MSS Discovery Kawasaki Racing have completed their first test of 2007 with riders Michael Rutter and Stuart Easton. The team, which is the UK’s only officially supported team of Kawasaki Motors UK, travelled to the Spanish circuit of Gaudix to conduct an early shakedown test with the Kawasaki ZX-6R and ZX-10R machines that Easton and Rutter will campaign in the British Supersport and British Superbike championships this year.
Michael Rutter, Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja“The test started off really well. When it’s the first time out on a bike with a new team you’re always wondering what it’s going to be like, but I was pleasantly surprised. We got in a few laps, just to get a few things sorted before trying for a really good go in the afternoon. Unfortunately we had an engine problem so we put a Superstock-spec engine in which is around 40bhp less that what we can expect from a good BSB tune, but this meant we could concentrate on the chassis which we got as near to what I wanted as possible. I enjoyed the whole test, what we’ve learned is that we have a really nimble bike with a good front Dunlop that I can have faith in. We have lots to learn, but the next test in Albacete should move us even further forward.”
Stuart Easton, Kawasaki ZX-6R Ninja“With years on two-strokes and then four-stroke V-twin Supersport bikes for about the last four years I didn’t know what to expect. Sure, I’ve had an outing at Macau on a four-cylinder Fireblade, but this meant that my first outing on a four-cylinder supersport bike was important for me. I was very impressed with the new Kawasaki ZX-6R and it was a good overall test for the team and me. We had three good days’ weather and did a lot of laps, including four race simulations. I was surprised how quickly I took to the bike on the first day. I felt comfy and ready to go fast! We’re not looking towards the first race yet, our Albacete test comes first and this will be crucial as we know we have so much more to come from the bike. We’re only on stage two of four stages of engine development and more weight is still to come off the bike as well as more suspension work.”
Nick Morgan, Team Owner“Both Michael and Stuart were very positive following this test. Obviously for Michael it wasn’t as productive as it could have been thanks to the engine problem, but considering we have built a new superbike in just four weeks I think the test went remarkably well! Our exciting project started a little late, so we haven’t had the four or five engines we would have liked to have had here, but as a shakedown test for Michael and Stuart to get to know the team it’s been invaluable.”
Stuart Simmonds, Joint Team Owner“It’s good to for us to get the boys out as early as possible. What we need to remember is that we’re always playing catch-up with many of the ‘factory’ teams in BSB. Many of them have been in BSB for years, or have had the same team or tyre set-up for a number of years – this is our first full-on shout in BSB and we only embarked upon this adventure back in December when we signed Michael. That said, we’re all up for it and hungry. This is when MSS Discovery takes the next step-up in British racing, we’re looking forward to the challenge!”
Next test: Albacete – 16th-18th March
Related Linkswww.kawasaki.co.uk
