chance to try out the new Yamaha YZF-R6 Yakhnich Motorsport, developed by the Russian team during winter break for 2013 World Supersport Championship.

Lowes, despite a small crash towards the end of day 2, managed to set on dry conditions some competitive lap times - both on a single lap and on a long run. Vladimir Leonov, according with his crew, took a steadier approach to the test in an effort to better understand the upgrades on his R6.

"I'm really happy about the results" said Sam Lowes. "The bike is really fast and it's easy for me to maintain a fast pace without pushing too much. Now I'm really looking forward to Australia and to start the season with this good feeling!"

"It was a long test" Leonov admitted. "We did many laps in the morning focusing on many different details, but in the afternoon I was finally able to ride fast enough and the feeling I got from the bike was good. No doubt the 2013 season will bring satisfaction to us and our fans."

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1. Februar 2013

The Kawasaki Racing Team unveiled its 2013 colours and technology package close to the team's base of operations in Barcelona yesterday. Media, sponsors and VIP guests had the chance to see the latest race version of the official Ninja ZX-10R in its full glory. The guests were also treated to a visual presentation of what it takes to turn a completely stock Ninja ZX-10R into a Superbike World Championship contender.

Following the speech made by all protagonists on the stage, the bike was unveiled by Shigemi Tanaka, Loris Baz and Tom Sykes.

Guim Roda, Team Manager: "I want to say thanks to the mechanics and the Kawasaki staff, who from the beginning supported us strongly in this project. We have to consider that from the beginning this was a kind of team-building job, which now allows us to explain how we build the bike to take it to the level of competing in the Superbike World Championship. I also want to say thanks to everybody who has helped us, especially our suppliers, the Motocard family, all the team who have worked to let us be here today and who will help us to have more success in the future."

Shigemi Tanaka, Director Kawasaki Motors Europe: "I am honoured to be here to represent Kawasaki Motors Europe and KHI Japan, which are responsible for the World Superbike racing project. Five years ago Kawasaki joined forces with a new and young team called Provec, who managed our World Supersport effort in Europe. They provided an excellent overall effort for Kawasaki. Just last year the Provec team were rewarded by being promoted to assist our factory engineers in Japan, to develop our official World Superbike racing effort. Technically, the team are at a very high level and all the staff work hand-in-hand with our technical partners around the world to provide a race-winning package - the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R. Kawasaki regards our investment in both the Provec team and the World Superbike Championship as money very well spent. So we are very happy to be here again, in beautiful Barcelona, to launch the official Kawasaki Racing Team and to look at our amazing 2013 Ninja ZX-10R race bike, delivered by Provec. We wish the team, its staff, its riders and everybody involved in the racing programme the very best of success over the 2013 season."

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4. Februar 2013

After six successful years of commitment and two World Titles achieved in 2010 and 2012, reigning World Superbike Champion Max Biaggi enters a new SBK career as co-commentator for the Italian TV Mediaset. Despite having retired from racing at the end of last year, Biaggi will still be heavily involved in the eni FIM World Superbike Championship.

The Italian company has picked up broadcast rights to show World Superbike, World Supersport and both Superstock classes, that will be televised on channels Italia 1 and Italia 2. Biaggi will join his new crew and get ready for his new 'career debut' at the Season Opener of Phillip Island, scheduled for February 24.

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5. Februar 2013

The winter break is drawing to an end, the countdown is on to the 2013 eni FIM Superbike World Championship, and the BMW Motorrad GoldBet SBK Team is under starter's orders. With just three weeks to go until the season-opener in Phillip Island, the realigned BMW Motorrad works team was presented to the public in Munich, Germany, on Monday. The international media launch took place in the Double Cone building at BMW Welt near the BMW Group's headquarters.

BMW Motorrad Italia is now responsible for the works team's race and test outings, as well as work on the chassis. The power train and electronics are developed by BMW Motorrad in Munich. Marco Melandri lines up in his second season as a BMW Motorrad works rider alongside his new team-mate Chaz Davies. As General Manager BMW Motorrad WSBK, Andrea Buzzoni is the man with overall responsibility for the Superbike project.

"We are looking to follow on from the success BMW Motorrad achieved last season" explained Andrea Buzzoni. "The various parts in the restructured team became attuned to one another very quickly. Two very experienced teams, which have already shown in the past just how strong and professional they are, have merged into one team. In order to be successful, however, you also need good riders and an outstanding bike - and we have them in the form of Marco, Chaz and the BMW S 1000 RR. Another important 'ingredient' is the speed. The speed, which is one of the most important factors on track, is also essential for the work of the team: to react and act fast is crucial to reach the target and to be competitive."

Works rider Marco Melandri played a major role in the success of BMW Motorrad last year. "Going into the season we certainly didn't expect to pick up six wins and be in contention for the title right down to the final race. This year I am primarily looking to improve my own performances. I don't want to make the same mistakes as I did in 2012, and want to make the podium more consistently" said the Italian, outlining his goals for the 2013 FIM Superbike World Championship.

Britain's Chaz Davies is in his first season as a BMW Motorrad works rider. "This is a big step for me, as it is the first time I have been directly involved in a works project. That means an awful lot to me" said the 2011 Supersport World Champion. "I am very proud, as it is not just any works team, but BMW - a powerful brand. I want to take full advantage of this opportunity. My goal is to continue improving, become more consistent, and end the season in the top five."

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5. Februar 2013

Schacht Racing are pleased to announce that young American racer Brandon Kyee will be joining them for the 2013 season. The 16 year old from California will be returning to the international stage for the 3rd straight season to make his debut in the European Superstock 600 Championship on a Honda.

The talented American has previously competed in the European Junior Cup achieving podiums at Assen in Holland in 2011 and at the British round at Silverstone last year.

"I am ecstatic about getting releasing this news. It is going to be another great experience and an amazing season of learning. I got a chance to meet and talk with Team Schacht last season and i am super grateful to be a part of their team for the 2013 European Superstock 600 Championship season. Support from Michael Hill, Donna Parodi, Mach 1 Motorsports and donations from friends and family is making this happen" said Kyee.

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7. Februar 2013

In anticipation of the first round of the 2013 eni FIM World Superbike season, scheduled for Sunday 24 February at the Phillip Island circuit in Australia, Team SBK Ducati Alstare presents the livery of the new 1199 Panigale R, the bike with which the team's two official riders, Carlos Checa and Ayrton Badovini, will take to the track as they compete for the prestigious world title.

The new colour scheme that characterises Team SBK Ducati Alstare is mainly red, a testimony to the countless chapters that the Italian motorcycle manufacturer's red machines have contributed to the Superbike championship's history. The graphics of the bike have been designed and created by Alstare in collaboration with Ducati.

The new livery includes a prestigious list of sponsors that have chosen to link their brand to that of Team SBK Ducati Alstare, its two riders and the new Ducati 1199 Panigale R. Four of the partners are particularly important and will occupy significant space on the fairing of the bikes and on the riders' leathers, namely: Energy Trading International, FIAMM Group, FICC e TIM.

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8. Februar 2013

The Aprilia Racing Team 2013 season was officially presented yesterday in Milan. After a stellar 2012, which saw Aprilia win - for the second time in their SBK history - both Riders' and Manufacturer's titles, the works team of Italian motorcycle maker will tackle a new season aiming to remain on top.

The arrival of fast and expert Frenchman Sylvain Guintoli, alongside confirmed rider Eugene Laverty, completes a team that is otherwise unchanged and once again led by Technical and Race Manager Luigi Dall'Igna.

For the eni FIM Superbike World Championship, Aprilia is fielding the flagship bike in its range, the groundbreaking four-cylinder RSV4, with its exclusive narrow-angle V4 engine. A bike built to succeed, immediately winning its debut race in 2009 and conquering four titles (two double rider-manufacturer victories) in 2010 and 2012, with Max Biaggi in the saddle.

Eugene Laverty does not hide his ambitions: "With a season's experience behind me, I can certainly aim at important results. I prepared well over the winter and during the first tests of the season I worked really hard, together with the Team, on the development of the RSV4. It's a bit soon to start talking about goals and rankings, but I have to admit that my intention is to become World Superbike Champion."

The 30 year old Sylvain Guintoli will soon make his race debut onboard the World Champion bike: "It's an honour to ride the current winning bike, this is for me the biggest opportunity of my racing career. A lot of people have asked me if I feel under a lot of pressure, but the fact that I want to do well and prove my worth in World Superbike is far greater than any tension. What surprised me most about the RSV4 is that it felt immediately natural to ride. Straightaway I felt 'home', despite having ridden bikes with very different features in the past. The RSV4 is fast, but more importantly it offers all the adjustments in order to be adapted to my riding style."

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11. Februar 2013

At the time of his arrival, back in 2011, Eugene Laverty turned a lot of heads by showing immediate speed and competitiveness in Superbike World Championship. Coming from the Supersport class, in which he was runner-up for two consecutive seasons, Laverty had an excellent rookie year that led to a 4th final place. As Yamaha pulled out from WSBK, though, he joined the Aprilia Racing Team for what it would have been a not so easy 2012 season, especially in its first half.

Following Max Biaggi's retirement from racing, the 26 year old from Toomebridge, Northern Ireland, will carry the Aprilia factory team flag into 2013, flanked by his new team mate Sylvain Guintoli. WorldSBK.com spoke with Eugene Laverty about this crucial year of his career.

Did you get the feedback you were expecting at Jerez?

"Actually it was very beneficially to ride again at Jerez. The weather disturbed our test plan but on day two we confirmed our findings from the test back in November. We were able to continue from where we had left off and improved the agility of the bike. Even though I was fastest at the previous test I struggled to find the apex consistently and this time we made a big step to allow me to be more precise on corner entry."

Has the work done by Aprilia during the winter made the RSV4 1000 Factory more tailored to your way of riding?

"There has been little change to the RSV4 over the winter break but this is a good thing. I know that we finished the season with a good bike and during the winter tests we have cured the poor front end feeling that I suffered last year. Now I have the confidence to fight amongst the other riders in battle whereas before this was difficult. In Noale the engineers have of course continued to develop the engine and I'm sure that we'll see our bike atop the speed traps in Phillip Island."

What's left to be tested at Phillip Island?

"We've been testing a new swinging arm for some time and we still haven't been able to confirm whether we will race the new one or continue with the original. My preference changes depending on the track and grip level which makes it difficult to choose one over the other. Either way there must be a compromise."

Are you confident for the Season Opener and for 2013 eni FIM Superbike World Championship in general?

"I feel confident that I can fight for the title over the course of the season, but in the back of my mind I just want to make it through the first two rounds injury-free. Since arriving in the Superbike category I've suffered a disastrous start to the season, with big crashes due to issues out of my control. I just hope that I can kick off my season with some podium finishes."

Who are going to be the riders to beat for the upcoming season?

"I believe that my main rivals will be Marco Melandri and Tom Sykes. However, there were almost ten different race winners last season so I would be a fool to overlook the other riders. Last season Max Biaggi won the title with a very low points haul due to many riders challenging for race wins. It seems that consistency is now more important than ever if you want to become World Superbike Champion."

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