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In just over a week’s time Jeremy Guarnoni (Pedercini Racing Kawasaki) will compete in the first round of the European Superstock 1000 Championship at MotorLand Aragon. Following a year of understanding how to handle the new Kawasaki ZX-10RR, the Toulousain lay’s his intentions down early by marking himself as a contender for the title.

WorldSBK.com spoke to the French rider, who looks to bounce back from his 2016 season as he explains his hopes for the fast approaching new campaign.

2016 was a tough year, what conclusions can you take from last season?

We thought we would have been more competitive, with the goal of finishing in the top three. But unfortunately we experienced a lot of technical issues; it was a new bike so there are many surprises. As well as this we had to find a base setting to adjustment to all the circuits. We were wasting time and it was not easy to fight for the victory in these conditions, meaning it we didn’t see clear progression with the bike until the final three races.

After your learning season, how did your pre-season tests go?

Our tests were positive despite some changeable weather conditions which set us back slightly, but we were able to find some solutions to our issues, especially with the electronics. We also made some adjustments to our settings in order to improve the stability of the bike. Myself and the team have had many practice sessions, which will allow us to start the season in the best way.

You have often fought for the title in Superstock 1000, what are your goals for this new campaign?

Our goal is to win the Championship, and I think we have all the key tools in order to that. I hope that we will be able to take advantage of all the work we have done during the winter. Kawasaki now has the potential to win, but it will have to be the best; the level will be very high once again this season. The excuse that the motorcycle is not yet ready will no longer hold in this class. Just like Toprak (Razgatlioglu), I have the official support of Kawasaki Europe, so I am in the best position to face this season.

With the departure of Leandro Mercado and Raffaele De Rosa, who are your most serious opponents?

There are many riders who you will have to be wary of, but I think Mike Jones (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) which will be very fast, as well as his teammate Michael Rinaldi. There is of course Tamburini, Razgatlioglu, Faccani or Marino who are all fast and some could make a return to the top. There are seven or eight riders who will fight for the victory and the championship. It will be important to not let go of the front group to try to win the title.